Fibers formed from a blend of a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester and thermoplastic starch
US8470222B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/60
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fiber formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a thermoplastic starch and an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is provided. The copolyester enhances the strength of the starch-containing fibers and also facilitates the ability of the starch to be melt processed. Due to its relatively low melting point, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may also be extruded with the thermoplastic starch at a temperature that is low enough to avoid substantial removal of the moisture found in the starch. Furthermore, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is also modified with an alcohol so that it contains one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the conditions of the alcoholysis reaction (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, temperature, etc.), the resulting modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may have a molecular weight that is relatively low. Such low molecular weight polymers have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.