End use applications of biodegradable polymers

Abstract

Disclosed are products made of degradable materials which include a hydrolytically degradable polymer. The degradable materials can be internally or externally modified. The internally modified polymer composition has polymers modified by the use of comonomers having a relatively high molecular weight. The externally modified polymer composition includes a modifier, wherein the modifier is compatible with the polymer and the modifier is nontoxic, nonvolatile and nonfugitive. The various degradable materials include films, fibers, extruded and molded products, laminates, foams, powders, nonwovens, adhesives and coatings. The disclosed materials are particularly useful for the production of a variety of products in high volumes which are suitable for recycling after use or which are discarded into the environment in large volumes.