Processes for making cellulose ester compositions

A cellulose ester/elastomer composition comprising:

• (i) at least one cellulose ester, wherein said at least one cellulose ester has:
• (a) an inherent viscosity of about 0.2 to about 3.0 dL/g or
• (b) a total degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit from about 0.5 to about 2.8;
• or wherein said at least one cellulose ester is a low molecular weight cellulose mixed ester selected from the group consisting of
• a) a low molecular weight mixed cellulose ester having the following properties:
• a total degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of from about 3.08 to about 3.50, having the following substitutions:
• a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of hydroxyl of no more than about 0.70;
• a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of C3-C4 esters from about 0.80 to about 1.40;
• and
• a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of acetyl of from about 1.20 to about 2.34;
• an inherent viscosity of from about 0.05 to about 0.15 dL/g, as measured in a 60/40, wt./wt., solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25° C.;
• a number average molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 5,600;
• a weight average molecular weight from about 1,500 to about 10,000;
• and
• a polydispersity of from about 1.2 to about 3.5,
• b) a low molecular weight mixed cellulose ester having the following properties:
• a total degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of from about 3.08 to about 3.50, having the following substitutions:
• a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of hydroxyl of no more than about 0.70;
• a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of C3-4 esters from about 1.40 to about 2.45;
• and
• a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of acetyl of from about 0.20 to about 0.80;
• an inherent viscosity of from about 0.05 to about 0.15 dL/g, as measured in a 60/40, wt./wt., solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25° C.;
• a number average molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 5,600;
• a weight average molecular weight from about 1,500 to about 10,000;
• and
• a polydispersity from about 1.2 to about 3.5, and
• c) a low molecular weight mixed cellulose ester having the following properties:
• a total degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of from about 3.08 to about 3.50, having the following substitutions:
• a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of hydroxyl of no more than about 0.70;
• a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of C3-4 esters from about 2.11 to about 2.91, and
• a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of acetyl of from about 0.10 to about 0.50;
• an inherent viscosity of from about 0.05 to about 0.15 dL/g, as measured in a 60/40, wt./wt., solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25° C.;
• a number average molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 5,600;
• a weight average molecular weight from about 1,500 to about 10,000;
• and
• a polydispersity from about 1.2 to about 3.5;
• (ii) at least one nonpolar elastomers;
• and
• (iii) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer, wherein said at least one cellulose ester is dispersed in said at least one nonpolar elastomer, wherein said cellulose ester/elastomer composition comprises:
• a continuous phase comprising said at least one nonpolar elastomer;
• and
• a dispersed phase comprising said at least one cellulose ester and said at least one additive.