High heat deflection temperature polylactic acids with tunable flexibility and toughness

US10435557B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture · US
• Lapol, LLC · US

Inventors

• William J. Orts · Burlingame, US
• Lennard Torres · Pleasanton, US
• Allison Flynn · Grand Junction, US
• William E. Kelly · Bailey, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 24, 2017
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2019
• Expiry date: Mar 24, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08L2205/03
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Stereocomplex biopolymer compositions having tunable and improved mechanical properties and methods of making such compositions are disclosed. The biopolymer compositions include combinations of a matrix-forming polylactic acid comprising an essentially pure enantiomer and a tough polyester to form a polylactic acid matrix. The polylactic acid matrix is further combined with a base polylactic acid comprising an essentially pure opposite enantiomer of the first essentially pure enantiomer of the matrix-forming polylactic acid to form the stereocomplex.