The invention relates to a method for producing a biodegradable thermoplastic starch-based article intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. In this method, the semi-crystalline starch granules are transformed into a homogeneous and almost amorphous material, called thermoplastic starch, by the addition of plasticizers at high temperatures and under shear. Thermoplastic starch is modified with organic acid during melt processing to prevent the retrogradation of starch. Moreover, cellulose derivatives are used as the reinforcement filler of thermoplastic starch. The article is produced using hot-pressing and then coating by immersion in a waterproofing solution.

Provided herein are starch compositions, which comprise a first starch having a first weight average molecular weight between about 300,000 and about 4,000,000 Daltons, a second starch having a second weight average molecular weight between about 1,000 and about 290,000 Daltons, and a water-soluble polymer. Also provide herein are articles of manufacture and films comprising the starch composition, and methods of making the starch composition.

Described herein are strength characteristics and biodegradation of articles produced using one or more petrochemical-based polymers and one or more carbohydrate-based polymers. A compatibilizer can optionally be included in the article. In some cases, the article can include a film or bag.

The invention relates to a process for producing a pulverulent composition comprising at least one polymeric dispersant (PD) which comprises structural units having anionic and/or anionogenic groups and structural units having polyether side chains, and at least one polysaccharide (PS). The process here comprises the process steps: a) production of an aqueous dispersion having a viscosity of the dispersion of less than 10 000 mPa.Math.s, comprising the at least one polymeric dispersant (PD) and the at least one polysaccharide (PS) and b) spray drying of the aqueous dispersion produced in process step a). Furthermore, the use of the pulverulent composition according to the invention in inorganic binder compositions, especially as a rheological additive, is disclosed.

The invention relates to a process for producing a pulverulent composition comprising at least one polymeric dispersant (PD) which comprises structural units having anionic and/or anionogenic groups and structural units having polyether side chains, and at least one polysaccharide (PS). The process here comprises the process steps: a) production of an aqueous dispersion having a viscosity of the dispersion of less than 10 000 mPa.Math.s, comprising the at least one polymeric dispersant (PD) and the at least one polysaccharide (PS) and b) spray drying of the aqueous dispersion produced in process step a). Furthermore, the use of the pulverulent composition according to the invention in inorganic binder compositions, especially as a rheological additive, is disclosed.

The present invention relates to a biobased barrier film for a paper or paperboard-based packaging material, said barrier film comprising: a substrate layer and a coating layer disposed on at least one surface of the substrate layer, wherein said substrate layer has a grammage in the range of 1-60 g/m.sup.2 and comprises at least 50 wt % of highly refined cellulose pulp based on the dry weight of the substrate layer, and wherein said coating layer has a grammage in the range of 1-15 g/m.sup.2 and comprises at least 50 wt % of a film forming modified starch and 0.1-10 wt % of a biobased lubricant, based on the dry weight of the coating layer.

The disclosure provides a water-soluble film, including a mixture of a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, a plasticizer, and a starch, wherein (a) the starch includes a hydroxypropylated starch in an amount of about 5 phr to about 30 phr; (b) the starch includes a modified starch having a degree of modification greater than about 2%, in an amount of about 2.5 phr to about 30 phr; (c) the starch is an unmodified starch having an amylose content of about 20% to about 80%; or (d) the starch includes a hydroxypropylated starch having an amylose content of about 23% to about 95% and the polyvinyl alcohol includes unmodified polyvinyl alcohol or anionic modified polyvinyl alcohol with the proviso that the anionic modifier is not acrylate. The disclosure further provides a sealed article including a water-soluble film in the form of a pouch defining an interior pouch volume.

A water-soluble film comprising a mixture of a polyvinyl alcohol resin, a starch, and a salt, wherein the salt is present in the water-soluble film in an amount sufficient to improve compatibility of the polyvinyl alcohol resin and the starch.