Bio-derived polymers having improved processability and method for the production thereof
AssigneePennsylvania College of Technology
InventorsJohn R. Bartolomucci, Song Cheng
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided are modified bio-derived polymers having improved processability as well as methods of producing such polymers and articles produced therefrom. The modified bio-derived polymers have improved melt strength compared with presently available bio-derived polymers. Thus, the inventive bio-derived polymers are suitable for use in plastic processing techniques such as blow molding and blown film extrusion.
Claims9
A method of producing a modified bio-derived polymer, comprising the steps of:
- blending a polymer base material comprising at least one bio-derived polymer and a promoter, wherein the promoter is present in an amount of between about 1.0 wt % and about 3.0 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer base material;
- and
- subjecting the blend to irradiation at a dosage range of between about 10 kGy and about 40 kGy, to produce a modified bio-derived polymer having a melt-strength and level of long chain branching and crosslinking sufficient for blow molding or blown film applications.
An extrusion blow molded thermoplastic article produced from a modified bio-derived polymer formed according to the steps of:
- blending a polymer base material comprising at least one bio-derived polymer and a promoter, wherein the promoter is present in an amount of between about 1.0 wt % and about 3.0 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer base material;
- and
- subjecting the blend to irradiation at a dosage range of between about 10 kGy and about 40 kGy.
An extruded blown film thermoplastic article produced from a modified bio-derived polymer formed according to the steps of:
- blending a polymer base material comprising at least one bio-derived polymer and a promoter, wherein the promoter is present in an amount of between about 1.0 wt % and about 3.0 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer base material;
- and
- subjecting the blend to irradiation at a dosage range of between about 10 kGy and about 40 kGy.
A method of producing an extrusion blow molded or extruded blown film article, comprising the steps of:
- blending a polymer base material comprising at least one bio-derived polymer and a promoter, wherein the promoter is present in an amount of between about 1.0 wt % and about 3.0 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer base material;
- subjecting the blend to irradiation at a dosage range of between about 10 kGy and about 40 kGy, to produce a modified bio-derived polymer having a melt-strength and level of long chain branching and crosslinking sufficient for blow molding or blown film applications;
- and
- forming an extrusion blow molded or extruded blown film article from the modified bio-derived polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.