Biodegradable polyester compositions with natural polymers and articles thereof

US6025417A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation · US
• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Agriculture · US

Inventors

• Julious L. Willett · Morton, US
• William M. Doane · Morton, US
• Wayne Xu · Westerville, US
• Michael N. Mang · Midland, US
• Jerry E. White · Lake Jackson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 8, 1997
• Grant date: Feb 15, 2000
• Expiry date: Sep 8, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08L2201/06
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

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.