Low temperature molding process for making solid biodegradable articles
AssigneeR&D Green Materials, LLC
InventorDara L. WOERDEMAN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed toward a process for making solid biodegradable articles from wheat gluten. Hydrated wheat gluten is provided in the form of a cohesive, elastic dough. The cohesive, elastic dough comprises at least 8% by weight wheat gluten and wherein the wheat gluten comprises a protein having a primary structure. The cohesive, elastic dough is formed into a shaped article and placed in an environment sufficient to remove excess water from the shaped article without modifying the primary structure of the wheat gluten protein, such that a solid biodegradable article results. The solid biodegradable articles of the present invention comprise at least 8% by weight wheat gluten.
Claims21
A process for making solid biodegradable articles, the process comprising the steps of:
- a) providing hydrated wheat gluten in the form of a cohesive, elastic dough wherein the cohesive, elastic dough comprises at least 8% by weight wheat gluten and wherein the wheat gluten comprises a protein having a primary structure;
- b) forming the cohesive, elastic dough into a shaped article;
- and
- c) placing the shaped article in an environment sufficient to remove excess water from the shaped article without modifying the primary structure of the wheat gluten protein, wherein a solid biodegradable article comprising at least 8% by weight of wheat gluten results.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.