Biopolymer compositions incorporating poly(3-hydroxypropionate)

Abstract

A polymer composition is disclosed that includes at least a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer is made of at least 10 mole percent (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units. The second polymer is made of a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) that does not contain any (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units. A method of making the first polymer is also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to the filing date of Provisional Application No. 63 / 226,813, filed July 29, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Field The present disclosure relates to biodegradable polymer compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to biodegradable polymer compositions incorporating poly(3-hydroxypropionate). [Background technology]

[0003] Biodegradable polymers are an area of ​​growing commercial interest. Advantageously, biodegradable polymers can be derived from renewable biomass resources rather than fossil fuels. Moreover, biodegradable polymer products are biodegradable in many environments, in contrast to traditional non-degradable polymers that may take centuries to decompose after typical landfills or other disposal.

[0004] An important class of biodegradable polymers are the poly(hydroxyalkanoates) or PHAs. PHAs are natural, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters that are produced industrially by large-scale bacterial fermentation. Within the class of PHA polymers, a wide variety of polymer structures exist, including both homopolymer and copolymer types.

[0005] Although desirably biodegradable, production of PHAs by bacterial fermentation can be relatively slow and expensive. It would therefore be desirable to provide new PHA compositions incorporating PHAs that can be prepared by chemical rather than biological processes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a polymer composition. According to one embodiment, the polymer composition includes at least a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer is made of at least 10 mole percent of (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units. The second polymer is made of a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) that does not include (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units.

[0007] In another embodiment, the first polymer is a copolymer or terpolymer that includes at least a first repeat unit that is (3-hydroxypropionate) and a second repeat unit according to Formula I. [ka]

[0008] Optionally, the copolymer or terpolymer can also include a third repeat unit according to formula II. [ka]

[0009] For the above formula I and formula II, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain alkyl groups having 1 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the polymer composition is preferably made up of about 1 to about 99 weight percent of the first polymer and about 99 to about 1 weight percent of the second polymer. More preferably, the polymer composition is made up of about 25 to about 75 weight percent of the first polymer and about 75 to about 25 weight percent of the second polymer. Even more preferably, the polymer composition is made up of about 40 to about 60 weight percent of the first polymer and about 60 to about 40 weight percent of the second polymer.

[0011] In some examples, the polymeric composition can also include at least one additional biopolymer selected from the group consisting of polycaprolactone, poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate), poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the polymeric composition can include about 5 to about 75 weight percent of the at least one additional biopolymer.

[0012] Regarding the second polymer, in certain embodiments, the second polymer is preferably made of 2-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, 3-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, or 4-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, each of which may be unbranched or branched from 1 carbon branch to 12 carbon branch.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second polymer is preferably made of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) ("P(3HB-co-3HHx)"). More specifically, in some embodiments, the P(3HB-co-3HHx) is itself preferably made of about 75 to about 99 mole percent hydroxybutyrate repeat units and about 1 to about 25 mole percent hydroxyhexanoate repeat units. Even more preferably, the P(3HB-co-3HHx) is made of about 93 to about 98 mole percent hydroxybutyrate repeat units and about 2 to about 7 mole percent hydroxyhexanoate repeat units.

[0014] The polymer composition may also include various additives in addition to the polymers described above.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the polymer composition preferably also comprises a nucleating agent, which may be selected from the group consisting of erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, artificial sweeteners, stearic acid compounds, sorbitol, mannitol, inositol, polyester waxes, nanoclays, behenamide, erucamide, stearamide, oleamide, poly(hydroxybutyrate), thymine, cyanuric acid, cytosine, adenine, uracil ... The inorganic filler is selected from the group consisting of silyl, guanine, boron nitride, and mixtures thereof.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the polymer composition also preferably comprises a plasticizer, which is selected from the group consisting of sebacic acid compounds, citric acid compounds, adipic acid fatty esters, succinic acid fatty esters, glucaric acid fatty esters, lactic acid compounds, alkyl diesters, citric acid compounds, alkyl methyl esters, dibenzoic acid compounds, propylene carbonate, caprolactone diols having a number average molecular weight of 200 to 10,000 g / mol, poly(ethylene glycol)s having a number average molecular weight of 400 to 10,000 g / mol, vegetable oil esters, long chain alkyl acids, adipic acid compounds, glycerol, isosorbide derivatives or mixtures thereof, polymeric plasticizers, poly(hydroxyalkanoate) copolymers containing at least 18 mole percent of hydroxyalkanoate monomer residues other than hydroxybutyrate, and mixtures thereof.

