Disclosed is the use of a composition of aliphatic esters having the following general formula: R.sub.1OC(O)R.sub.4C(O)[OR.sub.2OC(O)R.sub.5C(O)].sub.mOR.sub.3, in which: R.sub.1 is selected from one or more of the groups consisting of H, linear and branched saturated and unsaturated alkyl residues of the C.sub.1-C.sub.24 type, and polyol residues esterified with C.sub.1-C.sub.24 monocarboxylic acids; R.sub.2 comprises CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2 and C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alkylene groups, and comprises at least 50% in moles of the said CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2 groups; R.sub.3 is selected from one or more of the groups consisting of H, linear and branched saturated and unsaturated alkyl residues of the C.sub.1-C.sub.24 type, and polyol residues esterified with C.sub.1-C.sub.24 monocarboxylic acids; R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 comprise one or more C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkylenes and comprise at least 50% in moles of C.sub.7 alkylenes; and m lies between 1 and 20, as plasticizers for polymer compositions, for example, vinyl polymers of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) type, thermoplastic elastomers, and hydroxy acid polyesters, for example polyesters of lactic acid.

Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a crosslinker and a proteinaceous substrate. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and a polyamine, where the polyamine and a proteinaceous sub-strate are present in synergistic viscosity enhancing amounts, and may also include one or more of: a carbohydrate, a tackifying agent, a plasticizer, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the crosslinker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject composi-tions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a crosslinker and a proteinaceous substrate. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and a polyamine, where the polyamine and a proteinaceous sub-strate are present in synergistic viscosity enhancing amounts, and may also include one or more of: a carbohydrate, a tackifying agent, a plasticizer, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the crosslinker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject composi-tions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

The invention relates to a composition comprising: at least one aliphatic polyester (A) comprising diols containing at least ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol or mixtures thereof and diacids containing at least succinic acid, adipic acid or mixtures thereof; at least one starch (B); at least one organic plasticiser (C) for starch; optionally, an additional polyester or a mixture of additional polyesters (D) different from polyester (A). The composition is characterised in that it also comprises citric acid (E), the amount by weight of citric acid varying between 0.01 and 0.45 parts per 100 parts of the total dry weight of (A), (B), (C) and (D).

The invention relates to a composition comprising: at least one aliphatic polyester (A) comprising diols containing at least ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol or mixtures thereof and diacids containing at least succinic acid, adipic acid or mixtures thereof; at least one starch (B); at least one organic plasticiser (C) for starch; optionally, an additional polyester or a mixture of additional polyesters (D) different from polyester (A). The composition is characterised in that it also comprises citric acid (E), the amount by weight of citric acid varying between 0.01 and 0.45 parts per 100 parts of the total dry weight of (A), (B), (C) and (D).

The present invention refers to a method for producing a low-emitting plasticised polyvinylchloride composition, having a fusion time of less than 5.50 s and a volatility of less than 10% weight loss, by mixing pentaerythritol tetravalerate with a polyvinylchloride composition, the fusion time being measured according to DIN 54 802 and ISO/DIS 4574 and the volatility being measured according to ISO 176 Method A. In a further aspect the present invention refers to a thermoplastic article suitable for use in environments where the article is exposed to heat, wherein the thermoplastic article is based on a plasticized polyvinylchloride composition produced by the method of the present invention.

The present invention refers to a method for producing a low-emitting plasticised polyvinylchloride composition, having a fusion time of less than 5.50 s and a volatility of less than 10% weight loss, by mixing pentaerythritol tetravalerate with a polyvinylchloride composition, the fusion time being measured according to DIN 54 802 and ISO/DIS 4574 and the volatility being measured according to ISO 176 Method A. In a further aspect the present invention refers to a thermoplastic article suitable for use in environments where the article is exposed to heat, wherein the thermoplastic article is based on a plasticized polyvinylchloride composition produced by the method of the present invention.

A method of forming a melt-processable water soluble polymer composition having a high Melt Flow Index comprising blending a water soluble polymer with at least 15% by weight of the total weight of the composition of a hygroscopic salt to act as a lubricant to render the polymer extrudable and/or mouldable and with a solvent polymer plasticizer, the hygroscopic salt being partially dissolved in the solvent polymer plasticizer, wherein the solvent polymer plasticizer is mono-propylene glycol, di-propylene glycol or a combination thereof.

A polymeric material process includes increasing a mobility within a polymer to enables specific alignment of polymer chains.

A polymeric material process includes increasing a mobility within a polymer to enables specific alignment of polymer chains.