Polymer compositions containing destructurized starch

A thermoplastic destructurized starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture of destructurized starch and at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer;
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer containing at least two different types of functional groups, one of said functional groups being a hydroxyl group, wherein said polymer is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness;
• resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer containing at least two different types of functional groups, one of said functional groups being a hydroxyl group, and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b),
• wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one polymer that contains at least two different types of functional groups, one of said types being hydroxyl groups (component b));
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer that contains at least two different types of functional groups, one of said types being hydroxyl groups;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in an closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer containing at least two different types of functional groups, one of said functional groups being a hydroxyl group;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer that does not contain hydroxyl groups and is selected from the group consisting of polymers that contain at least two types of functional groups bound to the same molecule, one of said groups being a carboxylate group;
• wherein said polymer is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness, resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer that does not contain hydroxyl groups and is selected from the group consisting of polymers that contain at least two types of functional groups bound to the same molecule, one of said groups being a carboxylate group;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by the process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one polymer that does not contain hydroxyl groups and is selected from the group consisting of polymers which contain at least two types of functional groups bound to the same molecule one type of these groups being carboxylate groups (component (b));
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer that does not contain hydroxyl groups and is selected from the group consisting of polymers that contain at least two types of functional groups and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer that does not contain hydroxyl groups and is selected from the group consisting of polymers that contain at least two types of functional groups bound to the same molecule, one type of the groups being carboxylate groups and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• and
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers containing tertiary amino groups or salts thereof or quaternary ammonium groups;
• wherein said polymer is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of :
• toughness;
• resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers containing tertiary amino groups or salts thereof or quaternary ammonium groups;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by the process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers containing tertiary amino groups or salts thereof or quaternary ammonium groups;
• said polymer being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical property of an article made from said mixture (component (b));
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and to form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers containing tertiary amino groups or salts thereof or quaternary ammonium groups;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers that contain tertiary amino groups, salts thereof and quaternary ammonium groups;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides that have been modified to contain added hydroxylalkyl groups or alkyl ether groups, or ester groups;
• wherein said polymer is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness, resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides that have been modified to contain added hydroxyalkyl groups or alkyl ether groups, or ester groups;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one polymer selected from the group of polysaccharides modified to contain added hydroxylkyl groups, alkyl ether groups, or contain ester groups or combinations and mixtures thereof.
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effectuate destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group of polysaccharides modified to contain added hydroxyalkyl groups, alkyl ether groups, or contain ester groups or combinations and mixtures thereof;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of:
• polysaccharides that have been chemically modified to contain added hydroxyalkyl groups or alkyl ether groups, or contain ester groups (component (b));
• and
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides that have been chemically modified to contain added hydroxyalkyl groups or alkyl ether groups, or contain ester groups;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressures for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone;
• wherein said compound is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness;
• resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combines amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone (component (b));
• said compound being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical property of an article made from said mixture;
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effectuate destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone;
• said compound being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical property of an article formed from said melt;
• and
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressures for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cationically modified polysaccharides;
• wherein said polysaccharide is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness;
• resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cationically modified polysaccharides;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cationically modified polysaccharides (component(b)),
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effectuate destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cationically modified polysaccharides;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cationically modified polysaccharides;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of anionically modified polysaccharides;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of anionically modified polysaccharides in an amount sufficient to enhance at least one property of said product,
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effectuate destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to form a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of anionically modified polysaccharides;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of anionically modified polysaccharides;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed int an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group of copolymers containing vinyl alcohol units together with aliphatic chain units obtained by copolymerization of a vinyl ester with at least one unsaturated monomer containing no functional group, with subsequent hydrolysis of the vinyl ester;
• wherein said polymer is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness;
• resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group of copolymers containing vinyl alcohol units together with aliphatic chain units obtained by copolymerization of a vinyl ester with at least one unsaturated monomer containing no functional group,
• (c) with subsequent hydrolysis of the vinyl ester group;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising a starch and at least one polymer selected from the group of copolymers containing vinyl alcohol units together with aliphatic chain units obtained by copolymerization of vinyl esters with at least one unsaturated monomer containing no functional group with subsequent hydrolysis of the vinyl ester group (component (b));
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effectuate destructurization of said starch and to form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group of copolymers containing vinyl alcohol units together with alyphatic chain units obtained by copolymerization of a vinyl ester with at least one unsaturated monomer containing no functional group, with subsequent hydrolysis of the vinyl ester group;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one polymer selected from the group of copolymers containing vinyl alcohol units together with aliphatic chain units obtained by copolymerization of a vinyl ester with at least one unsaturated monomer containing no functional group, with subsequent hydrolysis of the vinyl ester group;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of(b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polysaccharide graft copolymers and graft copolymers of polysaccharide derivatives;
• wherein said polymer is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness;
• resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polysaccharide graft copolymers and graft copolymers of polysaccharide derivatives;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected form the group consisting of polysaccharide graft copolymers and graft copolymers of polysaccharide derivatives (component (b));
• said compound being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical properties of an article made from said mixture;
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effectuate destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to form a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polysaccharide graft copolymers and graft copolymers of polysaccharide derivatives;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polysaccharide graft copolymers and graft copolymers of polysaccharide derivatives (component (b));
• said compound being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical property of an article made from said mixture;
• and
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polysaccharide graft copolymers and graft copolymers of polysaccharide derivatives;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixtures in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyalkyleneimine polymers and polyalkyleneimine copolymers;
• said compound being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical property of said article;
• wherein said polymer is present in an mount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness;
• resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyalkyleneimine polymers and polyalkyleneimine copolymers;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyalkyleneimine polymers and polyalkyleneimine copolymers (component (b));
• said compound being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical property of an article made from said mixture,
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effectuate destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyalkyleneimine polymers and polyalkyleneimine copolymers;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyalkyleneimine polymers and polyalkyleneimine copolymers (component (b));
• said compound being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical property of an article made from said mixture;
• and
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyalkyleneimine polymers and polyalkyleneimine copolymers;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixtures in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of styrene sulfonic acid polymers, styrene sulfonic acid copolymers, and salts thereof;
• said compound being present in an mount effective to enhance at least one physical property of said article wherein said polymer is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness;
• resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatability with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of styrene sulfonic acid polymer, styrene sulfonic acid copolymers, and salts thereof;
• and
• (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of component (b), wherein (b) and (c) are present in a combined amount sufficient to effectuate dimensional stability and enhance at least one desired physical property of said article.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of styrene sulfonic acid polymers, styrene sulfonic acid copolymers, and salts thereof (component (b));
• said compound being present in an amount effective to enhance the physical properties of an article made from said mixture;
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effectuate destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of styrene sulfonic acid polymers, styrene sulfonic acid copolymers, and salts thereof;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of styrene sulfonic acid polymers, styrene sulfonic acid copolymers, and salts thereof;
• said compound being present in an amount effective to enhance the physical properties of an article made from said mixture;
• and
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of styrene sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid copolymers, and salts thereof;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.

