Patent US6231970B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6231970B1
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Thermoplastic starch compositions incorporating a particulate filler component
Assignee: BioTec Biologische Naturverpackungen GmbH and Co KG
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Filing: 2000-01-11
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Granted: 2001-05-15
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Expires: 2020-01-11
Abstract
Abstract Thermoplastic starch compositions that include a particulate filler, e.g. an inorganic filler component, and optional fibrous component The compositions include a thermoplastic phase comprising a thermoplastic starch melt that contains, at a minimum, starch blended with an appropriate plasticizing agent under conditions in order for the starch to form a thermoplastic melt. The thermoplastic phase may also include one or more additional thermoplastic polymers and other optional reactants, liquids or cross-linking agents to improve the water-resistance, strength, and/or other mechanical properties of the thermoplastic melt, particularly upon solidification. The inorganic filler component may affect the mechanical properties but will mainly be added to reduce the cost of the thermoplastic starch compositions by displacing a significant portion of the more expensive starch or starch/polymer melt. Fibers may optionally be included in order to improve the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic starch compositions. The thermoplastic starch compositions may be shaped into a wide variety of useful articles, such as sheets, films, containers, and packaging materials. Because the thermoplastic starch compositions will typically include a thermoplastic phase that is biodegradable, and because the other components will either constitute a naturally occurring mineral and optionally a natural fiber, the overall composition will typically be more environmentally friendly compared to conventional thermoplastic materials.
Inventors
- 👤 Per Just Andersen
- 👤 Simon K. Hodson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 21:11
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08L; C08L3/00; C08L3/02; C08K; C08K3/00; C08K5/00; C08L31/00; C08L31/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 101
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A thermoplastic starch composition comprising: a thermoplastic phase including thermoplastic starch formed by mixing and heating starch and at least one plasticizer under conditions so as to form a thermoplastic starch melt and at least one additional thermoplastic polymer blended with the thermoplastic starch; and a solid particulate filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount from about 15% to about 95% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
A thermoplastic starch composition comprising: a thermoplastic phase including thermoplastic starch formed by mixing and heating starch and at least one plasticizer under conditions so as to form a thermoplastic starch melt and at least one additional thermoplastic polymer blended with the thermoplastic starch; and a solid particulate filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount from about 15% to about 95% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the plasticizer has a vapor pressure less than 1 bar when the thermoplastic phase is in a melted state.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 2 , wherein the plasticizer is included in an amount from about 1% to about 70% by weight of the starch and plasticizer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 2 , wherein the plasticizer is included in an amount from about 5% to about 50% by weight of the starch and plasticizer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 2 , wherein the plasticizer is included in an amount from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the starch and plasticizer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
114 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 2 , wherein the plasticizer is at least one of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, 1,3-propandiol, 1,2-butandiol, 1,3-butandiol, 1,4-butandiol, 1,5-pentandiol, 1,5-hexandiol, 1,6-hexandiol, 1,2,6-hexantriol, 1,3,5-hexantriol, neopentylglycol, sorbitol acetate, sorbitol diacetate, sorbitol monoethoxylate, sorbitol diethoxylate, sorbitol hexaethoxylate, sorbitol dipropoxylate, aminosorbitol, trihydroxymethylaminomethane, glucose/PEG, the reaction product of ethylene oxide with glucose, trimethylolpropane monoethoxylate, mannitol monoacetate, mannitol monoethoxylate, butyl glucoside, glucose monoethoxylate, α-methyl glucoside, the sodium salt of carboxymethylsorbitol, polyglycerol monoethoxylate, erythritol, pentaerythritol, arabitol, adonitol, xylitol, mannitol, iditol, galactitol, allitol, sorbitol, polyhydric alcohols generally, esters of glycerin, DMSO, monoglycerides, diglycerides, alkylamides, polyols, trimethylolpropane, polyvinylalcohol with from 3 to 20 repeating units, or polyglycerols with from 2 to 10 repeating units.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the plasticizer has a vapor pressure greater than 1 bar when the thermoplastic phase is in a melted state.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 7 , wherein the plasticizer is included in an amount in a range from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the starch and plasticizer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 7 , wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, organic acids, amines, esters, amides, imides, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
43 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic starch is melted in the presence of water and at least one plasticizer having a vapor pressure of less than 1 bar when the starch is in a melted state.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount in a range from about 5% to about 50% by volume of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount in a range from about 50% to about 90% by volume of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount greater than about 25% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount greater than about 35% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount greater than about 50% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
