The term "biomaterial" can refer to two primary concepts: materials derived from biological sources (biobased materials) and materials compatible with biological systems (biocompatible materials, often for biomedical applications). Biomaterials are widely used in the textile and plastics industries to develop more sustainable alternatives.
This month's patent alert highlights recent patent applications showing the use of biomaterials as natural sources for coatings, binders and composites.
Compositions based on polyhydroxyalkanoate(s) for the production of 3 D printing filaments
Compositions based on polyhydroxyalkanoate(s) for the production of 3 D printing filaments, formulations comprising these compositions, process for the preparation of the said formulations and corresponding consumable filament for 3 D printing.
Patent number: EP4166612
Publication date: 2023-04-19
Applicant(s): POLYMARIS BIOTECHNOLOGY
Inventor(s): COURTOIS ANTHONY [FR], THOLLAS BERTRAND [FR]
Summary
The invention relates to consumable filament formulations and compositions for 3 D printing comprising at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The PHA compounds are particularly useful for their biodegradability, high compatibility and availability from renewable resources. Particularly, these biopolymers are much better compostable and biodegradable than polylactic acid (PLA).
Furthermore, the biotechnological production of these PHAS uses in particular biofermenters which make it possible to perfectly control the production conditions of this biopolymer.
Bio-based and compostable elastomeric materials, methods of manufacture and articles and uses thereof
Patent number: WO2024/130428
Publication date: 2024-27-06
Applicant(s): BIOASTRA TECHNOLOGY
Inventor(s): RAJAGOPALAN SUMITRA [CA]; SUAREZ OSCAR [CA]; KUMAR PRAJWAL [CA]; TOKAREV ALEXEI [CA]; COTTENYE NICOLAS [CA]; HADAEGHNIA MILAD [CA]; ZEMZEM MOHAMED [CA]
Summary
An object of this invention is to provide elastic materials that preserve the performance and process attributes of polyurethanes and elastane while changing the chemical composition to a 100% bio-based and compostable material. There are provided compositions, systems and methods to fabricate bio-based and biodegradable elastic materials in the form of fibers, foams and molded objects, as well as various articles made using the same. The elastic materials consist primarily of di-acids and di-alcohols with or without crosslinkers and supporting polymer structures.
High heat resistant, biodegradable materials for injection molding
Patent number: WO2023/194663
Publication date: 2023-10-12
Applicant(s): SULAPAC OY [FI]
Inventor(s): PELTOLA HEIDI [FI]; MERILÄINEN KATI [FI]; KONTINEN JOONA [FI]; PÄRSSINEN ANTTI [FI]
Summary
The invention provides a biodegradable composite material featuring a ternary biopolymer blend that exhibits high heat resistance and is suitable for injection molding. The composite comprises elastic biodegradable polyester, polyhydroxyalkanoate, and biodegradable aliphatic polyester, reinforced with lignocellulosic particles and inorganic fillers. This material is designed for food contact articles, offering advantages such as improved mechanical properties, biodegradability, and low environmental impact.
Epoxy resin composition with bio-based granular material
Patent number: WO2024/027960
Publication date: 2024-02-08
Applicant(s): SIKA TECH AG [CH]
Inventor(s): VIAS PARRADO ANA [DE]; SARIOGLU OGUZ [DE]; HEKEL ANGELIKA [DE]; KASEMI EDIS [CH]; BYRNE MICHAEL [GB]; PUSEL THOMAS [DE]; GRÖTZINGER JOCHEN [DE]
Summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide an epoxy resin composition which is suitable for floor coating purposes and which contains additives which can be readily mixed in and readily redispersed after storage, and which permit optically high-quality coatings having a flawless and smooth surface.
The epoxy resin compositions comprising a resin component containing at least one epoxy liquid resin, a hardener component containing at least one amine hardener, and at least one bio-based granular material obtained from shell nuts or olive kernels, and a lignin content. The composition is free from inorganic fillers.
This invention offers advantages over prior art, including improved redispergability of the bio-based granulate, which maintains performance after storage. The composition also allows low viscosity and rapid curing at low temperatures, making it suitable for cold environments. Additionally, the reduced reliance on inorganic fillers enhances sustainability and minimizes environmental impact.
Method of treatment of a fiber-reinforced composite
Patent number: EP4441144
Publication date: 2014-10-09
Applicant(s): SYENSQO SA [BE]
Inventor(s): FERRÃO VICTOR [BR]; BILLAUD CLAUDE [FR]; TADMOURI RAWAD [FR]
Summary
The invention relates to a method of treatment of a fiber-reinforced epoxy composite which comprises contacting the fiber-reinforced epoxy composite with a bio-based solvent chosen from levoglucosenone and/or a levoglucosenone derivative such as cyrene, wherein the treatment temperature generally exceeds by at least 10°C the glass transition temperature of the fiber-reinforced epoxy composite.
This method enhances the swelling and degradation of fiber-reinforced epoxy composite, improving their recycling process.
Leather-like material of vegetable origin made from persimmon puree
Patent number: WO2024/078705
Publication date: 2024-18-04
Applicant(s): PERSISKIN S L [ES]
Inventor(s): SANFÉLIX PALAU JAIME [ES], VLADAN MARÍA [ES]
Summary
The present invention relates to a vegan and reusable leather type material of vegetable origin, at least 50% and preferably at least 80% biobased. This material is based on a composition which comprises persimmon (Diospyros kaki) mass and a polymer derived from a polyol of vegetable origin. The invention also discloses the process for obtaining the material. The leather-type material may be used in a variety of goods products in the textile such as clothes, footwear products or accessories. The material has proven to keep the same mechanical properties as the animal origin or synthetic leather, being a sustainable alternative which, in addition, contributes to circular economy. The sustainable material, leather-type of vegetable origin, provides an alternative to known leathers, with less environmental impact.
Biobased binder compositions for nonwoven materials
Patent number: WO2024/096808
Publication date: 2024-05-10
Applicant(s): ORGANOCLICK AB [SE]
Inventor(s): MARIA WENNMAN [SE], MÅRTEN HELLBERG [SE]
Summary
The present invention relates to biobased binder compositions which are environmentally benign, renewable, compostable and/or biodegradable. The biobased compositions comprise chitosan, an acid and a plasticizer. By treating a nonwoven material with a biobased binder according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a nonwoven material exhibiting excellent mechanical properties. The binder composition according to the present invention is easy to use for treatment of different types of nonwoven materials and can be adapted to provide specific properties to certain nonwoven materials and applications.
Cellulose ester polymer composition having low coefficient of friction
Patent number: WO2023/242076
Publication date: 2023-12-21
Applicant(s): LEGO AS [DK]
Inventor(s): HOFMANN JOHN THOMAS [US]; FENG WENLAI [US]; SPENCER DAVID CHRIS [US]; HOFMANN KATHERINE AUGUSTA [US]
Summary
The object of the invention is to provide a cellulose ester composition suitable for various applications, particularly in the manufacture of molded plastic articles such as construction toys. The new composition aims to reduce the coefficient of friction while maintaining desirable mechanical properties (maintains high impact strength and thermal stability (HDT > 85°C), making it ideal for repeated assembly and disassembly in toy applications.
