Biocarbon is presented as an alternative to synthetic carbon black. Master batches having biocarbon for usage in raw plastics and/or the production of composites. Biocarbon is mainly derived from plant biomass, but other sources can be used. A method of producing the master batch: (a) pyrolyzing processed biomass in an oxygen-starved environment to produced biocarbon; (b) comminuting the biocarbon in a reduced oxygen atmosphere; (c) cooling the comminuted biocarbon; (d) mixing the cooled comminuted biocarbon with a carrier resin, thereby producing the master batch.

The present invention provides a foamable resin composition excellent in terms of the dispersibility and moldability. The foamable resin composition containing: from 30 to 80 wt % of a polyolefin; from 3 to 40 wt % of a polylactic acid; from 1 to 20 wt % of a modified polyolefin containing a carbonyl group in a molecule; from 10 to 40 wt % of a layered silicate; and from 0.01 to 0.5 wt % of a filler, the polyolefin containing at least one of polypropylene and polyethylene, the filler having a density different from the density of the layered silicate by at least 0.20 g/cm.sup.3.

The invention relates to a process for production of expanded foam beads of one or more polyesters based on aliphatic or aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and aliphatic diols, comprising the steps of: (a) melting the polyester and admixing the polyester with 1 to 3.5 wt %, based on the polyester, of a carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen blowing agent and also 0.1 to 2 wt % of a nucleating agent, and pressing the nucleated polyester melt, containing blowing agent, through a perforated disk controlled to a temperature between 150 C. and 185 C. and into a pelletizing chamber, (b) using a cutting device to comminute the polymer melt pressed through the perforated disk into individual expanding pellets, (c) discharging the pellets from the pelletizing chamber into a stream of water which is at a temperature of 5 to 90 C. and a pressure of 0.1 bar to 20 bar above ambient pressure.

Disclosed, among other things, are ways to manufacture reduced density thermoplastics using rapid solid-state foaming and machines useful for the saturation of plastic. In one embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce layered structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce deep draw structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may utilize additives, blends, or fillers, for example. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity.

Disclosed is a biodegradable sheet comprising at least one layer which is a direct contact layer, intended to successfully contact materials, such as liquids, while maintaining the mechanical properties of the sheet and to extend the biodegradable sheet shelf life. The direct contact layer may comprise a hydrophobic polymer selected from poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), Polydioxanone (PDO) polyglycolic acid (PGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), poly lactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terphtalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), such as polyhydroxybutyrates (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerates (PHV), and polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers (PHBV) or any mixture thereof. The biodegradable sheet may further comprise surface treated nanoclay particles, PVOH grafted with a crosslinker and PBS or PBSA The biodegradable sheet may further include at least one metalized, biodegradable, laminate layer.

The invention pertains to a biodegradable coating composition, comprising a crosslinked starch and a filler, and optionally a polyol plasticizer, as well as to outside structures such as greenhouses, comprising a coating layer obtained by drying the said coating composition. The invention furthermore pertains to removal of the coating layer using a targeted cleaning composition.

Disclosed, among other things, are ways to manufacture reduced density thermoplastics using rapid solid-state foaming and machines useful for the saturation of plastic. In one embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce layered structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce deep draw structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may utilize additives, blends, or fillers, for example. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity.

A biodegradable additive, a biodegradable polyester fiber and a method for producing the same, and a biodegradable fabric are provided. The biodegradable additive includes a polyester resin material and a biodegradable resin material. The biodegradable resin material is at least one material selected from the group consisting of polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), and derivatives thereof. In the biodegradable additive, a content range of the polyester resin material is between 40 wt % and 80 wt %, and a content range of the biodegradable resin material is between 20 wt % and 60 wt %.

The present invention provides methods for preparing the nut waste composites from a nut waste component, one or more binders, and an oil using a compounder/extruder.

A hydrogel comprising a cross-linked or a non-crosslinked PVA/PVP mixed polymer hydrogel is provided, Further, articles comprising the hydrogel optionally including an active agent incorporated therewithin are also provided.