92 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the solid particulate filler is at least one of sand, crushed rock, bauxite, granite, limestone, sandstone, glass beads, mica, clay, alumina, silica, fly ash, fumed silica, kaolin, glass microspheres hollow glass spheres, porous ceramic spheres, gypsum mono- and dehydrates, insoluble salts, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium aluminate, magnesium carbonate, titanium dioxide, talc, ceramics, pozzolans, zirconium compounds, xonotlite, silicate gels, lightweight expanded clays, perlite, vermiculite, hydraulic cement particles, pumice, zeolites, exfoliated rock, ores, natural minerals, metallic particles, or metallic flakes.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , wherein the at least one additional thermoplastic polymer comprises at least one polyester selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyesters, aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 1 , further including a void phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
105 words
A thermoplastic starch composition comprising: a thermoplastic phase including thermoplastic starch formed by mixing and heating starch and at least one plasticizer under conditions so as to form a thermoplastic starch melt having a water content of less than about 5% by weight while in a melted state and prior to cooling, wherein the at least one plasticizer has a vapor pressure of less than about 1 bar when the thermoplastic phase is in melted state; and a solid particulate filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount from about 5% to about 95% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
105 words
A thermoplastic starch composition comprising: a thermoplastic phase including thermoplastic starch formed by mixing and heating starch and at least one plasticizer under conditions so as to form a thermoplastic starch melt having a water content of less than about 5% by weight while in a melted state and prior to cooling, wherein the at least one plasticizer has a vapor pressure of less than about 1 bar when the thermoplastic phase is in melted state; and a solid particulate filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount from about 5% to about 95% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
114 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the plasticizer is at least one of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, 1,3-propandiol, 1,2-butandiol, 1,3-butandiol, 1,4-butandiol, 1,5-pentandiol, 1,5-hexandiol, 1,6-hexandiol, 1,2,6-hexantriol, 1,3,5-hexantriol, neopentylglycol, sorbitol acetate, sorbitol diacetate, sorbitol monoethoxylate, sorbitol diethoxylate, sorbitol hexaethoxylate, sorbitol dipropoxylate, aminosorbitol, trihydroxymethylaminomethane, glucose/PEG, the reaction product of ethylene oxide with glucose, trimethylolpropane monoethoxylate, mannitol monoacetate, mannitol monoethoxylate, butyl glucoside, glucose monoethoxylate, α-methyl glucoside, the sodium salt of carboxymethylsorbitol, polyglycerol monoethoxylate, erythritol, pentaerythritol, arabitol, adonitol, xylitol, mannitol, iditol, galactitol, allitol, sorbitol, polyhydric alcohols generally, esters of glycerin, DMSO, monoglycerides, diglycerides, alkylamides, polyols, trimethylolpropane, polyvinylalcohol with from 3 to 20 repeating units, or polyglycerols with from 2 to 10 repeating units.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition includes from about 1% to about 6% by weight of loosely bound water after cooling with water.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the plasticizer is included in an amount from about 1% to about 70% by weight of the starch and plasticizer.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the plasticizer is included in an amount from about 5% to about 50% by weight of the starch and plasticizer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the plasticizer is included in an amount from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the starch and plasticizer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
60 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch melt initially includes a volatile plasticizing solvent having a vapor pressure greater than 1 bar, wherein at least a portion of the solvent is subsequently removed from the thermoplastic starch melt by evaporation during processing and prior to cooling and solidification of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 25 , wherein the volatile plasticizing solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, organic acids, amines, esters, amides, imides, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
76 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 25 , wherein the volatile plasticizing solvent is initially included in an amount in a range from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the starch and solvent, wherein the solvent has a final concentration of less than about 5% by weight of the thermoplastic starch melt as a result of being removed by evaporation while the thermoplastic starch is a melted state and prior to cooling.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
47 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the starch is derived from at least one source selected from the group consisting of corn, waxy corn, potatoes, wheat, sorghum, rice, waxy rice, tapioca, cassava, manioc, sweet potatoes, arrow root, and pith of sago palm.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch is formed from native starch that initially includes its natural water content.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
34 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch is formed from native starch that has been pre-dried to a water content of less than about 10% by weight.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
34 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch is formed from native starch that has been pre-dried to a water content of less than about 5% by weight.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