[0017] In some cases, the polymer composition also preferably includes a filler, which is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, talc, nanoclay, nanocellulose, hemp fiber, kaolin, carbon black, wollastonite, glass fiber, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, mica, silica, dolomite, barium sulfate, magnetite, halloysite, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, montmorillonite, feldspar, asbestos, boron, steel, carbon nanotubes, cellulose fiber, flax, cotton, starch, polysaccharides, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, modified starch, chitin and chitosan, alginic acid compounds, gluten, zein, casein, collagen, gelatin, polysaccharides, guar gum, xanthan gum, succinoglycan, natural rubber, rosin acid, lignin, natural fibers, jute, kenaf, hemp, ground nut shells, wood flour, and mixtures thereof.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the polymer composition preferably also includes an impact modifier selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins and emulsions, isosorbide derivatives, natural rubber, aliphatic polyesters, or mixtures thereof.

[0019] In some instances, the polymer composition also preferably includes at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a lubricant, an antioxidant, a stabilizer, a moisture absorber, a coupling agent, a nucleating agent, or a flame retardant.

[0020] Optionally, the first polymer and the second polymer can further react with each other. That is, in some instances, the polymer composition can preferably include a catalyst or initiator that induces the reaction of the poly(3-hydroxypropionate) with the at least one additional poly(hydroxyalkanoate). Thus, the polymer composition also includes a reaction product formed from the reaction of the poly(3-hydroxypropionate) with the at least one additional poly(hydroxyalkanoate).

[0021] In a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a converted article made from the polymer composition. For example, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the converted article can be selected from the group consisting of a film, a fiber, a sheet, a molded article, a rotomolded article, an extrusion blow molded article, an injection stretch blow molded article, a foam, a melt coating of a substrate, and a calendered sheet.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for making a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer or terpolymer. According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: beta-propiolactone, a first substituted beta-propiolactone according to formula III; [ka] and (3) optionally a second substituted beta-propiolactone according to formula IV; [ka] The method also includes a second step of polymerizing the reaction mixture to form a copolymer or terpolymer, the copolymer or terpolymer comprising: (3-hydroxypropionate), A second repeat unit according to formula I; [ka] optionally a third repeat unit according to formula II; [ka] Includes.

[0023] For each of Formulas I-IV, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain alkyl groups having 1 to 22 carbon atoms. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present disclosure provides, for the first time, a novel polymer composition comprising at least a first polymer and a second polymer, the first polymer being made of at least 10 mole percent (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units, and the second polymer being made of a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) that is free of (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units.

[0025] That is, the composition first comprises a polymer comprising (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units. Typically, the first polymer comprises at least 10 mole percent of (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units. In some embodiments, the first polymer can comprise from about 10 to about 99 mole percent of (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units. Even more preferably, the first polymer can comprise from about 25 to about 100 mole percent of (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units.

[0026] In some cases, the first polymer may be a homopolymer, i.e., substantially all of the first polymer is made up of (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units, in which case the first polymer may be referred to simply as poly(3-hydroxypropionate).

[0027] However, in other embodiments, the first polymer can be a copolymer or even a terpolymer, in which the copolymer or terpolymer includes at least a first repeat unit that is (3-hydroxypropionate) and a second repeat unit according to Formula I. [ka]

[0028] Optionally, the first polymer can also include a third repeat unit according to Formula II. [ka]

[0029] For the above formula I and formula II, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain alkyl groups having 1 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0030] The polymer composition also includes a second polymer, which is a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) that does not include any 3-hydroxypropionate repeat units.

[0031] In some embodiments, in accordance with the present disclosure, the second polymer can be, for example, a 2-hydroxy It can be made of alkanoate repeat units, 3-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, or 4-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, each of which may be branched or unbranched, from 1 carbon branch to 12 carbon branch.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second polymer is preferably made of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) ("P(3HB-co-3HHx)"). More specifically, in some embodiments, the P(3HB-co-3HHx) is itself preferably made of about 75 to about 99 mole percent hydroxybutyrate repeat units and about 1 to about 25 mole percent hydroxyhexanoate repeat units. Even more preferably, the P(3HB-co-3HHx) is made of about 93 to about 98 mole percent hydroxybutyrate repeat units and about 2 to about 7 mole percent hydroxyhexanoate repeat units.

