Biodegradable formed article

US6054510A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Agriculture · US
• Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation · 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 10, 1998
• Grant date: Apr 25, 2000
• Expiry date: Sep 10, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08L67/00
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

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.