Agency:

Agricultural Research Service

January 19, 1999

The invention is a way to manufacture water-resistant biodegradable products from starch such as corn, wheat, rice and potatoes. The invention overcomes previous attempts to manufacture water-resistant degradable products such as disposable dishes, packaging and mulches, which incorporate synthetic polymers that don’t readily degrade in the soil. The technology essentially consists of two layers: natural polymers that can be easily shaped for a desired use, and a second layer incorporating a hydroxy-functional polyester that self-adheres to the product for moisture resistance. The second layer can be applied to shaped products by brushing, dipping, spraying, compression molding, co-extruding and hot roll laminating. A third layer can be added for increased resistance to moisture, heat, or both. Various biodegradable esters, such as phthalate esters, can be added as a plasticizer to enhance flexibility of the final product.

Randall Shogren	John W. Lawton, Jr. and
USDA, ARS, MWA, NCAUR	William M. Doane (retired)
Peoria, IL 61604	(Same address as first inventor)
(309) 681-6354
J. Grant Brewen
Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation
1815 N. University Street
Peoria, IL 61604
(309) 688-1188 / Fax: (309) 688-1292

polyester, starch, biodegradable, mulch, packaging, polymers, polyvinyl alcohol, laminates, cutlery, corn, wheat, rice, potato, ester, environment