[0033] The relative amounts of the first polymer and the second polymer in the polymer composition can vary widely. Generally, the polymer composition can be made up of from about 1 to about 99 weight percent of the first polymer and from about 99 to about 1 weight percent of the second polymer.

[0034] More preferably, the polymer composition is made up of about 25 to about 75 weight percent of the first polymer and about 75 to about 25 weight percent of the second polymer, and even more preferably, the polymer composition is made up of about 40 to about 60 weight percent of the first polymer and about 60 to about 40 weight percent of the second polymer.

[0035] The polymeric composition, in some examples, can also include at least one additional biopolymer in addition to the first and second polymers. The additional biopolymer can be selected from the group consisting of polycaprolactone, poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate), poly(lactic acid), and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the polymeric composition can include about 5 to about 75 weight percent of the at least one additional biopolymer.

[0036] In addition to the polymers described above, the polymer composition may also include various additives.

[0037] For example, the polymer composition can also include a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, artificial sweeteners, stearic acid compounds, sorbitol, mannitol, inositol, polyester waxes, nanoclays, behenamide, erucamide, stearamide, oleamide, poly(hydroxybutyrate), thymine, cyanuric acid, cytosine, adenine, uracil, guanine, boron nitride, and mixtures thereof.

[0038] The polymer composition may also include a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of sebacic acid compounds, citric acid compounds, adipic acid fatty esters, succinic acid fatty esters, glucaric acid fatty esters, lactic acid compounds, alkyl diesters, citric acid compounds, alkyl methyl esters, dibenzoic acid compounds, propylene carbonate, caprolactone diols having a number average molecular weight of 200 to 10,000 g / mol, poly(ethylene glycol)s having a number average molecular weight of 400 to 10,000 g / mol, vegetable oil esters, long chain alkyl acids, adipic acid compounds, glycerol, isosorbide derivatives or mixtures thereof, polymeric plasticizers, poly(hydroxyalkanoate) copolymers containing at least 18 mole percent of hydroxyalkanoate monomer residues other than hydroxybutyrate, and mixtures thereof.

[0039] In some instances, the polymer composition also preferably includes a filler, the filler being preferably a carbonate. The inorganic filler is selected from the group consisting of calcium, talc, nanoclay, nanocellulose, hemp fiber, kaolin, carbon black, wollastonite, glass fiber, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, mica, silica, dolomite, barium sulfate, magnetite, halloysite, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, montmorillonite, feldspar, asbestos, boron, steel, carbon nanotubes, cellulose fiber, flax, cotton, starch, polysaccharides, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, modified starch, chitin and chitosan, alginate compounds, gluten, zein, casein, collagen, gelatin, polysaccharides, guar gum, xanthan gum, succinoglycan, natural rubber, rosin acid, lignin, natural fibers, jute, kenaf, hemp, ground nut shells, wood flour, and mixtures thereof.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the polymer composition preferably also includes an impact modifier selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins and emulsions, isosorbide derivatives, natural rubber, aliphatic polyesters, or mixtures thereof.

[0041] In some instances, the polymer composition also preferably includes at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a lubricant, an antioxidant, a stabilizer, a moisture absorber, a coupling agent, a nucleating agent, or a flame retardant.

[0042] The polymer compositions according to the present disclosure are typically prepared by blending, e.g., melt blending, the first and second polymers together with any other polymers or additives that may optionally be included in the composition, which can be accomplished using conventional melt blending techniques, such as single screw extrusion, twin screw extrusion, or a three-roll mill.

[0043] In another embodiment, the first polymer and the second polymer can further react with each other. That is, in some instances, the polymer composition can preferably include a catalyst or initiator that induces the reaction of the poly(3-hydroxypropionate) with the at least one additional poly(hydroxyalkanoate). Thus, the polymer composition also includes a reaction product formed from the reaction of the poly(3-hydroxypropionate) with the at least one additional poly(hydroxyalkanoate).

[0044] The present disclosure also provides a method for making the poly(hydroxyalkanoate) copolymers or terpolymers discussed above. According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: beta-propiolactone, a first substituted beta-propiolactone according to formula III; [ka] and optionally a second substituted beta-propiolactone according to formula IV; [ka] combining together to form a reaction mixture.

[0045] For each of the above formulas III and IV, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain alkyl groups having 1 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0046] This mixture is then polymerized in a second step to form a copolymer or terpolymer in accordance with the present disclosure. Typically, the polymerization reaction can be carried out at a reaction temperature of about 20 to about 120° C. Typically, a catalyst or initiator, such as an alkali metal or ammonium alkoxide, is also used to aid in the polymerization.

[0047] The resulting copolymer or terpolymer may be (3-hydroxypropionate), A second repeat unit according to formula I; [ka] optionally a third repeat unit according to formula II; [ka] It is made of.

[0048] For each of the above formulas I and II, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain alkyl groups having 1 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0049] Advantageously, the polymer compositions prepared according to the present disclosure are industrially and / or domestically compostable as specified by ASTM D6400.

[0050] In a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a converted article made from the polymer composition. For example, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the converted article can be selected from the group consisting of a film, a fiber, a sheet, a molded article, a rotomolded article, an extrusion blow molded article, an injection stretch blow molded article, a foam, a melt coating of a substrate, and a calendered sheet.

[0051] The present disclosure is also further illustrated by the following embodiments:

[0052] Embodiment 1. A polymer composition comprising a blend of a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the first polymer comprises at least 10 mole percent (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units, and the second polymer comprises a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) that does not contain any (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units.

[0053] Embodiment 2. The polymer composition of embodiment 1, wherein the first polymer comprises poly(3-hydroxypropionate).

[0054]

[0023] Embodiment 3. The first polymer comprises a copolymer or terpolymer, the copolymer or terpolymer comprising: (3-hydroxypropionate), A second repeat unit according to formula I; [ka] optionally a third repeat unit according to formula II; [ka] Including, In the formula, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 22 carbon atoms. 3. The polymer composition according to embodiment 1 or 2.

[0055] Embodiment 4. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises from about 1 to about 99 weight percent of the first polymer, and from about 99 to about 1 weight percent of the second polymer.

[0056]

[0023] Embodiment 5. The polymer composition comprises about 25 to about 75 weight percent of the first polymer. and about 75 to about 25 weight percent of the second polymer.

[0057] Embodiment 6. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the polymer composition comprises about 40 to about 60 weight percent of the first polymer, and about 60 to about 40 weight percent of the second polymer.

[0058] Embodiment 7. The polymeric composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one additional biopolymer selected from the group consisting of polycaprolactone, poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate), poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), and mixtures thereof.

[0059] Embodiment 8. The polymer composition of embodiment 7, wherein the polymer composition comprises about 5 to about 75 weight percent of the at least one additional biopolymer.

[0060] Embodiment 9. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second polymer comprises 2-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, 3-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, or 4-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, each of which has no or no branching from 1 carbon branch to 12 carbon branch.

[0061] Embodiment 10. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second polymer comprises poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate ("P(3HB-co-3HHx)").

[0062] Embodiment 11. The polymer composition of embodiment 10, wherein the P(3HB-co-3HHx) contains from about 75 to about 99 mole percent hydroxybutyrate repeat units and from about 1 to about 25 mole percent hydroxyhexanoate repeat units.

[0063] Embodiment 12. The polymer composition of embodiment 10, wherein the P(3HB-co-3HHx) preferably contains from about 93 to about 98 mole percent hydroxybutyrate repeat units and from about 2 to about 7 mole percent hydroxyhexanoate repeat units.

[0064] Embodiment 13. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, artificial sweeteners, stearic acid compounds, sorbitol, mannitol, inositol, polyester waxes, nanoclays, behenamide, erucamide, stearamide, oleamide, poly(hydroxybutyrate), thymine, cyanuric acid, cytosine, adenine, uracil, guanine, boron nitride, and mixtures thereof.

[0065] Embodiment 14. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of sebacic acid compounds, citric acid compounds, adipic acid fatty esters, succinic acid fatty esters, glucaric acid fatty esters, lactic acid compounds, alkyl diesters, citric acid compounds, alkyl methyl esters, dibenzoic acid compounds, propylene carbonate, caprolactone diols having a number average molecular weight of 200 to 10,000 g / mol, poly(ethylene glycols) having a number average molecular weight of 400 to 10,000 g / mol, vegetable oil esters, long chain alkyl acids, adipic acid compounds, glycerol, isosorbide derivatives or mixtures thereof, polymeric plasticizers, poly(hydroxyalkanoate) copolymers containing at least 18 mole percent of hydroxyalkanoate monomer residues other than hydroxybutyrate, and mixtures thereof.

[0066] Embodiment 15. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a filler selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, talc, nanoclay, nanocellulose, hemp fiber, kaolin, carbon black, wollastonite, glass fiber, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, mica, silica, dolomite, barium sulfate, magnetite, halloysite, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, montmorillonite, feldspar, asbestos, boron, steel, carbon nanotubes, cellulose fiber, flax, cotton, starch, polysaccharides, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, modified starch, chitin and chitosan, alginate compounds, gluten, zein, casein, collagen, gelatin, polysaccharides, guar gum, xanthan gum, succinoglycan, natural rubber, rosin acid, lignin, natural fibers, jute, kenaf, hemp, ground nut shells, wood flour, and mixtures thereof.

[0067] Embodiment 16. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an impact modifier selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins and emulsions, isosorbide derivatives, natural rubber, aliphatic polyesters, or mixtures thereof.

[0068] Embodiment 17. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a lubricant, an antioxidant, a stabilizer, a moisture absorbent, a coupling agent, a nucleating agent, or a flame retardant.

[0069] Embodiment 18. The polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition further comprises a catalyst or initiator that induces the reaction of the poly(3-hydroxypropionate) with the at least one additional poly(hydroxyalkanoate), and a reaction product formed from the reaction of the poly(3-hydroxypropionate) with the at least one additional poly(hydroxyalkanoate).

[0070] Embodiment 19. A converted article comprising the polymer composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, the converted article being selected from the group consisting of a film, a fiber, a sheet, a molded article, a rotomolded article, an extrusion blow molded article, an injection stretch blow molded article, a foam, a melt coating of a substrate, and a calendered sheet.

[0071] Embodiment 20. A method for making a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer or terpolymer comprising the steps of: beta-propiolactone, a first substituted beta-propiolactone according to formula III; [ka] Optionally, a second substituted beta-propiolactone according to formula IV; [ka] Put them together forming a reaction mixture; and polymerizing the reaction mixture to form a copolymer or terpolymer, the copolymer or terpolymer comprising: (3-hydroxypropionate), A second repeat unit according to formula I; [ka] optionally a third repeat unit according to formula II; [ka] Including, In the formula, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 22 carbon atoms. The method comprising:

[0072] The following non-limiting examples illustrate various additional aspects of the present invention. Unless otherwise stated, temperatures are in degrees Celsius and percentages are weight percent based on the dry weight of the formulation. EXAMPLES

[0073] Example 1: In this example, samples of the poly(hydroxyalkanoate) composition were compounded using a 40 mm twin screw extruder at the Danimer Polymer Development Center in Bainbridge GA. Pentaerythritol was added at 1.0 weight percent to facilitate pelletization. In the first (control) sample, the composition contained only poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (99 weight percent) and pentaerythritol (1 weight percent). In the second sample, the composition was made up of about 89 weight percent of the same poly(hydroxyalkanoate), about 10 weight percent of poly(3-hydroxypropionate) (P3HP), and about 1 weight percent of pentaerythritol.

[0074] The materials were processed in a typical R&D unknown sample PHA process with a target melt temperature of about 165°C. The melt flow rate was measured at 175°C using a 10 kg weight. Both the number average molecular weight (Mn) and weight average molecular weight (Mw) of each sample were also measured using gel permeation chromatography using chloroform as the solvent. The results were as follows: [Table 1]

[0075] These results show that the inclusion of a relatively small amount of P3HP in the composition resulted in a dramatic increase in melt flow rate (MFR), which is particularly surprising because both molecular weight measures (Mn and Mw) were higher for the samples containing P3HP than for the control sample.

[0076] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in an effort to provide the best explanation of the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments, and with various modifications as appropriate to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A polymer composition comprising a blend of a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the first polymer comprises at least 10 mole percent (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units, and the second polymer comprises a poly(hydroxyalkanoate) that is free of (3-hydroxypropionate) repeat units; the polymer composition further comprises at least one additional biopolymer selected from the group consisting of polycaprolactone, poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate), poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), and mixtures thereof; The polymer composition.

2. The polymer composition of claim 1 , wherein the first polymer comprises poly(3-hydroxypropionate).

3. The first polymer comprises a copolymer or terpolymer, the copolymer or terpolymer comprising: a first repeat unit which is (3-hydroxypropionate); a second repeat unit according to formula I; 【Chemical 1】 optionally a third repeat unit according to formula II; 【Chemistry 2】 Including, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain alkyl groups having 1 to 22 carbon atoms; The polymer composition of claim 1.

4. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises 1 to 99 weight percent of the first polymer and 99 to 1 weight percent of the second polymer.

5. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises 25 to 75 weight percent of the first polymer and 75 to 25 weight percent of the second polymer.

6. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises 40 to 60 weight percent of the first polymer and 60 to 40 weight percent of the second polymer.

7. The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises 5 to 75 weight percent of the at least one additional biopolymer.

8. 2. The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the second polymer comprises 2-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, 3-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, or 4-hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, each of which may be branched or unbranched from 1 carbon branching to 12 carbon branching.

9. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the second polymer comprises poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate ("P(3HB-co-3HHx)").

10. 10. The polymer composition of claim 9, wherein the P(3HB-co-3HHx) comprises 75 to 99 mole percent hydroxybutyrate repeat units and 1 to 25 mole percent hydroxyhexanoate repeat units.

11. 10. The polymer composition of claim 9, wherein the P(3HB-co-3HHx) preferably comprises 93 to 98 mole percent hydroxybutyrate repeat units and 2 to 7 mole percent hydroxyhexanoate repeat units.

12. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, further comprising a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of erythritol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, artificial sweeteners, stearic acid compounds, sorbitol, mannitol, inositol, polyester waxes, nanoclays, behenamide, erucamide, stearamide, oleamide, poly(hydroxybutyrate), thymine, cyanuric acid, cytosine, adenine, uracil, guanine, boron nitride, and mixtures thereof.

13. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, further comprising a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of sebacic acid compounds, citric acid compounds, adipic acid fatty esters, succinic acid fatty esters, glucaric acid fatty esters, lactic acid compounds, alkyl diesters, citric acid compounds, alkyl methyl esters, dibenzoic acid compounds, propylene carbonate, vegetable oil esters, long chain alkyl acids, adipic acid compounds, glycerol, isosorbide derivatives or mixtures thereof, polymeric plasticizers, poly(hydroxyalkanoate) copolymers containing at least 18 mole percent of hydroxyalkanoate monomer residues other than hydroxybutyrate, and mixtures thereof.

14. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, further comprising a filler selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, talc, nanoclay, nanocellulose, hemp fiber, kaolin, carbon black, wollastonite, glass fiber, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, mica, silica, dolomite, barium sulfate, magnetite, halloysite, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, montmorillonite, feldspar, asbestos, boron, steel, carbon nanotubes, cellulose fiber, flax, cotton, starch, polysaccharides, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, modified starch, chitin and chitosan, alginate compounds, gluten, zein, casein, collagen, gelatin, polysaccharides, guar gum, xanthan gum, succinoglycan, natural rubber, rosin acid, lignin, natural fibers, jute, kenaf, hemp, ground nut shells, wood flour, and mixtures thereof.

15. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, further comprising an impact modifier selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins and emulsions, isosorbide derivatives, natural rubber, aliphatic polyesters, or mixtures thereof.

16. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a lubricant, an antioxidant, a stabilizer, a moisture absorber, a coupling agent, a nucleating agent, or a flame retardant.

17. 10. The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a catalyst or initiator that induces the reaction of the poly(3-hydroxypropionate) with the at least one additional poly(hydroxyalkanoate), and a reaction product formed from the reaction of the poly(3-hydroxypropionate) with the at least one additional poly(hydroxyalkanoate).

18. 10. A converted article comprising the polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the converted article is selected from the group consisting of a film, a fiber, a sheet, a molded article, a rotomolded article, an extrusion blow molded article, an injection stretch blow molded article, a foam, a melt coated substrate, and a calendered sheet.

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