34 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch is formed from native starch that has been pre-dried to a water content of less than about 3% by weight.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
42 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch melt is formed under conditions so as to have a water content of less than about 3% by weight while in a melted state and prior to cooling.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
42 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch melt is formed under conditions so as to have a water content of less than about 1% by weight while in a melted state and prior to cooling.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
32 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount from about 5% to about 50% by volume of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
32 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount from about 50% to about 90% by volume of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount greater than about 15% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount greater than about 25% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount greater than about 35% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the particulate filler is included in an amount greater than about 50% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
92 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the solid particulate filler is at least one of sand, crushed rock, bauxite, granite, limestone, sandstone, glass beads, mica, clay, alumina, silica, fly ash, fumed silica, kaolin, glass microspheres, hollow glass spheres, porous ceramic spheres, gypsum mono- and dihydrates, insoluble salts, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium aluminate, magnesium carbonate, titanium dioxide, talc, ceramics, pozzolans, zirconium compounds, xonotlite, silicate gels, lightweight expanded clays, perlite, vermiculite, hydraulic cement particles, pumice, zeolites, exfoliated rock, ores, natural minerals, metallic particles, or metallic flakes.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic phase further includes at least one additional thermoplastic polymer blended with the thermoplastic starch.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer comprises a biodegradable synthetic thermoplastic polymer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer comprises a polycondensate material.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 44 , wherein the polycondensate material is capable of cross-condensing with at least a portion of the thermoplastic starch in order to form a condensation product between the thermoplastic starch and polycondensate material.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
36 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 44 , wherein the polycondensate material is selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyamides, polyesteramides, polyimides, polylactones, polylactides, polylactams, polyethers, copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof, and derivatives thereof.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
29 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer includes reactive sites that are able form a chemical bond with the thermoplastic starch.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
296 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer is at least one of: (a) homopolymers of aliphatic or aromatic hydroxyacid monomers or their corresponding lactones or lactides; (b) copolymers of a first monomer of group (a) and a second monomer selected from the group consisting of (i) a monomer of group (a) different from the first monomer and (ii) aliphatic or aromatic isocyanates; (c) block or graft copolymers between the homopolymers and copolymers selected from the groups consisting of groups (a) and (b) and one or more components selected from the group consisting of: (i) cellulose, cellulose esters, and cellulosic ethers; (ii) amylose, amylopectin, natural starch, and modified starches; (iii) polymers derived from reaction of diols selected from the groups consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, polyoxyethylene glycol, polyoxypropylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,4-butandiol, cyclohexandiol, and dianhydrous sorbitol, polyester prepolymers, and polymers having diol terminal groups reacted with a substance selected from the group consisting of: aromatic bifunctional isocyanates, aliphatic bifunctional isocyanates, and epoxides; aliphatic bicarboxylic acids selected from the group consisting of malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, itaconic, glutaric, adipic, pimelic, suberic, azelaic, and sebacic acids; bicarboxylic cycloaliphatic acids; and aromatic acids and aromatic anhydrides; (iv) polyurethanes, polyamide-urethanes from diisocyanates and aminoalcohols, polyamides, polyester-amides from bicarboxylic acids and aminoalcohols, and polyester-urea from aminoacids and diesters of glycols; (v) polyhydroxylated polymers, polyvinylalcohol, ethylene-vinylalcohol copolymers, and polysaccharides; (vi) polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinylacetate copolymers, and polymethacrylates; (d) polyesters obtained from monomers or comonomers defined in groups (a) and (b) that are upgraded with chain extenders selected from the group consisting of isocyanates, epoxides, phenylesters, and aliphatic carbonates; or (e) polyesters obtained from monomers and comonomers defined in groups (a) and (b) that are partially cross-linked by means of one or more polyfunctional acids.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
39 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyesters made from 6-hydroxycaproic acid, 6-hydroxyoctanoic, 3,7-dimethyl-6-hydroxyoctanoic acid, the corresponding lactones of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
