Sri International

Sigridur Jonasdottir

Robert B Wilson

The invention is directed to olefin copolymers composed of nonhydrolyzable monomer units and hydrolyzable monomer units, the latter resulting from copolymerization of monomers containing a linkage that is hydrolytically cleavable in the presence of aqueous base or aqueous acid. Generally, the hydrolyzable monomer units represent a significant fraction of the copolymer, such that upon hydrolysis, a substantial portion of the copolymer is degraded into low molecular weight fragments. Also provided are degradable articles that are at least partially composed of a degradable copolymer in which hydrolyzable monomer units represent at least 20 mole % of the copolymer. These degradable articles include agricultural film products, adhesive tape substrates, bed linens, containers, disposable absorbent articles, packaging materials, bags, labels, pillow cases, protective clothing, surgical drapes, sponges, tampon applicators, disposable syringes, temporary enclosures and temporary siding, toys, wipes, foamed plastic products, and controlled release pellets, strips and tabs.

Olefin copolymers containing hydrolytically cleavable linkages and use thereof in degradable products

Hydrolytically degradable olefin copolymers, such as ethylene copolymers, contain a hydrolyzable component in the backbone that allows the copolymer to be broken down into dispersable fragments upon exposure to aqueous conditions. The copolymers are prepared by transition metal-catalyzed polymerization.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Sigridur Jonasdottir