Biodegradable polymer compositions, methods for making same and articles therefrom

Abstract

A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

1 . An article comprising: 
 a first component being an adipic polyester;    a second component being a natural polymer;    a third component being a thermoplastic polyester, wherein the first component, second component and third component are combined to form a polymer composition which is processed into the article.    
     
     
         2 . An article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the natural polymer is starch.  
     
     
         3 . An article as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the starch is granular.  
     
     
         4 . An article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic polyester is at least one of poly(lactic acid), cellulose acetate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxy(butyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV), poly(butylene succinate adipate), poly(butylene succinate), aliphatic-aromatic copolymer, and poly(ethylene terphathalate) (PET).  
     
     
         5 . An article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the second component is present in an amount up to about 74 wt. %.  
     
     
         6 . An article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first component is present in an amount up to about 40 wt. %.  
     
     
         7 . An article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the third component is present in an amount up to about 80 wt. %.  
     
     
         8 . An article as set forth in  claim 1  including a fourth component being at least one of an external lubricant, nucleating agent and plasticizer.  
     
     
         9 . An article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the article keeps its shape at temperatures of up to and more than about 100° C.  
     
     
         10 . An article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the article is biodegradable.  
     
     
         11 . An article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the natural polymer has a moisture content of less than about 12 wt. %.  
     
     
         12 . An article comprising: 
 a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer;    a second component being a natural polymer; and    a third component being a thermoplastic polyester, wherein the first component, second component and third component are combined to form a polymer composition which is processed into the article and wherein the hydroxy-functional polymer is a poly(hydroxy ester ether) (PHEE) in an amount of about 1 wt. %.    
     
     
         13 . A method of making a polymer composition, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first component being an adipic polyester;    providing a second component being a natural polymer;    providing a third component being a thermoplastic polyester; and    combining the components to form a polymer composition.    
     
     
         14 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  including the step of mixing the first component, second component, and third component together to form a mixture prior to said step of combining.  
     
     
         15 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  including the step of forming strands of the polymer composition.  
     
     
         16 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  including the step of extruding the polymer composition.  
     
     
         17 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  including the step of pelletizing the polymer composition to form pellets.  
     
     
         18 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said step of providing comprises providing the third component in an amount up to about 80 wt. %.  
     
     
         19 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  including the step of providing the first component in an amount up to about 40 wt. %.  
     
     
         20 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  including the step of providing the second component in an amount up to about 74 wt. %.  
     
     
         21 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the natural polymer of the second component is starch.  
     
     
         22 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the thermoplastic polyester is at least one of poly(lactic acid), cellulose acetate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxy(butyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV), poly(butylene succinate adipate), poly(butylene succinate), aliphatic-aromatic copolymer, and poly(ethylene terphathalate) (PET).  
     
     
         23 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  including the step of providing a fourth component being at least one of an external lubricant, nucleating agent, and plasticizer.  
     
     
         24 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said step of combining comprises compounding the mixture from about 120° C. to about 190° C.  
     
     
         25 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said step of combining comprises compounding the mixture in an extruder.  
     
     
         26 . A method as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the polymer composition is biodegradable.  
     
     
         27 . A method of making a polymer composition, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer;    providing a second component being a natural polymer;    providing a third component being a thermoplastic polyester; and    combining the components to form a polymer composition, wherein the hydroxy-functional polymer is a poly(hydroxy ester ether) (PHEE) in an amount of about 1 wt. %.