US5480923A
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Thermoplastically processible composition of starch acrylate copolymers
Assignee: Uhde Inventa Fischer AG
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Filing: 1994-08-12
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Granted: 1996-01-02
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Expires: 2014-08-12
Abstract
Abstract A starch composition including destructurized starch, an acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of more than 400,000, water, and additives such as plasticizers, lubricants, fillers, reinforcing agents, stabilizers, impact modifiers, and flame retardants. Also disclosed are a method of preparation thereof and articles produced therefrom. The compositions are readily usable on existing devices and can be thermoplastically processed substantially in accordance with methods currently in use.
Inventors
- 👤 Eduard Schmid
- 👤 Friedrich S. Buehler
- 👤 Hans-Joachim Schultze
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 03:51
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08L; C08L3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising as melt components, (a) destructurized, at least partly chemically modified, starch; (b) 1% to 15%, based on (a) and (b), of at least one acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of more than 400,000; (c) 2% to 15%, based on (a) to (d), of total water; and (d) at least 5%, based on (a) to (d), of an additive taken from the class consisting of plasticizers and lubricants.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising as melt components, (a) destructurized, at least partly chemically modified, starch; (b) 1% to 15%, based on (a) and (b), of at least one acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of more than 400,000; (c) 2% to 15%, based on (a) to (d), of total water; and (d) at least 5%, based on (a) to (d), of an additive taken from the class consisting of plasticizers and lubricants.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein said starch has an amylose content of more than 50%.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The composition of claim 2 wherein said amylose content is more than 65%.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein there is 6 to 15 parts of water present.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein said starch is selected from the group consisting of potato, maize, and pea starches.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein said starch is modified to a degree of substitution of 0.04 to 0.25.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein said acrylate copolymer is selected from the group consisting of esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid with alcohols, said alcohols having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The composition of claim 7 wherein said alcohols are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-ethylhexyl alcohols and mixtures thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composition of claim 8 wherein said esters have a methyl ester content of more than 50 mol %.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein said acrylate copolymer in (b) is present in an amount of 2 to 10 parts.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein said acrylate copolymer in (b) is present in an amount of 2 to 6 parts.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein said plasticizers are polyhydroxy compounds and said lubricants are selected from the group consisting of esters, amides, and salts of fatty acids.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
Formed shapes selected from the group consisting of foamed and unfoamed articles, fibers, and films which are made of the melt composition of claim 1.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein said starch is modified to a degree of substitution of 0.03 to 0.30.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
85 words
A process for the preparation of the melt composition of claim 1 comprising subjecting, as melt components, (a) said starch; (b) 1% to 15%, based on (a) and (b), of an acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight exceeding 400,000; (c) 2% to 15%, based on (a) to (d), of total water; (d) at least 5%, based on (a) to (d), of plasticizers and lubricants; to shear forces at a shear temperature of 100° C. to 200° C., their exposing said melt components to a vacuum.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
94 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising at least partly chemically modified starch and acrylate copolymers wherein, as melt components, there are (a) 40 to 85 parts of said starch; (b) 1 to 15 parts of at least one said acrylate copolymer, having a molecular weight of at least 400,000; (c) 2 to 15 parts of total water; and (d) 5 to 40 parts of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, lubricants, urea and urea derivatives, proteins and their alkali metal salts; wherein components (a) to (d) total 100 parts.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
94 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising at least partly chemically modified starch and acrylate copolymers wherein, as melt components, there are (a) 40 to 85 parts of said starch; (b) 1 to 15 parts of at least one said acrylate copolymer, having a molecular weight of at least 400,000; (c) 2 to 15 parts of total water; and (d) 5 to 40 parts of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, lubricants, urea and urea derivatives, proteins and their alkali metal salts; wherein components (a) to (d) total 100 parts.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The composition of claim 16 wherein said starch is selected from the group consisting of potato, maize, and pea starches.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composition of claim 16 wherein said starch is modified to a degree of substitution of 0.04 to 0.25.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
The composition of claim 16 wherein said acrylate copolymer is selected from the group consisting of esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid with alcohols, said alcohols having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The composition of claim 19 wherein said alcohols are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-ethylhexyl alcohols and mixtures thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composition of claim 20 wherein said esters have a methyl ester content of more than 50 mol %.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The composition of claim 16 wherein said acrylate copolymer in (b) is present in an amount of 2 to 10 parts.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The composition of claim 16 wherein said acrylate copolymer in (b) is present in an amount of 2 to 6 parts.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The composition of claim 16 wherein said plasticizers are polyhydroxy compounds and said lubricants are selected from the group consisting of esters, amides, and salts of fatty acids.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The composition of claim 16 wherein there are further additives present which are selected from the group consisting of fillers, reinforcing agents, stabilizers, flame retardants, and impact modifiers.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
Formed shapes selected from the group consisting of foamed and unfoamed articles, fibers, and films which are made of the melt composition of claim 16.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The composition of claim 16 wherein said starch is at least 50% amylose.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The composition of claim 27 wherein said starch is at least 65% amylose.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The composition of claim 4 wherein there is 6 to 15 parts of water present.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composition of claim 16 wherein said starch is modified to a degree of substitution of 0.03 to 0.30.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
82 words
A process for the preparation of the melt composition of claim 1 comprising subjecting, as melt components, (a) destructurized, at least partly chemically modified starch; (b) 1% to 15%, based on (a) and (b), of an acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight exceeding 400,000; (c) 2% to 15%, based on (a) to (d), of total water; (d) at least 5%, based on (a) to (d), of plasticizers and lubricants; to shear forces at a shear temperature of 100° C. to 200° C.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
