Issue 02/2019

U.S. Patent 10,214,316 (Feb 26. 2019), “Method For
Manufacturing Biodegradable Packing Material, and
Packages and Containers Made Thereof”, Kimmo
Nevalainen, Ville Ribu, Jurkka Kuusipalo, Sami Kotkamo
(Stora Enso OYJ Helsinki FI)
Ref: PCT/FI2013/050997
The patent teaches multilayer biodegradable coating on
a fibrous material, e.g. packing paper or packing board
to enable heat sealing while providing biodegradable
characteristics to the package coating. Typically
polyethylene is used, but polyethylene is not biodegradable.
This technology teaches using a multilayer co-extrusion
where the innermost layer is a blend of polylactic acid
and another biodegradable polymer (e.g. polybutylene
succinate), a middle layer of polylactic acid and outer layer
of polylactic acid and another biodegradable polymer, again
a polybutylene succinate. This technology teaches that the
melt index(viscosity) of the PLA and the ratio of the PLA:
PBS significantly impact adhesion, heat seal temperature
and co- extrusion line speed all of which are key to economic
viability.
The incorporation of biodegradable multilayer renders
the package compostable and offers options for packaging
recyclability.
COMPEO
Leading compounding technology
for heat- and shear-sensitive plastics
U.S. Patent 10,093,579 (Oct 9, 2018), “Process For The
Production of Cementitious Material”, Hendrik Marius
Junkers, Renee Maria Mors; (Green-Basilisk BV, Delft NL)
Ref: PCT/NL2015/050526
The patent teaches a process for the production of
cementitious materials comprising mixing cement
starting material, a healing agent inclusive of a bacterial
agent and a fibrous reinforcing material based on
a biodegradable polymer with specific molecular
weight and fiber length/diameter ratio. The technology
illustrates using biodegradable polymers (polylactic acid,
polyhydroxyalkanoate or polybutylene succinate) in fiber
form serving two purposes; 1) assist in generating a strong
material during the hardening process and 2) serving as
the source for bacterial conversion to bio minerals which
aid in crack repair/crack healing. The patent illustrates the
bacterial agent can be aerobic or anaerobic in character.
U.S. Patent 10,195,821 (Feb 5, 2019), “Bamboo Laminated
Construction Panel and Method of Manufacture”, William D
McDonald (Bamcore LLC Windsor, CA, USA)
This patent teaches a bamboo laminated construction
panel where at least two layers of prepared bamboo are
laminated together with wood veneer outer layers. Bamboo
as the core offers higher vertical load bearing strength,
higher compressive strength and higher stiffness than
other wood based building materials. In addition, bamboo
offers faster growth cycles to timber grade material as well
as better rot and insect infestation resistance to wood.
The bamboo laminate construction can reduce the
number studs required in other wood frame construction.
Uniquely efficient. Incredibly versatile. Amazingly flexible.
With its new COMPEO Kneader series, BUSS continues
to offer continuous compounding solutions that set the
standard for heat- and shear-sensitive applications, in all
industries, including for biopolymers.
• Moderate, uniform shear rates
• Extremely low temperature profile
• Efficient injection of liquid components
• Precise temperature control
• High filler loadings
www.busscorp.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/19] Vol. 14 45