Branched pha compositions, methods for their production, and use in applications
AssigneeMetabolix, Inc.
InventorsAllen R. Padwa, Yelena Kann, Robert S. Whitehouse, Kevin Sheehan
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Abstract
Branched PHA compositions, and related methods and articles are disclosed.
Claims34
A method of branching a starting polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer (PHA), comprising reacting the starting PHA with a branching agent and a cross-linking agent, thereby forming a branched PHA, provided that the branching agent is optionally omitted when the cross-linking agent is an epoxy functional compound.
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A thermoformed article made by
- a) reacting the starting PHA with a branching agent in the presence of a cross-linking agent at a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the branching agent, thereby forming a branched PHA,
- b) extruding the branched PHA,
- c) thermoforming the branched PHA, thereby forming a thermoformed article.
A method of branching a starting polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer (PHA), comprising reacting the starting PHA with a branching agent in the presence of at least two cross-linking agents, thereby forming a branched PHA.
A method of branching a starting polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer (PHA), comprising reacting the starting PHA in the presence of at least two cross-linking agents in the absence of a branching agent, thereby forming a branched PHA.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.