US 5,352,716 A · Degradable synthetic polymeric compounds

Abstract

A synthetic thermoplastic polymeric compound is structurally stable during its useful life and which upon introduction into a suitable environment, degrades under chemical, photochemical and biodegradation mechanisms into innocuous products. Stabilizers may be incorporated into the thermoplastic polymer to help maintain the structural and functional integrity through the useful life of the product. Degradation is then brought about by the synergistic interaction of the biodegradable component, an oxidizable component, transition metal additives and an aromatic ketone incorporated into the thermoplastic polymer. In the degradation process, the biodegradable component is metabolized to expose the thermoplastic polymer surface to chemical attack. In addition, the oxidizable component in conjunction with the catalytic system effects oxidative breakdown of the thermoplastic polymer to give lower molecular weight fragments that are susceptible to enzymatic attack in the decomposition environment. The result is the complete breakdown of the thermoplastic polymer into innocuous products. The chemical, photochemcial, and biodegradation mechanisms comprising the degradation process occur both sequentially and simultaneously in cooperative, synergistic action to bring about the desired result.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A synthetic thermoplastic polymeric compound which is degradable into innocuous products under the action of naturally occurring decomposition forces comprised of heat, underwater disposal, and/or microbiological organisms, which comprises:

(a) a thermoplastic polymeric component formed of long
chain carbon-to-carbon linkages;
(b) a biodegradable component mixed with the thermoplastic component, wherein the naturally occurring decomposition forces effect decomposition removal of the biodegradable component to increase the exposure area of the carbon-to-carbon linkages of the thermoplastic polymeric component;
(c) an oxidizable component that reacts with the exposed carbon-to-carbon linkages of the thermoplastic component under the action of the naturally occurring forces to sever the linkages and effect degradation of the thermoplastic polymeric component;
(d) a first transition metal component that is soluble in the synthetic thermoplastic polymeric compound and which serves as an initiator for the reaction of the oxidizable component;
(e) a second transition metal component which acts as a catalyst with the first transition metal component to enhance degradation of the thermoplastic polymeric component;
(f) oxidation promoting component which in conjunction with the first and second transition metal components enhances the action of the oxidizable component to degrade the carbon-to-carbon linkages of the thermoplastic polymeric component under the action of the naturally occurring forces;
and
(g) a non-metal. Containing stabilizing component, wherein the stabilizing component comprises a hindered phenol that retards commencement of the degradation process until the polymeric component is subjected to the naturally occurring decomposition forces.

6 more elements

A synthetic thermoplastic polymeric compound which is degradable into innocuous products under the action of naturally occurring decomposition forces comprised f heat, underwater disposal, and/or microbiological organisms, which comprises:

(a) a thermoplastic polymeric component formed of long chain carbon-to-carbon linkages;
(b) a biodegradable component mixed with the thermoplastic component, wherein the naturally occurring decomposition forces effect decomposition removal of the biodegradable component to increase the exposure area of the carbon-to-carbon linkages of the thermoplastic polymeric component;
(c) an oxidizable component that reacts with the exposed carbon-to-carbon linkages of the thermoplastic component under the action of the naturally occurring forces to sever the linkages and effect degradation of the thermoplastic polymeric component;
(d) a transition metal component that is soluble in the synthetic thermoplastic polymeric compound and which serves as an initiator for the reaction of the oxidizable component;
and
(e) a non-metal containing stabilizing component, wherein the stabilizing component comprises a hindered phenol that retards commencement of the degradation process until the polymeric component is subjected to the naturally occurring decomposition forces.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Degradable synthetic polymeric compounds

Life of this patent

Degradable synthetic polymeric compounds

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28