38 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, alkylsiloxanes, polyolefin adipates, polyolefin adipates, polyolefin teraphyhalates, ethylenrinylacetate copolymer, vinyl resins, polystyrenes, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer includes a substantially hydrophilic thermoplastic polymer.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of proteins, cellulose-based materials, polysaccharide gums, polymers derived from plants, animals, and animal products, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the ratio of thermoplastic starch to additional thermoplastic polymer is in a range from about 1:9 to about 9:1.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the ratio of thermoplastic starch to additional thermoplastic polymer is in a range from about 2:8 to about 8:2.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
30 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 42 , wherein the ratio of thermoplastic starch to additional thermoplastic polymer is in a range from about 3:7 to about 7:3.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic phase further includes a thermosetting resin.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic phase further includes a cross-linking agent.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
28 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 58 , wherein the cross-linking agent is selected from the group of polyacids, polyamines, anhydrides, and derivatives of the foregoing.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic phase further includes a reactive component that is capable of reacting with hydroxyl groups of the thermoplastic starch.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
40 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition further includes an admixture selected from the group consisting of lubricants, dispersants, humectants, water-proofing agents, phase mediators, softeners, mold release agents, flexibilizers, and blending enhancers.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic phase has a concentration in a range from about 10% to about 90% by volume of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic phase has a concentration in a range from about 20% to about 80% by volume of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
33 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic phase has a concentration in a range from about 30% to about 70% by volume of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
47 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , farther including a fibrous phase comprising individual fibers having an aspect ratio greater than about 10:1 and dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase in an amount of up to about 90% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 65 , wherein the individual fibers have an aspect ratio greater than about 25:1.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
28 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 65 , wherein the individual fibers have a length in a range from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
22 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 65 , wherein the individual fibers have a length greater than about 2 mm.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
39 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 65 , wherein the fibrous phase comprises inorganic fibers selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, graphite fibers, silica fibers, ceramic fibers, rock wool fibers, metal fibers, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
46 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 65 , wherein the fibrous phase comprises organic fibers selected from the group consisting of plant derived fibers, cotton, hard wood fibers, softwood fibs, flax, abaca, sisal, ramie, hemp, bagasse, recycled paper fibers, polymer fibers, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
35 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 65 , wherein the fibrous phase is included in an amount in a range from about 3% to about 80% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
35 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 65 , wherein the fibrous phase is included in an amount in a range from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
35 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 65 , wherein the fibrous phase is included in an amount in a range from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
18 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the particulate filler comprises an organic filler.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
26 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 74 , wherein the organic filler is at least one of sawdust, wood flour, bran, or wood flakes.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
25 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , further including a phase comprising discrete organic globules of at least partially melted organic filler.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , further including a discontinuous phase of substantially nonagglomerated voids dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
46 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition is in the form of a molten material capable of being shaped into a desired article of manufacture and then substantially solidified by cooling to below its melting point or range.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
45 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition is in the form of a solidified granulate or other intermediate form that is capable of being remelted as a thermoplastic material and reshaped into a desired article of manufacture.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
34 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition is formed into a film having a thickness in a range from about 1 micron to about 1 mm.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
34 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition is formed into a film having a thickness in a range from about 0.001 mm to about 1 cm.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
36 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition is formed into a molded article having a wall thickness in a range from about 0.1 mm to about 10 cm.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
23 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein at least the thermoplastic phase of the thermoplastic starch composition is biodegradable.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
