Biodegradable thermoplastic composition of aldehyde starch and protein
AssigneeIowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsJay-lin Jane, Kris E. Spence
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides biodegradable, thermoplastic compositions made of the reaction product of a starch aldehyde with protein. The resulting products formed with the present compositions possess a smooth, shiny texture, and a high level of tensile strength, elongation, and water resistance compared to articles made from native starch and protein.
Claims29
A biodegradable thermoplastic composition, comprising:
- (a) about 10-35 wt-% protein, the protein being capable of being externally linked to an aldehyde starch molecule;
- and
- (b) about 65-90 wt-% aldehyde starch having a starch oxidation effective to covalently bind to the protein to produce a biodegradable, water-resistant cross-linked thermoplastic composition having a tensile strength of about 1.5-5 kg/mm.sup.2, and a 24-hour water absorption at 25.degree. C. of about 2-35%;
- wherein the starch oxidation of the aldehyde starch is about 75-95%.
A biodegradable thermoplastic composition, comprising:
- (a) about 10-35 wt-% protein, the protein being capable of being externally linked to an aldehyde starch molecule;
- and (b) about 65-90 wt-% aldehyde starch having a starch oxidation effective to covalently bind to the protein to produce a biodegradable, water-resistant cross-linked thermoplastic composition having a tensile strength of about 1.5-5 kg/mm.sup.2, and a 24-hour water absorption at 25.degree. C. of about 2-35%;
- wherein the starch oxidation of the aldehyde starch is about 1-50%.
A biodegradable, thermoplastic composition produced by the process of:
- (a) dissolving about 0.5-2 parts protein in about 2-6 parts of a compatible, solubilizing solvent;
- and
- (b) reacting together the solvent-protein mixture with about 2-8 parts aldehyde starch having a starch oxidation effective to produce a cross-linked, biodegradable, water-resistant, thermoplastic composition containing about 10-35 wt-% protein and about 65-90 wt-% aldehyde starch.
A method of making a biodegradable thermoplastic composition, comprising:
- (a) dissolving about 0.5-2 parts protein in about 2-6 parts of a compatible, solubilizing solvent;
- and
- (b) mixing together the solvent-protein mixture with about 2-8 parts aldehyde starch having a starch oxidation effective to produce a cross-linked, biodegradable, water-resistant thermoplastic composition containing about 10-35 wt-% protein solution and about 65-90 wt-% aldehyde starch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.