| abstract |
We disclose a composition containing a polyester comprising about 1 mole part polyol units derived from a polyol having m -OH groups, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 8,, and from about 0.98 mole parts fumaric acid units to about 3.03 mole parts fumaric acid units. In one embodiment, the polyol units are sorbitol units. In another embodiment, the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of a plate, a tray, a bowl, a cup, a bowl lid, a cup lid, a fork, a spoon, a knife, a jewel case, and a packaging article. We also disclose a method of manufacturing the composition. The method includes combining about 1 mole part polyol, from about 0.98 mole parts fumaric acid to about 3.03 mole parts fumaric acid, and from about 0.0002 mole parts to about 0.0020 mole parts of a polyesterfication catalyst, to yield a combination of polyol and fumaric acid; maintaining the combination of polyol and fumaric acid under an inert atmosphere at a temperature from about 130°C to about 190°C for at least about 2 hr, to yield a molten polyester; and cooling the molten polyester, to yield the polyester. |