The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of

United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture

Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation

World Centric

Other

E. Khashoggi Industries, LLC

Randal L Shogren

John W Lawton, Jr

William McKee Doane

Xing Jin

Gregory M Glenn

Karl Tiefenbacher

San Hein

The invention relates to uncoated, fiber/starch composite materials manufactured without the use of fluorochemicals or additional binders that offer superior oil and grease resistance properties. Addition of an internal sizing agent in the preparation of the fiber/starch composite materials results in superior hot water and cold water resistance properties. The fiber/starch composite materials may be used for the manufacture of food service containers. The invention also relates to methods of preparation of the fiber/starch composite materials.

Moisture/oil-resistant fiber/starch composite materials

Described are oil and water-resistant compositions and methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions can be used to prepare oil and water-resistant articles of manufacturing. Oil and water-resistant compositions can include a fiber, a polysaccharide, an acid, and water; wherein the composition is water and oil resistant when compressed and heated. Other oil and water-resistant compositions can include a fiber, a blocking agent such as a fatty acid, a metal salt of a fatty acid, or combinations thereof, and water, wherein the composition is water and oil resistant when compressed and heated.

Moisture/oil resistant composite materials

Methods of making articles are provided in which a self-supporting structure formed of natural polymer has a self-adherent, moisture resistant thermoplastic film comprising gelatinized starch and a hydroxy-functional polyester on the structure surface. The self-supporting structure preferably is a starch and polyvinyl alcohol blend in an expanded form. The articles typically do not delaminate even when soaked in water, and are biodegradable.

Biodegradable polyester and natural polymer laminates

Biodegradable, agricultural mulches are prepared by coating paper with a cross-linked drying oil or a cross-linked, functionally modified drying oil. These mulches are inexpensive to produce, and are also water-resistant, mechanically stable and highly effective as weed barriers. The reactivities of various drying oils permit the development of a broad spectrum of coating systems and coating properties. In one embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated to complete cross-linking of coated paper in the field through either oxidative or photoinitiated processes.

Paper coated with polymerized vegetable oils for use as biodegradable mulch

Disposable, thin-walled molded articles, such as cups, plates, fast-food packages, trays, flat sheets and the like are produced by applying a starch-based baking composition onto the lower mold part of a multi-part, preferably two-part mold, and by baking and conditioning the composition to a moisture content of between 6 and 22% by weight. The baking composition, in addition to water and a starch or starch mixtures and/or flour or flour mixtures and/or starch derivatives, contains a fat-free or oil-free release agent and, optionally, other typical additives. Polyvinyl alcohol is added to the baking mixture in quantities of 0.5 to 40% by weight, relative to the starch component. The polyvinyl alcohol has a degree of polymerization of over 1000, preferably over 1600 and in particular over 2000, and the proportion of water is 100 to 360% by weight, relative to the starch component. Polyvinyl alcohol can be added either in dry form or in the form of an aqueous solution.

Method for producing disposable thin-walled molded articles

Articles are provided in which a self-supporting structure formed of natural polymer has a self-adherent, moisture resistant hydroxy-functional polyester on the structure surface. The self-supporting structure preferably is a starch and polyvinyl alcohol blend in an expanded form. The articles typically do not delaminate even when soaked in water, and are biodegradable.

Molded products made from gelatinized starch can be made water-resistant by coating with biodegradable polyesters such as poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and poly(.di-elect cons.-caprolactone) (PCL). Adherence of the two dissimilar materials is achieved through the use of an intervening layer of a resinous material such as shellac or rosin which possesses a solubility parameter (hydrophobicity) intermediate to that of the starch and the polyesters. Coating is achieved by spraying an alcoholic solution of the shellac or rosin onto the starch-based article and subsequently coating with a solution of the polyester in an appropriate solvent. Biodegradable products made by the instant process have utility in the food service industry.

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

Randal L Shogren