| abstract |
A novel degradable composite polymer is comprised of a polymer comprised of lactic acid monomers, and a resin comprised of a thermoplastic polymer, destructured starch and a plasticizer. This composite polymer is made by first combining the lactic acid polymer and the resin and subsequently extruding the combination through a heated extruder. These substances may be combined in various proportions to obtain materials of various flexibilities and hardnesses. This degradable composite polymer can be used in many applications, including use as a printable plastic material due to its unique ability to retain ink and as a plastic media blast material as it can be created in a variety of hardness levels. |