Polyalpha-1,3-glucan esters and articles made therefrom

Abstract

The disclosure generally relates to poly_alpha-1,3-glucan compositions and articles containing them. In particular interest are compositions comprising poly_alpha-1,3-glucan ester derivatives. The poly_alpha-1,3-glucan derivatives are useful in thermoprocesses and in particular, injection molding processes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising a polyalpha-1,3-glucan compound represented by the structure: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein: (i) n is at least 6 and (ii) each R 1  is independently selected from H or an acyl group, the acyl group being independently selected from the group consisting of:
 a) an acetyl; 
 b) a benzoyl; 
 c) 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
          wherein a is independently 7-24; and 
         d) 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
          wherein R 3  can be independently selected from H atoms, linear alkyl groups, branched alkyl groups, cyclic alkyl groups, and aryl groups comprising from one to 24 carbon atoms; and with the proviso that if R 1  is acetyl then at least one other R 1  is 
       
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
          wherein a is independently 7-24 or a benzoyl; and wherein the poly alpha-1,3-glucan compound has a degree of substitution of from 0.001 to 3. 
       
     
     
         2 . The composition according to  claim 1 , wherein a is independently 9-16. 
     
     
         3 . A composition comprising:
 (A) a polyalpha-1,3-glucan compound represented by the structure:   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein: (i) n is at least 6 and (ii) each R 1  is independently selected from H or an acyl group, the acyl group being independently selected from the group consisting of:
 (i) an acetyl, 
 (ii) formyl 
 (ii) 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
          wherein a is independently 0-6; 
       
       wherein said composition has a degree of substitution of from 0.001 to 3; and
 (B) a plasticizer. 
 
     
     
         4 . The composition according to  claim 3 , wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of phthalate esters, phosphate esters, glycerol esters, triethylene glycol based esters, and esters of adipic acid, azelaic acid, citric acid, sebacic acid, and tartaric acid. 
     
     
         5 . A continuous, free-standing film comprising any of the compositions of  claim 1  or  3 . 
     
     
         6 . A flexible package comprising any of the compositions of  claim 1  or  3 . 
     
     
         7 . The flexible package according to  claim 6 , wherein the package is selected from the group consisting of: a blister pack base, a strip pack base, a metal/plastic sheet, a paper/plastic laminate, a pouch, a wrap, and a bag. 
     
     
         8 . A rigid package comprising the composition of  claim 1  or  3 . 
     
     
         9 . The rigid package according to  claim 8 , wherein the package is selected from the group consisting of: bottles, jars, ready meal trays, trays, cosmetic containers, squeezable tubes, and thin wall containers. 
     
     
         10 . An article comprising the composition of  claim 1  or  claim 3 . 
     
     
         11 . The article of  claim 10  prepared by melt processing. 
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 10  in the form of a continuous or staple fiber. 
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 10  in the form of a nonwoven or woven fabric. 
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 10  in the form of a filter, hot melt adhesive, or sealant. 
     
     
         15 . The flexible package of  claim 6  having a total luminous transmittance (T t ) of at least 60 percent when measured according to ASTM D1003:13.