Novel compositions for dental floss

Abstract

This invention relates to a novel composition for use in dental flosses or tapes. More particularly, it relates to novel compositions containing a base polymer, a block copolymer and a nonmigrating compatibilizer or plasticizer that, in combination in a blend, result in a floss or dental tape having good breaking strength, elongation, tenacity, nick resistance and gentleness to the gums.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A composition for making dental hygiene devices comprising a polymer blend comprising base polymer, a block copolymer and a compatibilizer.  
     
     
         2 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein said base polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyolefins, polyamides, polyurethanes and block copolymers of polyesters, polyamides and polyurethanes.  
     
     
         3 . A composition according to  claim 2  wherein said base polymer is a polyester or a block copolymer of a polyester.  
     
     
         4 . A composition according to  claim 2  wherein said base polymer is a polyolefin or a block copolymer of a polyolefin.  
     
     
         5 . A composition according to  claim 2  wherein said base polymer is a polyamide or a block copolymer of a polyamide.  
     
     
         6 . A composition according to  claim 2  wherein said base polymer is a polyurethane or a block copolymer of a polyurethane.  
     
     
         7 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein said block copolymer is selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyester and polyurethanes.  
     
     
         8 . A composition according to  claim 7  wherein said block copolymer is a polyamide.  
     
     
         9 . A composition according to  claim 7  wherein said block copolymer is a polyester.  
     
     
         10 . A composition according to  claim 7  wherein said block copolymer is a polyurethane.  
     
     
         11 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein said compatibilizer is a terpolymer comprising ethylene, carbon monoxide and butyl acrylate.  
     
     
         12 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein said composition comprises between about 30 and about 50 weight percent base polymer comprising a polyolefin, between about 30 and about 50 weight percent polyester block copolymer and between about 2.5 and about 7.5 weight percent of a compatibilizer.  
     
     
         13 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein the base polymer is a polyamide or a block copolymer of a polyamide in which the preferred range is between about 5 and 15 weight percent,between 10 and 10 weight percent of the block polyamide, and between 3 and 15 weight percent of the compatibilizier.  
     
     
         14 . A dental hygiene device made from the composition of  claim 1  wherein said device comprises a flattened, tubular floss.  
     
     
         15 . A dental hygiene device according to  claim 14  wherein said flattened, tubular floss has rounded longitudinal edges.  
     
     
         16 . A dental hygiene device according to  claim 14  wherein said floss comprises a coating of wax chosen from the group consisting of microcrystalline wax or beeswax.  
     
     
         17 . A dental hygiene device according to  claim 16  wherein said waxes contain one or more flavors.  
     
     
         18 . A dental hygiene device according to  claim 17  wherein said flavors are selected from the group consisting of mint, cinnamon and bubble gum.  
     
     
         19 . A dental hygiene device according to  claim 16  wherein said waxes contain therapeutic compounds.  
     
     
         20 . A dental hygiene device according to  claim 19  wherein said therapeutic compounds comprise one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, cetyl pyridium chloride and chlorhexidine gluconate.  
     
     
         21 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein said polymer blend further comprise contain pigments to impart colors to said polymer blend.  
     
     
         22 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein said polymer blends contain stabilizers.  
     
     
         23 . A composition according to  claim 1  wherein said polymer blends contain mineral fillers.  
     
     
         24 . A process for making a tubular dental hygiene device comprising: 
 a) extruding a polymer blend into a small and thin tubing using an extrusion pump;    b) orienting said polymer blend;    c) annealing said polymer blend; and    d) collapsing said polymer blend.    
     
     
         25 . A process according to  claim 24  wherein, during said extrusion step, the extrusion pump is rhythmically pulsed, thereby producing a textured tubing.  
     
     
         26 . A process according to  claim 24  wherein said polymer blend is extruded into a cooling bath having a temperature of between about 75 and about 80° F.  
     
     
         27 . A process according to  claim 24  wherein after said extrusion step, said polymer blend is heated and pulled through Godet rolls.