Agricultural biodegradable plastics
AssigneeInternational Communications & Energy
InventorGlenn R. Elion
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Abstract
Biodegradable starch acetate plastics are synthesized from whole agricultural flours and acetylating agents, without the use of solvents. The process includes a low temperature, staged addition of catalyst to the reactant mixture. The resultant polymers may be blended with other polymers, and biodegradable plasticizers as well as other materials. Plastics with a wide range of colors and physical properties are produced using natural coloring agents, agricultural fillers, and product blending.
Claims23
A process for converting a whole agricultural flour into biodegradable starch acetate polymers comprising the following steps:
- combining the whole flour with an acetylation agent to form a organic solvent-free reactant mixture;
- and
- adding a catalyst to the reactant mixture to form a reaction mixture, wherein the temperature of said reaction mixture is held between 50 and 90 degrees Centigrade.
A process of synthesizing a biodegradable starch acetate polymer comprising:
- selecting a whole flour comprising starch that includes at least about 70% amylose;
- combining said flour with an acetylation agent to form a reactant mixture;
- heating said reactant mixture to at least about 50.degree. C.;
- performing a staged addition of catalyst to said reactant mixture;
- and
- precipitating the starch acetate.
A composition comprising a biodegradable starch acetate polymer produced according to the process of comprising the steps:
- combining the whole flour with an acetylation agent to form a substantially organic solvent-free reactant mixture, and adding a catalyst to the reactant mixture to form a reaction mixture, wherein the temperature of said reaction mixture is held between 50 and 90 degrees Centigrade.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.