This document provides polymer compositions (e.g., biopolymer compositions) and coatings. For example, methods and materials related to polymer compositions (e.g., biopolymer compositions) and coatings as well as methods and materials for making and using such compositions (e.g., biopolymer compositions) and coatings are provided.

The invention relates to a method for the production of coated substrates, in which a flowable, biologically degradable first coating which enhances gas tightness is applied to a cellulose-containing substrate. To obtain a packaging consisting only of natural components and offering good tightness, a second water-tight coating made of animal and/or vegetable waxes and/or lipids is applied to the first coating.

Cellulose-based composite material comprising an electrically conductive material dispersed in a matrix comprising at least one plant-derived protein and a polymer of aleuritic acid, said composite material being obtainable by a process comprising the steps of dissolving at least one plant-derived protein and aleuritic acid in a dissolving solution to achieve a first mixture, dispersing an electrically conductive material in said first mixture to achieve a conductive ink, distributing said conductive ink on at least one side of a cellulose substrate to achieve a coated cellulose substrate, hot-pressing said coated cellulose substrate to obtain i) impregnation of the cellulose substrate with said conductive ink and ii) polymerization of aleuritic acid.

Cellulose-based composite material comprising an electrically conductive material dispersed in a matrix comprising at least one plant-derived protein and a polymer of aleuritic acid, said composite material being obtainable by a process comprising the steps of dissolving at least one plant-derived protein and aleuritic acid in a dissolving solution to achieve a first mixture, dispersing an electrically conductive material in said first mixture to achieve a conductive ink, distributing said conductive ink on at least one side of a cellulose substrate to achieve a coated cellulose substrate, hot-pressing said coated cellulose substrate to obtain i) impregnation of the cellulose substrate with said conductive ink and ii) polymerization of aleuritic acid.

A water-based barrier coating composition suitable for use as a barrier coating is disclosed which includes an aqueous polymer composition obtainable by free radical (co)polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer blend having an optionally substituted styrene, at least one C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate, other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers, degraded starch polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a plasticizer; a composition having C16-C18 alkenyl ketene dimer, optionally as a mixture with rosin, of a gelling agent; and optionally a filler.

A water-based barrier coating composition suitable for use as a barrier coating is disclosed which includes an aqueous polymer composition obtainable by free radical (co)polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer blend having an optionally substituted styrene, at least one C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate, other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers, degraded starch polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a plasticizer; a composition having C16-C18 alkenyl ketene dimer, optionally as a mixture with rosin, of a gelling agent; and optionally a filler.

A biodegradable and compostable sheet of material for picking up and disposing of dog excrement in an environmentally friendly manner. The sheet comprises paper or paperboard that is made grease resistant. The sheets may be stored in individual sheets or on an elongated sheet that may be folded and rolled for use with dispensing units.

In operation, a user grabs or tears off an individual sheet and then places the sheet over the dog excrement so that it is located generally about the sheet's center. The corners or top edges of the sheet may then be grasped and rotated in a direction opposite of the rotation of the central section so that a twist end is formed to retain the dog excrement within a sack. The sack may then be disposed of in a trash can or composter, wherein it will degrade in an environmental safe way.

A biodegradable and compostable sheet of material for picking up and disposing of dog excrement in an environmentally friendly manner. The sheet comprises paper or paperboard that is made grease resistant. The sheets may be stored in individual sheets or on an elongated sheet that may be folded and rolled for use with dispensing units.

In operation, a user grabs or tears off an individual sheet and then places the sheet over the dog excrement so that it is located generally about the sheet's center. The corners or top edges of the sheet may then be grasped and rotated in a direction opposite of the rotation of the central section so that a twist end is formed to retain the dog excrement within a sack. The sack may then be disposed of in a trash can or composter, wherein it will degrade in an environmental safe way.

A coated paper or paperboard structure includes a paper or paperboard substrate and a basecoat applied to the paper or paperboard substrate to yield a basecoat outer surface. The basecoat includes a water-soluble polymer binder and pigment.

Soy protein and carbohydrate containing binder compositions are described. The binder compositions may include a carbohydrate, a nitrogen-containing compound, and a soy protein. The binder compositions may also optionally include thickening agents such as modified celluloses and polysaccharides.