The United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of

Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation

Other

Bradley University

Wayne Xu

William McKee Doane

Jerry E White

Michael N Mang

Julious L Willett

John W Lawton, Jr

A method of making a biodegradable polymer composition including the steps of providing a first component being either one of a thermoplastic poly(hydroxy ester ether) or a synthetic, hydroxy-functional polymer and providing a second component being a natural polymer. The method includes the steps of mixing the first component and second component together to form a mixture, compounding the mixture, and pelletizing the compounded mixture to form pellets of a biodegradable polymer composition.

Method of making biodegradable polymer compositions

Compositions of the invention include a hydroxy-functional polyester and a natural polymer. Articles can be made from such a composition so as to have sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils or to have sufficient stretchability so as to form thin wrap films. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Granular starches derived from a grain, a root, a legume, or mixtures thereof, are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Biodegradable formed article

Compositions of the invention include particular hydroxy-functional polyesters and a natural polymer. Among articles that can be made from such compositions are those with sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Starches are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Biodegradable polyester compositions with natural polymers and articles

Expanded articles have a compressible and resilient body including two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch or a modified starch. Another component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester. The article may be thermoformed, and has exterior surfaces with substantial resistance to moisture.

Biodegradable polyester and natural polymer compositions and expanded

Biodegradable films include two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch while the other component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester.

Growing community of inventors

Montgomery, OH, United States of America

Wayne Xu