Biodegradable block for models
AssigneeJapan Corn Starch Co., Ltd.
InventorNubuo Miyachi
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Abstract
Disclosed is a novel biodegradable block for models, which has excellent workability and machinability and has mechanical properties suitable for models, while surely ensuring its biodegradability. The block is made of a biodegradable plastic material comprising a biodegradable polymer as the base polymer. The biodegradable polymer is a mixture comprising an esterified starch having a degree of substitution (DS) of about 0.4 or more and an esterified cellulose having a DS of about 0.4 or more, in ratio by weight, the former/the latter, of being from 10/0 to 1/9. The plastic material may further contain any of ester plasticizer and organic or inorganic fillers to make the block have desired physical properties.
Claims18
A method for producing a biodegradable model, comprising the steps of:
- forming a biodegradable plastic material comprising a biodegradable polymer into a desired form, said biodegradable polymer comprising (a) an esterified starch having a degree of substitution (DS) of about 0.4 or more and (b) an esterified cellulose having a DS of about 0.4 or more, in a ratio by weight (a)/(b), of from 10/0 to 1/9;
- placing said biodegradable plastic material into a mold;
- melting said biodegradable plastic material in said mold using heat;
- and
- shaping into a block said biodegradable plastic material in said mold under compression;
- and
- cutting or machining said block with hand tools or machine tools.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.