50 words
The process of claim 31 wherein said melt components are metered into a heated kneading and/or extrusion device, melted at a melt temperature of 100° C. to 200° C. mixed and subjected to shearing forces under a first pressure, discharged as a homogenized and destructurized composition, and shaped or comminuted.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 32 wherein said melt temperature is 140° C. to 180° C.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
41 words
The process of claim 32 carried out in a continuously operating kneader, wherein the composition is maintained under pressure during the action of said shear forces and is subsequently extruded continuously through at least one die orifice, and is thereafter comminuted.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
143 words
The process of claim 32 wherein at least some of said melt components are solid components and at least some of said melt components are liquid components, said process comprising introduction of said destructurized starch and said acrylate copolymer into a receiving chamber of said extrusion device, thereby forming a mixture, said extrusion device conveying said mixture in a downstream direction into a feed zone, charging said liquid components, and any other solid components dissolved or suspended therein, into said feed zone to form a blend, heating said blend to 100° C. to 200° C., subjecting said blend to said shear forces to form a homogeneous composition, and then releasing said pressure, thereafter subjecting said blend to a vacuum whereby volatiles are removed, then building up a second pressure in an extrusion zone downstream of said feed zone, and extruding said melt composition.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process of claim 35 wherein at least a portion of said plasticizers is a solid component and is premixed with said destructurized starch and said acrylate copolymer before said introduction.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 35 wherein at least a portion of said plasticizers is a solid component and said destructurized starch, said acrylate copolymer, and said plasticizers are separately introduced into said receiving chamber.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 35 wherein said extruded melt composition is cooled and comminuted.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 35 wherein said melt composition is discharged in foam form with said second pressure at least partly released.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
78 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising as melt components, (a) at least partially chemically modified, destructurized starch; (b) 1% to 15%, based on (a) and (b), of at least one acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of more than 400,000; (c) 2% to 15%, based on (a) to (d), of total water; and (d) at least 5%, based on (a) to (d), of plasticizers and lubricants, wherein said acrylate copolymer comprises up to 40% of other unsaturated monomers.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
78 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising as melt components, (a) at least partially chemically modified, destructurized starch; (b) 1% to 15%, based on (a) and (b), of at least one acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of more than 400,000; (c) 2% to 15%, based on (a) to (d), of total water; and (d) at least 5%, based on (a) to (d), of plasticizers and lubricants, wherein said acrylate copolymer comprises up to 40% of other unsaturated monomers.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The composition of claim 40 wherein said other unsaturated monomers are selected from the group consisting of styrene, alkylated styrene, and acrylonitrile.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The composition of claim 40 wherein said other unsaturated monomers are in block form.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
The composition of claim 40 wherein said other unsaturated monomers are in block form.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
The composition of claim 42 wherein said unsaturated monomers are terminal to chains of said acrylate copolymer.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The composition of claim 43 wherein said unsaturated monomers are terminal to chains of said acrylate copolymer.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
105 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising at least partially chemically modified, destructurized starch and acrylate copolymers wherein, as melt components, there are (a) 40 to 85 parts of said starch; (b) 1 to 15 parts of at least one said acrylate copolymer, having a molecular weight of at least 400,000, said copolymer comprising up to 40% of other unsaturated monomers; (c) 2 to 15 parts of total water; and (d) 5 to 40 parts of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, lubricants, urea and urea derivatives, proteins and their alkali metal salts; wherein components (a) to (d) total 100 parts.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
105 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising at least partially chemically modified, destructurized starch and acrylate copolymers wherein, as melt components, there are (a) 40 to 85 parts of said starch; (b) 1 to 15 parts of at least one said acrylate copolymer, having a molecular weight of at least 400,000, said copolymer comprising up to 40% of other unsaturated monomers; (c) 2 to 15 parts of total water; and (d) 5 to 40 parts of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, lubricants, urea and urea derivatives, proteins and their alkali metal salts; wherein components (a) to (d) total 100 parts.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
The composition of claim 46 wherein said other unsaturated monomers are selected from the group consisting of styrene, alkylated styrene, and acrylonitrile.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
67 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising as melt components, (a) at least partially chemically modified, destructurized starch; (b) 1% to 15%, based on (a) and (b), of at least one acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of 1 to 5 million, (c) 2% to 15%, based on (a) to (d), of total water; and (d) at least 5%, based on (a) to (d), of plasticizers and lubricants.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
67 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising as melt components, (a) at least partially chemically modified, destructurized starch; (b) 1% to 15%, based on (a) and (b), of at least one acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of 1 to 5 million, (c) 2% to 15%, based on (a) to (d), of total water; and (d) at least 5%, based on (a) to (d), of plasticizers and lubricants.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
98 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising at least partially chemically modified, destructurized starch and acrylate copolymers wherein, as melt components, there are (a) 40 to 85 parts of said starch; (b) 1 to 15 parts of at least one said acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of 1 to 5 million, (c) 2 to 15 parts of total water; and water; and (d) 5 to 40 parts of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, lubricants, urea and urea derivatives, proteins and their alkali metal salts; wherein components (a) to (d) total 100 parts.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
98 words
A thermoplastically processible melt composition comprising at least partially chemically modified, destructurized starch and acrylate copolymers wherein, as melt components, there are (a) 40 to 85 parts of said starch; (b) 1 to 15 parts of at least one said acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of 1 to 5 million, (c) 2 to 15 parts of total water; and water; and (d) 5 to 40 parts of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, lubricants, urea and urea derivatives, proteins and their alkali metal salts; wherein components (a) to (d) total 100 parts.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-01-01 | 1999-07-03 | 2000-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-01-01 | 2003-07-03 | 2004-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-01-01 | 2007-07-03 | 2008-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |