Biodegradable and composatable cellulose ester compositions comprising surface treated mineral fillers with improved melt-processing color

Abstract

The present application discloses cellulose ester compositions comprising surface treated metal carbonate fillers that show improved biodegradability and color during melt-processing. The compositions are useful for molded, extruded, thermoformed articles. The formed article scan be used as single use articles due to their biodegradability and / or compostability.

Description

[0001] BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSATABLE CELLULOSE ESTER COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING SURFACE TREATED MINERAL FILLERS WITH IMPROVED MELT-PROCESSING COLOR

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Single-use plastic articles are frequently used in food service, intended to be used once for storing or serving food, after which the articles are discarded. To prevent the persistence of these articles it is desirable for the articles to disintegrate and biodegrade, even thicker parts like cup rims and utensils. Disintegration in compost is an end-of life fate that would re-direct these single-use plastic articles from landfill. Single-use plastic articles can range in thickness from less than 5 mil (e.g. straws) to greater than 100 mil (e.g. utensils). For some materials, the rate of disintegration in compost is proportional to the article thickness, i.e. thicker articles take longer to disintegrate, or may not disintegrate within that standard time frame of the composting cycle. It is desirable to have articles made from biobased materials that have been formulated to disintegrate in compost, even when the articles are 30 mil thick or greater.

[0004] Inorganic mineral fillers can improve the rate of disintegration in compost, but mineral fillers can adversely affect the appearance of melt- processed articles, especially if particle dispersion is not optimal. Poorly dispersed minerals can create a dark or uneven appearance, especially when the mineral is alkaline and the resin matrix is susceptible to thermal degradation.

[0005] The appearance of an article is important to its acceptability in many applications. Commonly, a light uniform surface color is desired for many thermoplastic materials used for packaging, bags, films, bottles, food containers, straws, stirrers, cups, plates, bowls, take out trays and lids and cutlery. A light-colored base resin provides flexibility to include a range of colorants in the production of articles to customize their appearance. Cellulose esters can be formulated to address home & industrial compostability of thick, injection-molded articles such utensils. When such formulations include a high content of mineral fillers; including Magnesium oxide (MgO), Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)2 and Calcium carbonate (CaCOs), the different mineral fillers can impact the surface color of articles thermoplastic cellulose acetate (CA). Specifically, the surface color and mineral dispersion is improved with a surface treated mineral fillers such as CaCOs vs. an untreated CaCOs.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present application discloses a composition comprising:

[0008] (i) a cellulose ester;

[0009] (ii) a mineral filler comprising surface treated calcium carbonate particles, wherein the surface treated calcium carbonate particles comprise a weight median particle size dso of from 0.5 to 3 microns, wherein the surface treated calcium carbonate particles are treated with one or more of the following compositions: composition 1 , comprising a phosphoric acid monoester or a phosphoric acid diester, composition 2, comprising at least one unbranched or branched saturated (C2-2o)alkyl-COOH, composition 3, comprising at least one (C2-2o)alkyl-COH, composition 4, comprising at least one compound of formula I: wherein R1is (C2-2o)alkyl, (C2-2o)alkenyl, (C2-2o)alkyl-(C3-7)cycloalkyl, (C2-2o)alkenyl-(C3-7)cycloalkyl, or (C3-7)cycloalkyl, or composition 5, comprising at least one polydi(Ci-2o)alkylsiloxane. The present application also discloses articles made from the compositions disclosed herein.

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Alkyl means a moiety containing carbon and hydrogen. Alkyl moieties can be unbranched or branched. The carbon units in the alkyl moiety can be specified, for example (Ci-3)alkyl, which indicates that the alkyl can have from 1 to 3 carbons. Nonlimiting examples of alkyl include methyl, ethyl, hexyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, butyl, and the like.

[0012] Alkanol is an alkane with one hydroxyl substituent. Alkanols can be unbranched or branched. Nonlimiting examples include CH3OH, ethanol, isopropanol, hexanol, and the like.

[0013] Alkene is an unsaturated alkane with at least one double bond.

[0014] Alkenes can be unbranched or branched. The carbon units in the alkenes can be specified, for example (C2-4)alkene, which indicates that the alkene can have from 2 to 4 carbons. Nonlimiting examples of alkenes include ethene, butene, hexene, and the like.

[0015] (Alkyl)2CO is a dialkyl ketone. Non limiting examples of (Alkyl^CO is acetone, ethyl methyl ketone, and the like.

[0016] The present application discloses a composition comprising: (i) a cellulose ester; (ii) a mineral filler comprising surface treated calcium carbonate particles, wherein the surface treated calcium carbonate particles comprise a weight median particle size dso of from 0.5 to 3 microns, wherein the surface treated calcium carbonate particles are treated with one or more of the following compositions: composition 1 , comprising a phosphoric acid monoester or a phosphoric acid diester; composition 2, comprising at least one unbranched or branched saturated (C2-2o)alkyl-COOH, composition 3, comprising at least one (C2-2o)alkyl-COH; composition 4, comprising at least one compound of formula wherein R1is (C2-2o)alkyl, (C2-

[0017] 2o)alkenyl, (C2-2o)alkyl-(C3-7)cycloalkyl, (C2-2o)alkenyl-(C3-7)cycloalkyl, or (C3- 7)cycloalkyl; or composition 5, comprising at least one polydi(Ci - 2o)alkylsiloxane.

[0018] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the surface treated calcium carbonate particles comprise a treatment layer on each of the particles. The treatment layer is formed from the treatment with the one or more compositions, compositions 1 , compositions 2, composition 3, composition 4, or composition 5. In one class of this embodiment, the treatment layer is from 0.1 to 3 wt% of the total dry weight of the surface treated calcium carbonate particles.

[0019] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the surface treated calcium carbonate particles are treated with two, or three, or four, or five of composition 1 , composition 2, compositions 3, composition 4, or composition 5.

[0020] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the mineral filler is present from 5 to 30 wt%, or from 10 to 30 wt%, or from 15 to 30 wt%, or from 20 to 30 wt%, or from 25 to 30 wt%, or from 10 to 25 wt%, or from 10 to 20 wt%, or from 10 to 15 wt%, or from 15 to 25 wt%, or from 15 to 20 wt%, or from 20 to 25 wt%, or from 5 to 60 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0021] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the mineral filler further comprises titanium oxide, talc, mica, clay, silica, carbon, or combinations thereof.

[0022] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition further comprises 1 to 10 wt% of an alkaline filler, which is different than a surface treated calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the composition. In one class of this embodiment, the alkaline filler is magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, zinc oxide, basic alumina, or combinations thereof. In one class of this embodiment, the composition further comprises 2 to 10 wt%, or 3 to 10 wt%, 4 to 10 wt%, or 5 to 10 wt%, 6 to 10 wt%, or 7 to 10 wt%, or 8 to 10 wt%, or 9 to 10 wt%, or 1 to 8 wt%, or 1 to 6 wt%, or 1 to 4 wt%, or 2 to 10 wt%, or 2 to 8 wt%, or 2 to 6 wt%, or 2 to 4 wt%, 3 to 10 wt%, or 3 to 8 wt%, or 3 to 6 wt%, or 3 to 4 wt%, or 4 to 10 wt%, or 4 to 8 wt%, or 4 to 6 wt%, or 5 to 10 wt%, or 5 to 8 wt%, or 5 to 6 wt%, or 6 to 10 wt%, or 8 wt%, or 7 to 10 wt%, or 7 to 8 wt%.

[0023] Plasticizers may be used singly, or in a combination of two or more. The plasticizer reduces the melt temperature, the Tg, and / or the melt viscosity of the cellulose esters. In embodiments, the plasticizer is a food-compliant plasticizer. In embodiments, the plasticizer is a non-ester plasticizer. By food- compliant is meant compliant with applicable food additive and / or food contact regulations where the plasticizer is cleared for use or recognized as safe by at least one (national or regional) food safety regulatory agency (or organization), for example listed in the 21 CFR Food Additive Regulations or otherwise Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US FDA.

[0024] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition further comprises 1 to 40 wt%, or 2 to 40 wt%, or 5 to 40 wt%, or 10 to 40 wt%, or 15 to 40 wt%, or 20 to 40 wt%, or 5 to 30 wt%, or 5 to 20 wt%, or 10 to 30 wt%, or 10 to 20 wt%, or 15 to 20 wt%, or 20 to 30 wt% of a plasticizer, based on the total weight of the composition. The amount of plasticizer may vary based on a number of factors that include the type of thermal processing or melt processing used to make an article from the composition. Non-limiting processing examples include extrusion such as profile extrusion and sheet extrusion; injection molding; compression molding; blow molding; thermoforming; and the like. Accordingly, articles that may include or be formed from or be prepared using the composition may include extruded articles such as profile extruded articles and sheet extruded articles; injection molded articles; compression molded articles; blow molded articles; thermoformed articles; and the like.

[0025] In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer is triacetin, triethyl citrate, polyethylene glycol, benzoic acid esters (e.g. Benzoflex), propylene glycol, acetylated triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate, polymeric plasticizers (e.g. Admex), tripropionin, tributyrin, Saciflex, poloxamer copolymers, polyethylene glycol esters and ethers (e.g. PEG succinate), adipate esters (e.g. diisobutyl adipate), polyvinyl pyrollidone, glycerol tribenzoate and combinations thereof.

[0026] In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer is triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, a glycerol ester, a polyethylene glycol, a methoxy polyethylene glycol and triacetin. In one subclass of this class, the plasticizer is the polyethylene glycol or the methoxy polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of from 200 to 600 Daltons, or 200 to 500 Daltons, or 200 to 400 Daltons.

[0027] In embodiments, the plasticizer is a biodegradable plasticizer. Some examples of biodegradable plasticizers include triacetin, tripripoionin, triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, polyethylene glycol, the benzoate containing plasticizers such as the Benzoflex™ plasticizer series, poly (alkyl succinates) such as poly (butyl succinate), polyethersulfones, adipate based plasticizers, soybean oil epoxides such as the Paraplex™ plasticizer series, sucrose based plasticizers, dibutyl sebacate, tributyrin, the Resoflex™ series of plasticizers, triphenyl phosphate, glycolates, polyethylene glycol ester and ethers, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane-1 ,3-diyl bis(2-methylpropanoate), polycaprolactones and combinations thereof. In one or embodiments, the plasticizer includes a plasticizer with recycle content.

[0028] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may include one or more optional additives. Non-limiting examples of additives include UV absorbers, antioxidants, acid scavengers such as epoxidized soybean oil, radical scavengers, an epoxidized oil and combinations thereof filler, additive, biopolymer, stabilizer, and / or odor modifier waxes, compatibilizers, biodegradation promoters, dyes, pigments, colorants, luster control agents, lubricants, anti-oxidants, viscosity modifiers, antifungal agents, anti-fogging agents, heat stabilizers, impact modifiers, antibacterial agents, softening agents, processing aids, mold release agents, and combinations thereof. It should be noted that the same type of compounds or materials cellulose ester be identified for or included in multiple categories of components in the cellulose ester compositions. For example, polyethylene glycol (PEG) could function as a plasticizer or as an additive that does not function as a plasticizer, such as a hydrophilic polymer or biodegradation promotor, e.g., where a lower molecular weight PEG has a plasticizing effect and a higher molecular weight PEG functions as a hydrophilic polymer but without plasticizing effect.

[0029] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more of a UV absorber, an antioxidant, radical scavengers, an epoxidized oil or combinations thereof.

[0030] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition further comprises 0.05 to 5 wt% of an organic acid of formula II:

[0031] , wherein R1is hydrogen or hydroxyl; R2is hydrogen or hydroxyl; R3is hydrogen or COOH; and n is 0, 1 or 2, based on the total weight of the composition. In one class of this embodiment, n is 0. In one subclass of this class, m is 0. In one subclass of this class, m is 1 .

[0032] In one class of this embodiment, n is 1 . In one subclass of this class, m is 0. In one subclass of this class, m is 1 .

[0033] In one class of this embodiment, n is 2. In one subclass of this class, m is 0. In one subclass of this class, m is 1 . In one class of this embodiment, the compound of formula II is citric acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, oxalic acid or combinations thereof.

[0034] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition further comprises cellulosic fibers. In one class of this embodiment or in combination with any other class, the cellulosic fibers are derived from agave, hemp, bast, jute, flax, ramie, kenaf, sisal, bamboo, bagasse, wood, nut shells, grass, or combinations thereof. In one class of this embodiment or in combination with any other class, fibers have an average length of 0.1 mm to 20 mm.

[0035] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiments, cellulose ester is a cellulose acetate, a cellulose acetate butyrate, a cellulose acetate propionate, a cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, or a combination thereof. The term “combination thereof” also includes a combination of a particular cellulose ester, for example cellulose acetate. Therefore, the combination can be of two or more cellulose acetates which have differing degrees of substitution. In one class of this embodiment, the total degree of substitution for the cellulose ester is from 1 .7 to 2.7, or from 2.0 to 2.7, or from 2.1 to 2.7, or from 2.2 to 2.7, or from 2.3 to 2.7, or from 2.4 to 2.7, or from 2.5 to 2.7, or from 1 .7 to 2.6, or from 1 .7 to 2.5, or from 2.0 to 2.6, or from 2.0 to 2.5, or from 2.1 to 2.6, or from 2.1 to 2.5, or from 2.2 to 2.6, or from 2.2 to 2.5, or from 2.3 to 2.6, or from 2.3 to 2.5, or from 2.4 to 2.6, or from 2.4 to 2.5.

[0036] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, when the compositions disclosed herein are injection molded at a barrel temperature of 220°C to 260°C into a 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 0.11 cm plaque, at least 85%, or at least 87%, or at least 88%, or at least 89%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99%, or a 100% of the plaque disintegrates in 12 weeks at 58°C according to standard ISO 20200 or ISO 16929 or within 26 weeks at 28°C according to ISO 16929. The present application also discloses an article prepared or formed from any one of the compositions disclosed herein.

[0037] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the article is a compression molded article, or an extruded article, or a profile extruded article, or a thermoformed article, or an injection molded article, an extruded foam article, or combinations thereof.

[0038] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the article is a pellet, a powder, a film, a sheet, a plaque, or a fiber.

[0039] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the article is a single use article.

[0040] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the article is biodegradable, compostable, or a combination thereof.

[0041] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the article exhibits an average mineral feature size that is less than 10 times, or less than 9 times, or less than 8 times, or less than 7 times, or less than 6 times, or less than 5 times, or less than 4 times the weight median particle size d5o of the surface treated calcium carbonate particles as observed by scanning electron microscopy.

[0042] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition further comprises a biodegradable polymer (other than a cellulose ester). In one class of this embodiment, the biodegradable polymer other than a cellulose ester is polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs and PHBs), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone polymers (PCL), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene succinate (PES), polyvinyl acetates (PVAs), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and copolymers (such as polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA)), cellulose ethers, starch, proteins, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. In one class of this embodiment or in combination with any other class, the biodegradable polymer (other than a cellulose ester) is present in an amount from 0.1 to less than 50 wt%, or 1 to 40 wt%, or 1 to 30 wt%, or 1 to 25 wt%, or 1 to 20 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. In one class of this embodiment or in combination with any other class, the biodegradable polymer comprises a PHA having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in a range from 10,000 to 1 ,000,000, or 50,000 to 1 ,000,000, or 100,000 to 1 ,000,000, or 250,000 to 1 ,000,000, or 500,000 to 1 ,000,000, or 600,000 to 1 ,000,000, or 600,000 to 900,000, or 700,000 to 800,000, or 10,000 to 500,000, or 10,000 to 250,000, or 10,000 to 100,000, or 10,000 to 50,000, measured using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with a refractive index detector and polystyrene standards employing a solvent of methylene chloride. The PHA may include a polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate.

[0043] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an article. In one or more embodiments, the article is a melt-formed article. In one or more embodiments, the articles may be extruded articles such as profile extruded articles and sheet extruded articles; injection molded articles; compression molded articles; thermoformed articles; and the like. In one or more embodiments, the melt-formed articles of the present invention may be molded single use food contact articles, including articles that are biodegradable and / or compostable (i.e., either industrial or home compostability tests / criterial as discussed herein). In embodiments, the compositions may be extrudable, moldable, castable, thermoformable, or may be 3-D printed. “Articles” as used herein is defined to include articles in their entirety as well as components, elements or parts of articles that may be connected, adhered, assembled or the like. In embodiments, the articles are environmentally non-persistent. “Environmentally non-persistent” is meant to describe materials or articles that, upon reaching an advanced level of disintegration, become amenable to total consumption by the natural microbial population. The degradation of biodegradable cellulose ester ultimately leads its conversion to carbon dioxide, water and biomass.

[0044] In embodiments, articles comprising the compositions (discussed herein) are provided that have a maximum thickness up to 150 mils, or 140 mils, or 130 mils, or 120 mils, or 110 mils, or 100 mils, or 90 mils, or 80 mils, or 70 mils, or 60 mils, or 50 mils, or 40 mils, or 30 mils, or 25 mils, or 20 mils, or 15 mils, or 10 mils, or 5 mils and may be biodegradable and / or compostable. In embodiments, articles comprising the compositions (discussed herein) are provided that have a maximum thickness up to 150 mils, or 140 mils, or 130 mils, or 120 mils, or 110 mils, to 100 mils, or 90 mils, or 80 mils, or 70 mils, or 60 mils, or 50 mils, or 40 mils, or 30 mils, or 25 mils, or 20 mils, or 15 mils, or 10 mils, or 5 mils and may be environmentally non- persistent.

[0045] In embodiments, the composition of the present invention, as well as the melt and the melt-formed article, may include recycle content. In one or more embodiments, the recycle content includes biodegradable cellulose ester regrind. The term “regrind” is intended to include material sourced from reclaimed, scrap, in-house scrap such as scrap from molders, off-spec or post-industrial sources that has been ground, milled, crushed, pulverized or the like to a particle- or powder-like form.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the recycle content is provided by a reactant derived from recycled material that is the source of one or more acetyl groups on a recycle cellulose ester. In embodiments, the reactant is derived from recycled plastic. In embodiments, the reactant is derived from recycled plastic content syngas. By “recycled plastic content syngas” is meant syngas obtained from a synthesis gas operation utilizing a feedstock that contains at least some content of recycled plastics, as described in the various embodiments more fully herein below. In embodiments, the recycled plastic content syngas cellulose ester be made in accordance with any of the processes for producing syngas described herein; cellulose ester comprise, or consist of, any of the syngas compositions or syngas composition streams described herein; or cellulose ester be made from any of the feedstock compositions described herein.

[0047] In embodiments, the feedstock (for the synthesis gas operation) may be in the form of a combination of one or more particulated fossil fuel sources and particulated recycled plastics. In one embodiment or in any of the mentioned embodiments, the solid fossil fuel source may include coal. In embodiments, the feedstock is fed to a gasifier along with an oxidizer gas, and the feedstock is converted to syngas.

[0048] In embodiments, the recycled plastic content syngas is utilized to make at least one chemical intermediate in a reaction scheme to make a recycle cellulose ester. In embodiments, the recycled plastic content syngas may be a component of feedstock (used to make at least one cellulose esterintermediate or reactant that includes other sources of syngas, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment or in any of the mentioned embodiments, the only source of syngas used to make the cellulose ester intermediates is the recycled plastic content syngas.

[0049] In embodiments, the cellulose ester intermediates made using the recycled content syngas, e.g., recycled plastic content syngas, may be chosen from methanol, acetic acid, methyl acetate, acetic anhydride and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the cellulose ester intermediates may be a at least one reactant or at least one product in one or more of the following reactions: (1 ) syngas conversion to methanol; (2) syngas conversion to acetic acid; (3) methanol conversion to acetic acid, e.g., carbonylation of methanol to produce acetic acid; (4) producing methyl acetate from methanol and acetic acid; and (5) conversion of methyl acetate to acetic anhydride, e.g., carbonylation of methyl acetate and methanol to acetic acid and acetic anhydride.

[0050] In embodiments, recycled plastic content syngas is used to produce at least one cellulose reactant. In embodiments, the recycled plastic content syngas is used to produce at least one recycle cellulose ester.

[0051] In embodiments, the recycled plastic content syngas is utilized to make acetic anhydride. In embodiments, syngas that comprises recycled plastic content syngas is first converted to methanol and this methanol is then used in a reaction scheme to make acetic anhydride. “RPS acetic anhydride” refers to acetic anhydride that is derived from recycled plastic content syngas. Derived from means that at least some of the feedstock source material (that is used in any reaction scheme to make a cellulose ester intermediate) has some content of recycled plastic content syngas.

[0052] In embodiments, the RPS acetic anhydride is utilized as a cellulose ester intermediate reactant for the esterification of cellulose to prepare a recycle cellulose ester, as discussed more fully above. In embodiments, the RPS acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid is utilized as a reactant to prepare cellulose esters having a degree of substitution for acetyl, propionyl, and / or butyryl substituents that is from 1 .7 to 3.0.

[0053] In embodiments, the recycle cellulose ester prepared from a cellulose reactant that comprises acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride, butyric anhydride that is derived from recycled plastic content syngas.

[0054] In embodiments, the recycled plastic content syngas comprises gasification products from a gasification feedstock. In an embodiment, the gasification products are produced by a gasification process using a gasification feedstock that comprises recycled plastics. In embodiments, the gasification feedstock comprises coal.

[0055] In embodiments, the gasification feedstock comprises a liquid slurry that comprises coal and recycled plastics. In embodiments, the gasification process comprises gasifying said gasification feedstock in the presence of oxygen.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the composition includes at least one cellulose ester having at least one substituent on an anhydroglucose unit (AGU) derived from one or more chemical intermediates, at least one of which is obtained at least in part from recycled plastic content syngas.

[0057] In embodiments, the cellulose ester of the composition includes cellulose esters derived from a renewable source, e.g., cellulose from wood or cotton linter, and cellulose esters derived from a recycled material source, e.g., recycled plastics or recycle syn-gas. Thus, in embodiments, a composition is provided that is biodegradable and contains both renewable and recycled content, i.e., made from renewable and recycled sources. In embodiments, the composition and the article of the present invention may have a certain degree of degradation. The degree of degradation may be characterized by the weight loss of a sample over a given period of exposure to certain environmental conditions. In some cellulose esters, the cellulose ester exhibits a weight loss of at least about 5, 10, 15, or 20 percent after burial in soil for 60 days and / or a weight loss of at least about 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 percent after 15 days of exposure to a typical municipal composter. However, the rate of degradation may vary depending on the particular end use. Exemplary degree of degradation test conditions are provided in U.S. Patent No. 5,970,988 and U.S. Patent No. 6,571 ,802, the contents and disclosure of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] In some embodiments, the composition may be in the form of biodegradable single use (formed / molded) articles. It has been found that compositions as described herein may exhibit enhanced levels of environmental non-persistence, characterized by better-than-expected degradation under various environmental conditions. Melt-formed articles described herein may meet or exceed one or more passing standards set by international test methods and authorities for industrial compostability, home compostability, marine biodegradability and / or soil biodegradability.

[0059] To be considered “compostable,” a material must meet the following four criteria: (1 ) the material should pass biodegradation requirement in a test under controlled composting conditions at elevated temperature (58°C) according to ISO 14855-1 (2012) which correspond to an absolute 90% biodegradation or a relative 90% to a control polymer, (2) the material tested under aerobic composting condition according to ISO16929 (2013) must reach a 90% disintegration ; (3) the test material must fulfill all the requirements on volatile solids, heavy metals and fluorine as stipulated by ASTM D6400 (2012), EN 13432 (2000) and ISO 17088 (2012); and (4) the material should not negatively impact plant growth. As used herein, the term “biodegradable” generally refers to the biological conversion and consumption of organic molecules. Biodegradability is an intrinsic property of the material itself, and the material cellulose ester exhibit different degrees of biodegradability, depending on the specific conditions to which it is exposed. The term “disintegrable” refers to the tendency of a material to physically decompose into smaller fragments when exposed to certain conditions. Disintegration depends both on the material itself, as well as the physical size and configuration of the article being tested. Ecotoxicity measures the impact of the material on plant life, and the heavy metal content of the material is determined according to the procedures laid out in the standard test method.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be biodegradable. In one or more embodiments, the melts of the present invention may be biodegradable.

[0061] The composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 70 percent in a period of not more than 50 days, when tested under aerobic composting conditions at ambient temperature (28°C ± 2°C) according to ISO 14855-1 (2012). In some cases, the (or article including or formed therefrom) may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 70 percent in a period of not more than 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41 , 40, 39, 38, or 37 days when tested under these conditions, also called “home composting conditions.” These conditions may not be aqueous or anaerobic. In some cellulose esters, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a total biodegradation of at least about 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 , 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, or 88 percent, when tested under according to ISO 14855-1 (2012) for a period of 50 days under home composting conditions. This may represent a relative biodegradation of at least about 95, 97, 99, 100, 101 , 102, or 103 percent, when compared to cellulose subjected to identical test conditions.

[0062] To be considered “biodegradable,” under home composting conditions according to the French norm NF T 51 -800 and the Australian standard AS 5810, a material must exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90 percent in total (e.g., as compared to the initial sample), or a biodegradation of at least 90 percent of the maximum degradation of a suitable reference material after a plateau has been reached for both the reference and test item. The maximum test duration for biodegradation under home compositing conditions is 1 year. The composition as described herein may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90 percent within not more than 1 year, measured according 14855-1 (2012) under home composting conditions. In some cellulose esters, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a biodegradation of at least about 91 , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent within not more than 1 year, or composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit 100 percent biodegradation within not more than 1 year, measured according 14855-1 (2012) under home composting conditions.

[0063] Additionally, or in the alternative, the composition (or article comprising same) described herein may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90 percent within not more than about 350, 325, 300, 275, 250, 225, 220, 210, 200, 190, 180, 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50 days, measured according 14855-1 (2012) under home composting conditions. In some embodiments, the composition (or article comprising same) may be at least about 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent biodegradable within not more than about 70, 65, 60, or 50 days of testing according to ISO 14855-1 (2012) under home composting conditions. As a result, the composition (or article including or formed therefrom) may be considered biodegradable according to, for example, French Standard NF T 51-800 and Australian Standard AS 5810 when tested under home composting conditions.

[0064] The composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 60 percent in a period of not more than 45 days, when tested under aerobic composting conditions at a temperature of 58°C (± 2°C) according to ISO 14855-1 (2012). In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 60 percent in a period of not more than 44, 43, 42, 41 , 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31 , 30, 29, 28, or 27 days when tested under these conditions, also called “industrial composting conditions.” These may not be aqueous or anaerobic conditions. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a total biodegradation of at least about 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 , 92, 93, 94, or 95 percent, when tested under according to ISO 14855- 1 (2012) for a period of 45 days under industrial composting conditions. This may represent a relative biodegradation of at least about 95, 97, 99, 100, 102, 105, 107, 110, 112, 115, 117, or 119 percent, when compared to the same composition (or article comprising same) subjected to identical test conditions.

[0065] To be considered “biodegradable,” under industrial composting conditions according to ASTM D6400 and ISO 17088, at least 90 percent of the organic carbon in the whole item (or for each constituent present in an amount of more than 1% by dry mass) must be converted to carbon dioxide by the end of the test period when compared to the control or in absolute. According to European standard ED 13432 (2000), a material must exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90 percent in total, or a biodegradation of at least 90 percent of the maximum degradation of a suitable reference material after a plateau has been reached for both the reference and test item. The maximum test duration for biodegradability under industrial compositing conditions is 180 days. The composition (or article comprising same) described herein may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90 percent within not more than 180 days, measured according 14855-1 (2012) under industrial composting conditions. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a biodegradation of at least about 91 , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent within not more than 180 days, or composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit 100 percent biodegradation within not more than 180 days, measured according 14855-1 (2012) under industrial composting conditions.

[0066] Additionally, or in the alternative, composition (or article comprising same) described herein may exhibit a biodegradation of least 90 percent within not more than about 175, 170, 165, 160, 155, 150, 145, 140, 135, 130, 125, 120, 115, 110, 105, 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, or 45 days, measured according 14855-1 (2012) under industrial composting conditions. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may be at least about 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent biodegradable within not more than about 65, 60, 55, 50, or 45 days of testing according to ISO 14855-1 (2012) under industrial composting conditions. As a result, the composition (or article comprising same) described herein may be considered biodegradable according to ASTM D6400 and ISO 17088 when tested under industrial composting conditions.

[0067] The composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a biodegradation in soil of at least 60 percent within not more than 130 days, measured according to ISO 17556 (2012) under aerobic conditions at ambient temperature. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 60 percent in a period of not more than 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, or 75 days when tested under these conditions, also called “soil composting conditions.” These may not be aqueous or anaerobic conditions. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a total biodegradation of at least about 65, 70, 72, 75, 77, 80, 82, or 85 percent, when tested under according to ISO 17556 (2012) for a period of 195 days under soil composting conditions. This may represent a relative biodegradation of at least about 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, or 95 percent, when compared to the same composition (or article comprising same) subjected to identical test conditions.

[0068] In order to be considered “biodegradable,” under soil composting conditions according the OK biodegradable SOIL conformity mark of Vingotte and the DIN Gepruft Biodegradable in soil certification scheme of DIN CERTCO, a material must exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90 percent in total (e.g., as compared to the initial sample), or a biodegradation of at least 90 percent of the maximum degradation of a suitable reference material after a plateau has been reached for both the reference and test item. The maximum test duration for biodegradability under soil compositing conditions is 2 years. The composition (or article including or formed therefrom) as described herein may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90 percent within not more than 2 years, 1 .75 years, 1 year, 9 months, or 6 months measured according to ISO 17556 (2012) under soil composting conditions. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a biodegradation of at least about 91 , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent within not more than 2 years, or composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit 100 percent biodegradation within not more than 2 years, measured according to ISO 17556 (2012) under soil composting conditions.

[0069] Additionally, or in the alternative, the composition (or article comprising same) described herein may exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90 percent within not more than about 700, 650, 600, 550, 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 275, 250, 240, 230, 220, 210, 200, or 195 days, measured according 17556 (2012) under soil composting conditions. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may be at least about 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent biodegradable within not more than about 225, 220, 215, 210, 205, 200, or 195 days of testing according to ISO 17556 (2012) under soil composting conditions. As a result, the composition (or article comprising same) described herein may meet the requirements to receive the OK biodegradable SOIL conformity mark of Vingotte and to meet the standards of the DIN Gepruft Biodegradable in soil certification scheme of DIN CERTCO.

[0070] In some embodiments, composition (or article comprising same) of the present invention may include less than 1 , 0.75, 0.50, or 0.25 weight percent of components of unknown biodegradability. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) described herein may include no components of unknown biodegradability.

[0071] In addition to being biodegradable under industrial and / or home composting conditions, composition (or article comprising same) as described herein may also be compostable under home and / or industrial conditions. As described previously, a material is considered compostable if it meets or exceeds the requirements set forth in EN 13432 for biodegradability, ability to disintegrate, heavy metal content, and ecotoxicity. The composition (or article comprising same) described herein may exhibit sufficient compostability under home and / or industrial composting conditions to meet the requirements to receive the OK compost and OK compost HOME conformity marks from Vingotte.

[0072] In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) described herein may have a volatile solids concentration, heavy metals and fluorine content that fulfill all of the requirements laid out by EN 13432 (2000). Additionally, the composition (or article comprising same) may not cause a negative effect on compost quality (including chemical parameters and ecotoxicity tests).

[0073] In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a disintegration of at least 90 percent within not more than 26 weeks, measured according to ISO 16929 (2013) under industrial composting conditions. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a disintegration of at least about 91 , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent under industrial composting conditions within not more than 26 weeks, or composition (or article comprising same) may be 100 percent disintegrated under industrial composting conditions within not more than 26 weeks. Alternatively, or in addition, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a disintegration of at least 90 percent under industrial compositing conditions within not more than about 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21 , 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 , or 10 weeks, measured according to ISO 16929 (2013). In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) described herein may be at least 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent disintegrated within not more than 12, 11 , 10, 9, or 8 weeks under industrial composting conditions, measured according to ISO 16929 (2013).

[0074] In some embodiments, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a disintegration of at least 90 percent within not more than 26 weeks, measured according to ISO 16929 (2013) under home composting conditions. In some cases, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a disintegration of at least about 91 , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent under home composting conditions within not more than 26 weeks, or the composition (or article comprising same) may be 100 percent disintegrated under home composting conditions within not more than 26 weeks. Alternatively, or in addition, the composition (or article comprising same) may exhibit a disintegration of at least 90 percent within not more than about 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21 , 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, or 15 weeks under home composting conditions, measured according to ISO 16929 (2013). In some embodiments, the composition (or article comprising same) described herein may be at least 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent disintegrated within not more than 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, or 12 weeks, measured under home composting conditions according to ISO 16929 (2013).

[0075] In embodiments or in combination with any other embodiments, when the composition is formed into a film having a thickness of 0.13, or 0.25. or 0.38, or 0.51 , or 0.64, or 0.76, or 0.89, or 1.02, or 1 .14, or 1.27, or 1.40, or 1 .52 mm, the film exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to Disintegration Test Protocol, as described in the specification or in the alternative according to ISO 16929 (2013). In certain embodiments, when the composition is formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76, or 0.89, or 1 .02, or 1 .14, or 1 .27, or 1 .40, or 1 .52 mm, the film exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to Disintegration Test Protocol, as described in the specification or in the alternative according to ISO 16929 (2013). In certain embodiments, when the composition is formed into a film having a thickness of 0.13, or 0.25. or 0.38, or 0.51 , or 0.64, or 0.76, or 0.89, or 1 .02, or 1 .14, or 1 .27, or 1 .40, or 1 .52 mm, the film exhibits greater than 90, or 95, or 96, or 97, or 98, or 99% disintegration after 12 weeks according to Disintegration Test Protocol, as described in the specification or in the alternative according to ISO 16929 (2013). In certain embodiments, when the composition is formed into a film having a thickness of 0.13, or 0.25. or 0.38, or 0.51 , or 0.64, or 0.76, or 0.89, or 1 .02, or 1 .14, or 1 .27, or 1 .40, or 1 .52 mm, the film exhibits greater than 90, or 95, or 96, or 97, or 98, or 99% disintegration after 8, or 9 , or 10, or 11 , or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16 weeks according to Disintegration Test Protocol, as described in the specification or in the alternative according to ISO 16929 (2013). In some embodiments, the composition (or article comprising same) described herein may be substantially free of photodegradation agents. For example, the composition (or article comprising same) may include not more than about 1 , 0.75, 0.50, 0.25, 0.10, 0.05, 0.025, 0.01 , 0.005, 0.0025, or 0.001 weight percent of photodegradation agent, based on the total weight of the composition (or article comprising same), or the composition (or article comprising same) may include no photodegradation agents. Examples of such photodegradation agents include, but are not limited to, pigments which act as photooxidation catalysts and are optionally augmented by the presence of one or more metal salts, oxidizable promoters, and combinations thereof. Pigments may include coated or uncoated anatase or rutile titanium dioxide, which may be present alone or in combination with one or more of the augmenting components such as, for example, various types of metals. Other examples of photodegradation agents include benzoins, benzoin alkyl ethers, benzophenone and its derivatives, acetophenone and its derivatives, quinones, thioxanthones, phthalocyanine and other photosensitizers, ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer, aromatic ketone-metal salt sensitizers, and combinations thereof.

[0076] In an aspect, biodegradable and / or compostable articles are provided that comprise the compositions, as described herein. In embodiments, the articles are made from moldable thermoplastic material comprising the compositions, as described herein.

[0077] In embodiments, the articles are single use food contact articles. Examples of such articles that may be made with the compositions include cups, trays (e.g., single compartment trays, multi-compartment trays), clamshell packaging, films, sheets, egg cartons and lids (e.g., thermoformed), candy sticks, stirrers, straws, plates, bowls, portion cups, food packaging, liquid carrying containers, solid or gel carrying containers, and cutlery. In embodiments, the articles may be horticultural articles. Examples of such articles that may be made with the compositions include plant pots, plant tags, mulch films, and agricultural ground cover. In another aspect, a composition is provided that comprises recycle cellulose ester prepared by an integrated process which comprises the processing steps of: (1 ) preparing a recycled plastic content syngas in a synthesis gas operation utilizing a feedstock that contains a solid fossil fuel source and at least some content of recycled plastics; (2) preparing at least one chemical intermediate from said syngas; (3) reacting said chemical intermediate in a reaction scheme to prepare at least one cellulose reactant for preparing a recycle cellulose ester, and / or selecting said chemical intermediate to be at least one cellulose reactant for preparing a recycle cellulose ester; and (4) reacting said at least one cellulose reactant to prepare said recycle cellulose ester; wherein said recycle cellulose ester comprises at least one substituent on an anhydroglucose unit (AGU) derived from recycled plastic content syngas.

[0078] In embodiments, the processing steps (1 ) to (4) are carried out in a system that is in fluid and / or gaseous communication (i.e., including the possibility of a combination of fluid and gaseous communication. It should be understood that the chemical intermediates, in one or more of the reaction schemes for producing recycle cellulose esters starting from recycled plastic content syngas, may be temporarily stored in storage vessels and later reintroduced to the integrated process system.

[0079] In embodiments, the at least one chemical intermediate is chosen from methanol, methyl acetate, acetic anhydride, acetic acid, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, one chemical intermediate is methanol, and the methanol is used in a reaction scheme to make a second chemical intermediate that is acetic anhydride. In embodiments, the cellulose reactant is acetic anhydride.

[0080] In one embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition is a foamable composition, further comprising at least one blowing agent.

[0081] In one class of this embodiment or in combination with any other class, the foamable composition further comprises at least one nucleating agent. In one subclass of this class, the nucleating agent is present from 0.1 to 3.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0082] In one class of this embodiment or in combination with any other class, the at least one blowing agent is a physical blowing agent; a chemical blowing composition comprising a chemical blowing agent and biodegradable carrier polymer having a melting point that is no more than 180°C; or combinations thereof.

[0083] In one subclass of this class or in combination with any other subclass, one physical blowing agent chosen from ((Ci-3)alkyl)2O, CO2, N2, ((Ci- 3)alkyl)2CO, (Ci-e)alkanol, (C2-e)alkane, (C4-e)alkene, or combinations thereof.

[0084] In one subclass of this class or in combination with any other subclass, the chemical blowing agent comprises sodium bicarbonate, a carbonate salt, citric acid, or combinations thereof; and the biodegradable carrier comprises a polybutylene succinate (“PBS”), a polycaprolactone (“PCL”), a polylactic acid (“PLA”), a poly hydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”), a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (“PBAT”), a starch derivative, a poly(butylene succinate-co- butylene adipate) (“PBSA”), a cellulose ester, or combinations thereof.

[0085] In one sub-subclass of this subclass or in combination with any subsubclass, the chemical blowing agent comprises sodium bicarbonate. In one sub-subclass of this subclass or in combination with any sub-subclass, the chemical blowing agent comprises citric acid.

[0086] In one sub-subclass of this subclass or in combination with any subsubclass, the biodegradable carrier polymer comprises a PBS. In one subsubclass of this subclass or in combination with any sub-subclass, the biodegradable carrier polymer comprises a PCL. In one sub-subclass of this subclass or in combination with any sub-subclass, the carrier polymer is a PLA. In one sub-subclass of this subclass or in combination with any subsubclass, the biodegradable carrier polymer is a PHA. In one sub-subclass of this subclass or in combination with any sub-subclass, the biodegradable carrier polymer is a PBAT In one sub-subclass of this subclass or in combination with any sub-subclass, the biodegradable carrier polymer is a starch. In one sub-subclass of this subclass or in combination with any subsubclass, the carrier polymer is PBSA.

[0087] In one sub-subclass of this subclass or in combination with any subsubclass, the biodegradable carrier polymer is present at from 25 to 75 wt%, or 25 to 65 wt%, or 25 to 55 wt%, or 25 to 45 wt%, or 25 to 35 wt%, or 35 to 75 wt%, or 35 to 65 wt%, or 35 to 55 wt%, or 35 to 45 wt%, or 45 to 75 wt%, or 45 to 65 wt%, or 45 to 55 wt%, or 55 to 75 wt%, or 55 to 65 wt%, or 65 to 75 wt%, based on the total weight of the chemical blowing agent.

[0088] EXPERIMENTAL

[0089] Abbreviations wt% is weight percent; Da is Dalton(s); Imerys Heliacal 3000 is Heliacal 3000; Imerys Gamaco is Gamaco; Omya Smartfill 50-FL is Smartfill 50-FL; Omya Omyacarb UFT is Omyacarb UFT; Eastman CA-394-60S is CA-394-60S;

[0090] Eastman CA-398-3

[0091] The test formulation used to compare different types of CaCOs included (as weight percent of the complete formulation) 56 to 66 wt% cellulose acetate (a blend of CA-394-60S and CA-398-3 with an average Mnbetween 30,000 and 50,000 Da), 12 wt% PEG400 (Dow Carbowax Sentry), 5 wt% MgO (Marinco FCC), and 2 wt% citric acid. CaCOs was included at 15 wt% to 25 wt%.

[0092] CaCOs compared in this study are described in Table 1 . The CaCOs types differed primarily in surface treatment. The grinding process contributes to particle size distribution; wet grinding tends to result in a narrower particle size distribution. CaCOs can be optionally surface treated, often during a wet grinding process. Surface modifications are typically treatments that minimize surface hydroxyl groups and reduce both particle agglomeration and moisture uptake. The surface treatments improve the dispersibility and compatibility of the CaCOs in a polymer compound. We have further found that surface treated CaCOs also results in more uniform dispersion of a blend of CaCOs with other minerals. The outcome is a lighter surface color.

[0093] Table 1 . Different CaCOs types used in this study.

[0094] Surface color after compounding and injection molding

[0095] The formulations compounded with these two extruders are listed in Table 2. The same formulation codes also refer to the pellets and articles made subsequently.

[0096] Table 2. Pellets were made with different CaCOs at 15, and 25 wt% levels.

[0097] Compounding

[0098] Pellet samples were compounded on two different twin screw extruders; an 18 mm or 38 mm TSE. The screw design and temperature profile in the compounding extruders included two mixing sections. Liquid feeding of plasticizer occurs prior to the first mixing section. Barrel temperature increased from 190-210°C in the first stage of melt and mixing sections to 230-240°C in the second set of mixing, melt and metering sections. Plaques

[0099] Plaques were injection molded and formed to a 43-44 mil thickness. Surface Color of the 44 mil plaques was measured in CIE L*a*b* color space against a white background using a Konika Minolta Chroma Meter, CR-400, and SpectraMagic NX software. The L* value is a measure of brightness, with L*=0 being black and L*=100 being white. The values reported in Table 3. are the average of 3 measurements. The surface brightness is represented by the L* value. At loadings of 15-25 wt% CaCOs, the surface treated CaCOs resulted in higher surface brightness.

[0100] Table 3. Surface color of plaques (43-44 mil).

[0101] Mineral Dispersion in Plaques

[0102] The mineral dispersion of Injection molded plaques was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM provides high-resolution images of the sample surface and near-surface. Coupled to an auxiliary Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) detector, SEM also offers elemental identification of nearly the entire periodic table.

[0103] To compare dispersion of CaCOs and MgO, injection molded plaques were cross sectioned. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provided high- resolution images of cross-sectioned molded plaques. Coupled to an auxiliary Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) detector, SEM also allowed for elemental identification of relative dispersion of the minerals MgO and CaCOs, the only sources in the formulation for elemental Mg and Ca. A total of at least 90 independent mineral features from at least 10 separate images were analyzed for each plaque sample, including each mineral feature size and EDS spectra to estimate relative content of Mg and Ca in each mineral feature. The results are summarized in Table 4.

[0104] In plaques with a blend of MgO and surface-treated CaCOs (Smartfill 50-FL), the mineral features are much smaller in diameter. The mineral features are also less likely to contain agglomerates containing a mix of MgO and CaCOs. The light color and smooth surface of plaque, Ex 10, is due to more uniform and separate dispersion of the added minerals.

[0105] Table 4. Analysis of mineral features of plaque cross-sections.

[0106] Composting

[0107] Disintegration refers to the physical breakdown of a material.

[0108] Disintegration of a material may be influenced by biological, chemical and / or physical processes. Methods to monitor disintegration during composting may be performed in synthetic compost under standardized lab conditions, or as a field test in an authentic industrial or home compost system. Standardized methods to monitor disintegration in industrial compost are defined in ISO- 20200 and ISO-16929. Qualitative screening tests may also be based on these standardized tests. Home composting can be simulated under lab conditions, for example, by running ISO-16929 or ISO-20200 at lower temperatures, or by monitoring the disintegration of test materials in a home composting vessel.

[0109] ISO-16929 "Plastics - Determination of the degree of disintegration of plastic materials under defined composting conditions in a pilot-scale test" ISO-20200 "Plastics - Determination of the degree of disintegration of plastic materials under simulated composting conditions in a laboratory-scale test”

[0110] Disintegration in compost To understand the effects of different types and loadings of CaCOs on disintegration rate, 44 mil plaques were screened for disintegration in home and industrial composting conditions according to ISO16929 and IS020200, respectively. The Industrial composting test lasted 12 weeks at 58C. The home composting test lasted 26 weeks at 28C. The % disintegration of the 44 mil plaques is compared in Table 5. No difference was observed in disintegration for samples containing treated or untreated CaCOs

[0111] Table 5. Composting of plaques

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A composition comprising:(i) a cellulose ester;(ii) a mineral filler comprising surface treated calcium carbonate particles, wherein the surface treated calcium carbonate particles comprise a weight median particle size dso of from 0.5 to 3 microns, wherein the surface treated calcium carbonate particles are treated with one or more of the following compositions: composition 1 , comprising a phosphoric acid monoester or a phosphoric acid diester, composition 2, comprising at least one unbranched or branched saturated (C2-2o)alkyl-COOH, composition 3, comprising at least one (C2-2o)alkyl-COH, composition 4, comprising at least one compound of formula I:wherein R1is (C2-2o)alkyl, (C2-2o)alkenyl, (C2-2o)alkyl-(C3-7)cycloalkyl, (C2-2o)alkenyl-(C3-7)cycloalkyl, or (C3-7)cycloalkyl, or composition 5, comprising at least one polydi(Ci-2o)alkylsiloxane.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the mineral filler is present from 5 to 30 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

3. The composition of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising 1 to 10 wt% of an alkaline filler, which is different than the surface treated calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the composition.

4. The composition of claim 3 wherein the alkaline filler is magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, zinc oxide, basic alumina, or combinations thereof.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the composition further comprises 1 to 40 wt% of a plasticizer, based on the total weight of the composition.

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the plasticizer is a non-ester plasticizer.

7. The composition of claim 5, wherein the plasticizer is a polyethylene glycol or a methoxy polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of from 200 to 600 Daltons.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 -7, wherein the composition further comprises one or more of a UV absorber, an antioxidant, radical scavengers, an epoxidized oil or combinations thereof.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the composition further comprises 0.05 to 5 wt% of an organic acid of formula II:II wherein R1is hydrogen or hydroxyl; R2is hydrogen or hydroxyl; R3is hydrogen or COOH; m is 0 or 1 ; and n is 0, 1 or 2, based on the total weight of the composition.

10. The compound of claim 9, wherein the organic acid of formula I is citric acid.11 . The composition of any one of claims 1-10, further comprising cellulosic fiber.

12. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the cellulosic fibers are derived from agave, hemp, bast, jute, flax, ramie, kenaf, sisal, bamboo, bagasse, wood, nut shells, grass, or combinations thereof.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the cellulose ester is a cellulose acetate, a cellulose acetate butyrate, a cellulose acetate propionate, a cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, or a combination thereof.

14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the total degree of substitution for the cellulose ester is from 1 .7 to 2.7.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1-14, wherein when the compositions disclosed herein are injection molded at a barrel temperature of 220°C to 260°C into a 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 0.11 cm plaque, at least 85%, or at least 87%, or at least 88%, or at least 89%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99%, or a 100% of the plaque disintegrates in 12 weeks at 58°C according to standard ISO 20200 or ISO16929 or within 26 weeks at 28°C according to ISO 16929.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the composition is a foamable composition, further comprising at least one blowing agent.

17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the at least one blowing agent is a physical blowing agent; a chemical blowing agent comprising a chemical blowing agent and a biodegradable carrier polymer having a melting point that is no more than 180°C; or a combination thereof.

18. The composition of claim 17, wherein the chemical blowing agent comprises sodium bicarbonate, a carbonate salt, citric acid, or combinations thereof; and the biodegradable carrier comprises a polybutylene succinate (“PBS”), a polycaprolactone (“PCL”), a polylactic acid (“PLA”), a polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”), a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (“PBAT”), a starch derivative, a poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (“PBSA”), a cellulose ester or combinations thereof.

19. An article prepared or formed from any one of the compositions of claim 1 -18.

20. The article of claim 19, wherein the article is a compression molded article, or an extruded article, or a profile extruded article, or a thermoformed article, or an injection molded article, an extruded foam article, or combinations thereof.21 . The article of any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the article is a pellet, a powder, a film, a sheet, a plaque, or a fiber.

22. The article of any one of claims 19-21 , wherein the article is a single use article.

23. The article of any one of claims 19-22, wherein the article is biodegradable, compostable, or a combination thereof.

24. The article of any one of claims 19-23, wherein the article exhibits an average mineral feature size that is less than 10 times the weight median particle size dso of the surface treated calcium carbonate particles as observed by scanning electron microscopy.

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