Novel Esters of Polylactic Acid And Compositions Thereof

Abstract

Esters of polylactic acid, including polyethylene glycol esters of polylactic acid are disclosed. Exemplary esters of polylactic acid can be used as textile finishes. Methods of making the esters of polylactic acid via direct and transesterification reactions are also disclosed.

1 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 : An ester of polylactic acid, the ester of polylactic acid having the formula (I) or the formula (II): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         or a combination thereof, wherein 
         m is an integer greater than 1 and less than 10, 
         n is an integer greater than 1 and less than 90, 
         m1 and m2 are integers greater than 1 and less than 10, wherein m1 and m2 can be equal or unequal and 
         wherein the ester of polylactic acid has a weight-average molecular weight of 4,000 daltons or less. 
       
     
     
         34 : An ester composition comprising:
 (a) an ester of polylactic acid of  claim 33 , and   (b) water.   
     
     
         35 : An ester composition comprising:
 an ester of polylactic acid of  claim 33 , and   a second compound.   
     
     
         36 : The ester composition of  claim 35 , wherein the second compound is selected from the group consisting of lubricants, emulsifiers, anti-static agents, cohesion agents, anti-oxidants, anti-corrosion agents, viscosity modifiers, wetting agents, biocides, pH adjustment agents, soil release agents, and stain repellant agents. 
     
     
         37 : A textile exhibiting hydrophilicity comprising: (a) a plurality of fibers and (b) an ester of polylactic acid of  claim 33 . 
     
     
         38 : A method of making an ester of polylactic acid according to  claim 33  comprising: reacting (i) a diol and/or a polyol with (ii) polylactic acid at a temperature between 140° C. and 190° C., wherein the ester of polylactic acid has a weight-average molecular weight of less than 5000 daltons. 
     
     
         39 : The method of  claim 38  wherein the diol and/or polyol is polyethylene glycol. 
     
     
         40 : The method of  claim 39  wherein the polyethylene glycol has a weight-average molecular weight ranging between 100 and 600 daltons. 
     
     
         41 : The method of  claim 39  wherein the polyethylene glycol is made from a renewable material selected from the group consisting of corn, sugarcane, sugar beet, and cassava. 
     
     
         42 : A textile comprising:
 a fabric and   an ester of polylactic acid according to  claim 33 .   
     
     
         43 : The textile of  claim 42  wherein the fabric is a nonwoven fabric. 
     
     
         44 : The textile of  claim 42  wherein the fabric is a woven or knitted fabric. 
     
     
         45 : The textile of  claim 43  wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises polyester or polypropylene. 
     
     
         46 : The textile of  claim 44  wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyester, polyester/cotton fabric, or nylon. 
     
     
         47 : The textile of claim  16  wherein the polyester/cotton fabric comprises a blend of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton. 
     
     
         48 : The textile of  claim 42  wherein the ester of polylactic acid is a polyethylene glycol ester of polylactic acid wherein the weight-average molecular weight is between 200 daltons and 4000 daltons. 
     
     
         49 : A textile finish composition comprising:
 an ester of polylactic acid according to  claim 33 .   
     
     
         50 : The textile finish composition of  claim 49  wherein the ester of polylactic acid comprises a polyethylene glycol ester of polylactic acid. 
     
     
         51 : The textile finish composition of  claim 50  wherein the ester of polylactic acid comprises a polyethylene glycol ester of polylactic acid wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the ester of polyactic acid is between 400 daltons and 2000 daltons. 
     
     
         52 : The textile finish composition of  claim 49  further comprising a second component selected from the group consisting of water, a fluorine-based compound, and a polyester copolymer.