# US 11,078,359 B2 · Nano engineered eggshell flexible biopolymer blend and methods of making biopolymer blend film and using such bioplastic blends for improved biodegradeable applications

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- Number: US 11,078,359 B2
- Document ID: US11078359B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/040,250
- Filed: 2018-07-19
- Published: 2019-01-24
- Granted: 2021-08-03
- Earliest claimed: 2017-07-20
- Assignees: Tuskegee University
- Applicants: Tuskegee University
- Inventors: Vijaya Rangari; Boniface Tiimob
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11078359B2

## CPC

- C08L 67/04: Polyesters derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g. lactones (C08L67/06 takes precedence)
- C08J 3/093: {Halogenated hydrocarbons}
- C08J 3/11: from solid polymers
- C08J 3/14: by precipitation from solutions {(C08J3/122 takes precedence)}
- C08J 3/212: {and solid additives}
- C08J 3/215: at least one additive being also premixed with a liquid phase
- C08J 5/18: Manufacture of films or sheets
- C08K 5/00: Use of organic ingredients
- C08L 67/02: Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and dihydroxy compounds (C08L67/06 takes precedence)
- C08L 77/00: Compositions of polyamides obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic amide link in the main chain (of polyhydrazides C08L79/06; of polyamideimides or polyamide acids C08L79/08); Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
- C08L 89/00: Compositions of proteins; Compositions of derivatives thereof
- B82Y 30/00: Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
- B82Y 40/00: Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
- C08J 2367/02: Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and dihydroxy compounds; (C08J2367/06 takes precedence)
- C08J 2467/04: Polyesters derived from hydroxy carboxylic acids, e.g. lactones (C08J2467/06 takes precedence)
- C08J 2489/00: Characterised by the use of proteins; Derivatives thereof
- C08K 7/00: Use of ingredients characterised by shape
- C08K 2201/005: Additives being defined by their particle size in general
- C08K 2201/011: Nanostructured additives
- C08K 2201/018: Additives for biodegradable polymeric composition
- C08L 2201/06: Biodegradable
- C08L 2203/16: used for films
- C08L 2205/14: containing polymeric additives characterised by shape
- C08L: COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS (compositions based on polymerisable monomers C08F, C08G; artificial filaments or fibres D01F; textile treating compositions D06)
- C08J: WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H (working, e.g. shaping, of plastics B29)
- C08K: Use of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients (paints, inks, varnishes, dyes, polishes, adhesives C09)
- B82Y: SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MEASUREMENT OR ANALYSIS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF NANOSTRUCTURES

## Abstract

A biopolymer blend is provided that comprises a combination of three components: poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT); agriculture sourced polylactic acid (PLA); and engineered proteinaceous eggshell nanoparticles. The two polymer components can be present in any ratio but an approximate 70:30 ratio is preferred. The engineered proteinaceous eggshell nanoparticles are preferably about 10-25 nanometers. Also provided are methods of preparing biopolymer film and packaging components. Pelleted poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and agriculture sourced polylactic acid (PLA) are dissolved in chloroform and mixed together to form a polymer blend, and engineered proteinaceous eggshell nanoparticles are incorporated into the polymer blend, which is then extruded to create a biopolymer film or component.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A biopolymer blend comprising a combination of three components:
a) poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT);
b) polylactic acid (PLA); and
engineered proteinaceous eggshell nanoparticles (PENP),
wherein the PENP is present in an amount of between 0.5 to 2.0% wt. of the biopolymer blend; wherein the PENP are between the size of 10-25 nanometers; wherein the PENP are highly crystalline, irregular, and porous; and
wherein the PBAT and PLA are present in a 70:30 ratio.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The biopolymer blend of claim 1 wherein the PENP is present in an amount of between 0.5 to 1.0% wt. of the biopolymer blend.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The biopolymer blend of claim 1 wherein the PENP is present in an amount of 2.0% wt. of the biopolymer blend.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The biopolymer blend of claim 1, wherein the PENP is present in an amount of between 0.5 to 1.0% wt. of the biopolymer blend.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The biopolymer blend of claim 1, wherein the PLA is derived from a renewable agriculture based source.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The biopolymer blend of claim 5, wherein the renewable agriculture based source is at least one of: corn, corn starch, tapioca roots, tapioca chips, tapioca starch, sugar beets, or sugarcane.