US5132397A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
4-valerolactone copolymers
Assignee: Nova Chemicals International SA
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Filing: 1991-04-02
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Granted: 1992-07-21
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Expires: 2011-04-02
Abstract
Abstract Copolymers of lactic acid, from 0.5 to 20 weight % of 4-valerolactone and from 0 to 20 weight % of a C 6-8 lactone form polymers having a higher intrinsic viscosity than homopolymers of lactic acid per se. The polymers also have an increased heat stability over the homopolymer of lactic acid.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrea A. DeGuia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:19
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08G; C08G63/00; C08G63/02; C08G63/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of not less than 0.4 as measured as a 0.5% solution of polymer in chloroform comprising: i) from 99.5 to 60 weight % of one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of D, L, lactic acid, and mixtures thereof; ii) from 0.5 to 20 weight % of 4-valerolactone; and iii) from 0 to 20 weight % of one or more C 6-8 lactones.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of not less than 0.4 as measured as a 0.5% solution of polymer in chloroform comprising: i) from 99.5 to 60 weight % of one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of D, L, lactic acid, and mixtures thereof; ii) from 0.5 to 20 weight % of 4-valerolactone; and iii) from 0 to 20 weight % of one or more C 6-8 lactones.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The polymer according to claim 1, wherein said valerolactone is present in an amount from 1 to 10 weight %.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The polymer according to claim 2 wherein said C 6-8 lactone is present in an amount from 1 to 10 weight %.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The polymer according to claim 3, wherein said C 6-8 lactone is a caprolactone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The polymer according to claim 4, wherein said caprolactone is epsilon caprolactone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
108 words
A process for polymerizing a polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of not less than 0.4 as measured as a 0.5% solution of polymer in chloroform comprising: (i) from 99.5 to 60 weight % of one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of D, L, lactic acid, and a mixture thereof; (ii) from 0.5 to 20 weight % of 4-Valerolactone; and (iii) from 0 to 20 weight % of one or more C 6-8 lactones; which comprises heating a melt of the above monomer composition at a temperature from 180°to 200° C. for a time of at least about 12 hours in the presence of a catalyst.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
108 words
A process for polymerizing a polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of not less than 0.4 as measured as a 0.5% solution of polymer in chloroform comprising: (i) from 99.5 to 60 weight % of one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of D, L, lactic acid, and a mixture thereof; (ii) from 0.5 to 20 weight % of 4-Valerolactone; and (iii) from 0 to 20 weight % of one or more C 6-8 lactones; which comprises heating a melt of the above monomer composition at a temperature from 180°to 200° C. for a time of at least about 12 hours in the presence of a catalyst.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process according to claim 6, wherein said catalyst is selected from the group consisting of a tin or aluminum complex and an acidic ion exchange resin.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process according to claim 7, wherein said catalyst is stannous octoate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process according to claim 8, wherein the conversion is greater than 98%.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
9 words
The process according to claim 9, which is continuous.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-07-21 | 1996-01-20 | 1996-07-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-07-21 | 2000-01-20 | 2000-07-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-07-21 | 2004-01-20 | 2004-07-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |