US 6,146,573 A · Method for producing disposable thin-walled molded articles

Abstract

Disposable, thin-walled molded articles, such as cups, plates, fast-food packages, trays, flat sheets and the like are produced by applying a starch-based baking composition onto the lower mold part of a multi-part, preferably two-part mold, and by baking and conditioning the composition to a moisture content of between 6 and 22% by weight. The baking composition, in addition to water and a starch or starch mixtures and/or flour or flour mixtures and/or starch derivatives, contains a fat-free or oil-free release agent and, optionally, other typical additives. Polyvinyl alcohol is added to the baking mixture in quantities of 0.5 to 40% by weight, relative to the starch component. The polyvinyl alcohol has a degree of polymerization of over 1000, preferably over 1600 and in particular over 2000, and the proportion of water is 100 to 360% by weight, relative to the starch component. Polyvinyl alcohol can be added either in dry form or in the form of an aqueous solution.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A method for producing disposable, thin-walled molded articles comprising:

providing a multi-part mold having a lower mold member;
preparing a starch-based baking composition which includes a starch component, water at a proportion of about 100% to about 360% by weight, relative to the starch component, and a release agent, wherein the starch component is at least one of starch, a starch mixture, flour, a flour mixture, and a starch derivative;
adding polyvinyl alcohol in a quantity of about 0.5% to about 40% by weight, relative to the starch component, to the baking composition, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol has a degree of polymerization of over 1000;
introducing the starch-based baking composition into the lower mold member;
baking the baking composition within the multi-part mold to remove sufficient water by evaporation so as to substantially solidify the starch-based baking composition;
and
removing the substantially solidified starch-based composition from the mold and conditioning it to a moisture content of about 6% by weight to about 22% by weight.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for producing disposable thin-walled molded articles

Life of this patent

Method for producing disposable thin-walled molded articles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27