A composition of matter capable of being formed into an article having substantial dimensional stability comprising:

• (a) destructurized starch, and
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polymers and copolymers that contain carboxylic groups at least partially present in the form of salts, wherein said polymers or copolymers do not contain further functional groups, said polymers and copolymers being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical property of said article;
• wherein said polymer is present in an amount sufficient to modify in a desired manner at least one of the properties of:
• toughness;
• resistance to deformation in humid atmosphere;
• and compatibility with a substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising starch and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polymers and copolymers that contain carboxylic groups at least partially present in the form of salts, wherein said polymers or copolymers do not contain further functional groups, said polymers and copolymers being present in an amount effective to enhance at least one physical property of an article made from said mixture (component (b));
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effectuate destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch product having substantial dimensional stability formed by a process comprising the steps of:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polymers and copolymers that contain carboxylic groups at least partially present in the form of salts, wherein said polymers or copolymers do not contain further functional groups;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to effect destructurization of said starch and form a substantially homogenous melt;
• 3) shaping said melt into an article;
• and
• 4) allowing said shaped article to cool to a substantially dimensionally stable thermoplastic product.

A thermoplastic destructurized-starch substantially homogenous melt formed by the process comprising:

• 1) providing a mixture comprising:
• (a) starch;
• (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polymers and copolymers that contain carboxylic groups at least partially present in the form of salts, wherein said polymers or copolymers do not contain further functional groups;
• and (c) at least one substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer that does not fall within the definition of (b);
• 2) heating said mixture in a closed volume under sufficient temperature and pressure for a time long enough to destructurize said starch and form said melt.