Method of forming a biodegradable molded packing
US6106753A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W90/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for making shaped articles at room ambient temperatures without the addition of extraneous heat comprising the sequential steps: PA1 (1) forming a plurality of particles comprising a foamed admixture of starch, biodegradable polymer and water; PA1 (2) at room ambient temperature, applying to the surface of the particles finely divided drops of unheated water to effect wetting and softening of the outer surfaces of the particles; PA1 (3) without the addition of heat, compressing the surfaces of the surface softened particles to effect cohesion between the wetted outer surfaces of the particles, densification of the particles and formation of a shaped article; and PA1 (4) without the addition of heat, maintaining the particles under such compression for a time sufficient to render the outer surface of the particles nontacky by adsorption of water into the particles and by evaporation of water from the surface of the particles and PA1 (5) forming a protective skin on the outer surface of the compressed, non-tacky particles by heating the walls of the mold cavity and thus melting the outer surface of the shaped article having contact with the walls of the mold parts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.