23 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic phase of the thermoplastic starch composition is impermeable to water.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
23 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic phase of the thermoplastic starch composition is degradable in water.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
34 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition is formed into a film or sheet and has been stretched after initial formation in at least one direction.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
22 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch has a crystallinity of less than about 5%.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition has a melting point or range from about 70° C. to about 240° C.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
29 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition has a melting point or range from about 80° C. to about 220° C.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
29 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition has a melting point or range from about 100° C. to about 200° C.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
25 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 19 , wherein the thermoplastic starch composition is formed into a laminate coating applied to a substrate.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
101 words
A thermoplastic starch composition comprising: a thermoplastic phase including a mixture of thermoplastic starch and at least one additional thermoplastic polymer, wherein the thermoplastic starch is formed by mixing and heating starch and at least one plasticizer under conditions so as to form a thermoplastic starch melt and so that at least a portion of the thermoplastic starch melt forms at least one condensation product with the at least one additional thermoplastic polymer; a solid particulate filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount from about 5% to about 95% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
101 words
A thermoplastic starch composition comprising: a thermoplastic phase including a mixture of thermoplastic starch and at least one additional thermoplastic polymer, wherein the thermoplastic starch is formed by mixing and heating starch and at least one plasticizer under conditions so as to form a thermoplastic starch melt and so that at least a portion of the thermoplastic starch melt forms at least one condensation product with the at least one additional thermoplastic polymer; a solid particulate filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount from about 5% to about 95% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 92 , wherein the additional thermoplastic polymer is at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyesteramides, and derivatives thereof.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
90 words
A thermoplastic starch composition comprising: a thermoplastic phase including thermoplastic starch formed by mixing and heating starch and at least one plasticizer under conditions so as to form a thermoplastic starch melt; a solid particulate filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount from about 5% to about 95% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition; and a fibrous phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and comprising individual fiber in a concentration of from about 3% to about 70% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
90 words
A thermoplastic starch composition comprising: a thermoplastic phase including thermoplastic starch formed by mixing and heating starch and at least one plasticizer under conditions so as to form a thermoplastic starch melt; a solid particulate filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount from about 5% to about 95% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition; and a fibrous phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and comprising individual fiber in a concentration of from about 3% to about 70% by weight of the thermoplastic starch composition.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
28 words
A thermoplastic starch composition as defined in claim 94 , wherein the thermoplastic phase further includes at least one biodegradable hydrophobic synthetic polymer blended with the thermoplastic starch.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
104 words
An inorganically filled, destructurized starch composition comprising: (a) a thermoplastic phase including destructurized starch and at least one additional polymer, wherein the destructurized starch is formed by mixing and heating starch with water under conditions so as to form a destructurized starch melt having a water concentration in a range from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the starch and water, wherein the destructurized starch and additional thermoplastic polymer are substantially homogeneously blended together; and a solid particulate inorganic filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount greater than about 15% by weight of the destructurized starch composition.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
104 words
An inorganically filled, destructurized starch composition comprising: (a) a thermoplastic phase including destructurized starch and at least one additional polymer, wherein the destructurized starch is formed by mixing and heating starch with water under conditions so as to form a destructurized starch melt having a water concentration in a range from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the starch and water, wherein the destructurized starch and additional thermoplastic polymer are substantially homogeneously blended together; and a solid particulate inorganic filler phase dispersed throughout the thermoplastic phase and included in an amount greater than about 15% by weight of the destructurized starch composition.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-05-14 | 2004-11-13 | 2005-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-05-14 | 2008-11-13 | 2009-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-05-14 | 2012-11-13 | 2013-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |