Melt processable cellulose ester compositions, melts and melt formed articles made therefrom - Patents.com

Abstract

A melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is described. The melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention comprises (i) a cellulose ester; (ii) a plasticizer; and (iii) a hydrocolloid. Cellulose acetate melts and melt-molded articles are also described.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] There are well-known problems worldwide with waste disposal, particularly with regard to the disposal of large amounts of consumer products such as plastics or polymers that are not considered biodegradable within acceptable time limits. There is a societal desire to incorporate these types of waste into new products through reuse, re-use or otherwise reducing the amount of waste in circulation or in landfills. This is especially true with regard to disposable plastic articles / materials.

[0002] As consumer sentiment regarding the environmental fate of single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, takeaway cups, and plastic bags has become a global trend, plastic bans are being considered / enacted around the world in both developed and developing countries. For example, in the United States alone, bans range from plastic shopping bags to straws, cutlery, and clamshell containers. Others are taking even more extreme measures, as exemplified by the EU-wide list of 10 single-use items that will be banned, have their use restricted, or have increased producer responsibility mandated. As a result, industry leaders, brand owners, and retailers have made ambitious commitments to implement compostable and / or biodegradable materials going forward.

[0003] The use of biodegradable, disintegrable and / or compostable materials in the manufacture of such disposable articles is highly desirable from an environmental standpoint, but presents special problems for article manufacturers. The majority of such articles have historically been manufactured using non-biodegradable, fossil fuel-based materials, such as polystyrene, and utilize melt processing techniques, such as casting, extrusion and injection molding, in which the material is melted into a flowable form, processed and cooled to form the functional article.

[0004] In these melt processing applications, utilizing biodegradable raw materials such as plasticized cellulose esters, including plasticized cellulose acetate, as a substitute or replacement for non-biodegradable, fossil fuel-based materials is environmentally desirable and promotes sustainability, but is technically very challenging. First, it may be difficult to adopt plasticized biodegradable compositions in place of non-biodegradable materials in existing manufacturing systems without significant equipment replacement, modification, or upgrade costs. Furthermore, the changes in processing conditions that may be required by using biodegradable materials such as cellulose esters instead of non-biodegradable, fossil fuel-based materials such as polystyrene may adversely affect efficiency and material yield. In addition, the melt processing step to convert cellulose ester compositions into useful articles requires heating the formulation to temperatures that may result in color formation, loss of compositional components such as plasticizers, and loss of molecular weight of cellulose esters, all of which affect the thermal stability, toughness, flexibility, and other performance parameters of the final article. Also, because biodegradation is generally a surface-driven phenomenon, the desire to meet biodegradability and compostability standards can drastically limit the thickness desired for article strength.

[0005] In the manufacture of melt-molded articles from plasticized cellulose ester compositions, two important criteria that must be carefully balanced are melt strength and extensibility.The extensibility of material is an important property. Extensibility (sometimes also called stretchability) generally refers to the ability of material to be stretched without defect formation or failure, and is critical for many, if not most, melt processing methods, including foaming (typically, material is heated with a blowing agent, and material is stretched to form hollow cells); blow molding (typically, material is heated and stretched by air blown into preform or parison); and thermoforming (sheet is heated to a temperature higher than glass transition temperature, and then stretched two-dimensionally to fit a mold).

[0006] For thermoforming processes, a parameter known as area stretch ratio or stretch ratio is used to determine and evaluate extensibility. Area stretch ratio can be defined as the surface area of ​​the thermoformed article divided by the surface area of ​​the sheet before thermoforming. As an example, a thermoformed article such as a serving tray or plate may have an area stretch ratio of less than 2, while a deep dish and clamshell food container may have an area stretch ratio of about 3, and a large beverage cup may have an area stretch ratio of 5 or more.

[0007] Melt strength is also a critical parameter in melt processing methods. Materials with high melt strength prevent sagging during melt forming processes such as thermoforming, expansion foaming or melt spinning of fibers. To create foams with low density, both high melt strength and high extensibility are required.

[0008] Increasing the plasticizer content of a composition can, in some cases, improve the melt flow rate and extensibility or stretchability of the plasticized cellulose ester composition; however, melt strength typically decreases steadily as the plasticizer content increases. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] There is still an unmet market need for disposable consumer products that have suitable performance and melt processing properties for intended use, and are also compostable and / or biodegradable.In particular, with regard to plasticized cellulose ester compositions in this field, there is still an unmet need for materials that exhibit a desirable combination of melt strength and extensibility.

[0010] It would also be beneficial to provide a product having such characteristics that also has a significant content of renewable, reclaimed and / or reused materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Applicants have unexpectedly discovered that certain melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions are surprisingly advantageous for use in the manufacture of melt-formed biodegradable articles and biodegradable article components, with unexpected processability and article property advantages.

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition. The melt-processible cellulose acetate composition of the present invention comprises: (i) a cellulose ester; (ii) a plasticizer; and (iii) a hydrocolloid.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a cellulose ester melt, particularly useful for forming melt-molded articles. The cellulose ester melt of the present invention comprises (i) cellulose acetate; (ii) a plasticizer; and (iii) a hydrocolloid.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a melt-formed biodegradable article that comprises, is formed from, or is prepared using a melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition that comprises (i) a cellulose ester; (ii) a plasticizer; and (iii) a hydrocolloid, or a cellulose ester melt that comprises (i) a cellulose ester; (ii) a plasticizer; and (iii) a hydrocolloid.

[0015] In various interrelated aspects and embodiments, the present invention is generally directed to melt-processable compositions, including foamable or expandable compositions; melts; fibers, sheets, foams; articles, including melt-molded articles, and articles formed or prepared from melt-processable compositions and related compositions. Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that elements or features used to describe one aspect or embodiment may be applicable and useful in describing other embodiments. In a non-limiting example, the description of cellulose esters explicitly described in the context of the compositions of the present invention is also applicable and useful in describing cellulose esters in the context of melts, extruded, spun, molded, thermoformed, or expanded / foamed compositions and articles of the present invention. Thus, descriptions and disclosures related to elements or features of one aspect or embodiment of the present invention are expressly relied upon to describe and support these elements or features in other aspects or embodiments.

[0016] In the following various aspects and embodiments, the present invention is described in detail as the cellulose acetate composition comprising cellulose acetate.However, it is understood that the description related to such specific embodiment is also expressly relied upon to describe and support the embodiment more broadly directed to the cellulose ester composition comprising cellulose ester.

[0017] The present application also discloses, in various aspects, additional compositions, melts, articles, and methods. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition. The melt-processible cellulose ester composition of the present invention comprises: (i) a cellulose ester; (ii) a plasticizer; and (iii) a hydrocolloid.

[0019] The cellulose ester of the present invention can generally be described as comprising one or more carboxylic acid cellulose esters, for example, as described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,929,229, the contents and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.Non-limiting examples of cellulose ester include cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, so-called mixed acid esters, such as cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate, and combinations thereof.In one or more embodiments, cellulose ester is selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate propionate, or cellulose acetate butyrate, and combinations thereof.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the cellulose ester comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of cellulose acetate. In one or more embodiments, the cellulose acetate may be present in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose acetate composition in an amount of 50% to 97% by weight, or 55% to 95% by weight, or 60% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition. Cellulose acetates that may be useful in the present invention generally have the structure:

[0021] [ka] [In the formula, R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and acetyl. Repeat units of 0.01 to 0.01. For cellulose esters, the substitution level is usually expressed by the degree of substitution (DS), which is the average number of non-OH substituents per anhydroglucose unit (AGU). Generally, conventional cellulose contains three hydroxyl groups for each AGU unit to which cellulose acetate is substituted; therefore, the cellulose acetate DS has a value between zero and 3. Natural cellulose, even after pulping and purification, is a large polysaccharide with a degree of polymerization of 250 to 5,000, so the assumption that the maximum DS is 3.0 is approximately correct. Since DS is a statistical average, a value of 1 does not guarantee that all AGUs have one substituent. In some cellulose acetates, some have unsubstituted anhydroglucose units, some have two substituents, and some have three substituents, and typically the DS value is a non-integer. The total DS is defined as the average number of all substituents per anhydroglucose unit. The degree of substitution per AGU cellulose acetate also refers to a specific substituent, such as hydroxyl or acetyl, for example. In embodiments, n is an integer ranging from 25 to 250, or 25 to 200, or 25 to 150, or 25 to 100, or 25 to 75. The cellulose acetate useful in embodiments of the present invention has a degree of substitution ranging from 1.0 to 2.5. In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate may have an average degree of substitution of at least about 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45 or 1.5 and / or no more than about 2.5, 2.45, 2.4, 2.35, 2.3, 2.25, 2.2, 2.15, 2.1, 2.05, 2.0, 1.95, 1.9, 1.85, 1.8 or 1.75.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cellulose acetate has at least two anhydroglucose rings, and the cellulose acetate has at least 50 to 5,000 anhydroglucose rings, or at least 50 to less than 150 anhydroglucose rings. The number of anhydroglucose units per molecule is defined as the degree of polymerization (DP) of the cellulose acetate. In an embodiment, the cellulose acetate may have an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of about 0.2 to about 3.0 deciliters per gram, or about 0.5 to about 1.8, or about 1 to about 1.5, measured at a temperature of 25° C. for a 0.25 gram sample in 100 ml of a 60 / 40 by weight solution of phenol / tetrachloroethane. In an embodiment, the cellulose acetate useful in some embodiments may have a DS / AGU of about 1 to about 2.5, or less than 1 to 2.2, or less than 1 to 1.5, and the substituted ester is acetyl. The cellulose acetate useful in some embodiments may include cellulose diacetate and cellulose triacetate. Cellulose acetates useful in some embodiments have an average degree of substitution ("DS") for acetyl substituents in the range of 2.2 to 2.6, or 1.7 to 2.6, or 2.2 to 2.5, or 2.3 to 2.6, or 2.4 to 2.6. Ac ").

[0023] The cellulose esters useful in the present invention, specifically cellulose acetate, may be biodegradable. The term "biodegradable" generally refers to the biological transformation and consumption of organic molecules. Biodegradability is an inherent property of the material itself, and the material cellulose acetate exhibits different degrees of biodegradability depending on the specific conditions to which it is exposed. The term "disintegrability" refers to the tendency of a material to physically dissociate into smaller pieces when exposed to certain conditions. Disintegration depends on both the physical size and configuration of the material itself as well as the article being tested. Ecotoxicity measures the effect of the material on plant life, and the heavy metal content of the material is determined in accordance with procedures set forth in standard test methods. The melt processable compositions and melts of the present invention may be biodegradable in one or more embodiments.

[0024] The cellulose ester of the present invention can be produced by any method known in the art.Generally, the example of the process of producing cellulose ester is taught in Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 5th edition, vol. 5, Wiley-Interscience, New York (2004), pp. 394-444.The starting material cellulose for producing cellulose acetate can be obtained in various grades and from sources such as cotton linters, softwood pulp, hardwood pulp, corn fiber and other agricultural sources, and bacterial cellulose, among others.

[0025] One method of producing cellulose acetate is the esterification of cellulose by mixing it with an appropriate organic acid, an acid anhydride, and a cellulose catalyst. The cellulose is then converted to a cellulose triester. Ester hydrolysis is then carried out by adding a water-acid mixture to the cellulose triester, and the cellulose acetate is then filtered to remove any gel particles or fibers. Water is then added to the mixture to precipitate the cellulose ester. The cellulose ester can then be washed with water to remove reaction by-products, followed by dehydration and drying.

[0026] The cellulose triester that is hydrolyzed has three acetyl substituents. These cellulose esters can be prepared by many methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, cellulose esters can be prepared by the heterogeneous acylation of cellulose in a mixture of carboxylic acid and anhydride in the presence of a cellulose catalyst such as H2SO4. Cellulose triesters can also be prepared by the homogeneous acylation of cellulose dissolved in a suitable solvent such as LiCl / DMAc or LiCl / NMP.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will understand that the commercial term cellulose triester also includes the cellulose ester that is not fully substituted with acyl groups.For example, cellulose triacetate is commercially available from Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, TN, USA, and typically has a DS of about 2.85 to about 2.99.

[0028] After esterification of cellulose to triester, some of the acyl substituents can be removed by hydrolysis or alcoholysis to give secondary cellulose esters.As mentioned above, depending on the specific method used, the distribution of acyl substituents can be random or non-random.Secondary cellulose esters can also be prepared directly by using a limited amount of acylating reagent without hydrolysis.This process is particularly useful when the reaction is carried out in a solvent that dissolves cellulose.All of these methods produce cellulose esters that are useful in the present invention.

[0029] In one embodiment, or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the cellulose acetate of the present invention is cellulose diacetate. The cellulose diacetate may have a polystyrene-equivalent number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 10,000 to about 100,000, as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using NMP as a solvent and converted into polystyrene Mn according to ASTM D6474. In another aspect or embodiment of the present invention described herein, the melt-processable biodegradable cellulose acetate composition of the present invention may be a cellulose acetate composition of the present invention, as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using NMP as a solvent and converted into polystyrene Mn according to ASTM D6474. or less than 10,000 to 55,000; or less than 10,000 to 50,000; or less than 10,000 to 45,000; or less than 10,000 to 40,000; or less than 10,000 to 30,000; or less than 20,000 to 60,000; or less than 20,000 to 55,000; or less than 10,000 to 50,000; or less than 10,000 to 45,000; or less than 10,000 to 40,000; or less than 10,000 to 30,000; or less than 20,000 to 60,000; or less than 20,000 to 55,000; or 20,000 to 50,000; or less than 20,000 to 50,000; or less than 20,000 to 45,000; or 20,000 to 40,000; or 20,000 to 35,000; or 20,000 to 30,000; or less than 30,000 to 60,000; or less than 30,000 to 55,000; or 30,000 to 50,000; or less than 30,000 to 50,000; or less than 30,000 to 45,000; or 30,000 to 40,000; or 30,000 to 35,000. In embodiments, the cellulose acetate may have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 100,000 or less, or 90,000 or less, calculated as polystyrene, as measured using gel permeation chromatography using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent.In some cellulose acetates, the biodegradable cellulose acetates may have an Mn of at least about 10,000, at least about 20,000, 25,000, 30,000, 35,000, 40,000, or 45,000 and / or no more than about 100,000, no more than 95,000, no more than 90,000, no more than 85,000, no more than 80,000, no more than 75,000, no more than 70,000, no more than 65,000, no more than 60,000, or no more than 50,000.

[0030] The most common commercial secondary cellulose esters are prepared by first acid-catalyzed heterogeneous acylation of cellulose to form cellulose triesters. After obtaining a homogeneous solution of cellulose triesters in the corresponding carboxylic acid, the cellulose triesters are then subjected to hydrolysis until the desired degree of substitution is obtained. After isolation, random secondary cellulose esters are obtained. That is, the relative degree of substitution (DS) at each hydroxyl is approximately equal.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, cellulose acetate can be prepared by converting cellulose to cellulose esters using reactants obtained from recycled materials, such as recycled plastic-containing syngas sources. In an embodiment, such reactants can be cellulose reactants including organic acids and / or acid anhydrides used in esterification or acylation reactions of cellulose, such as those discussed herein.

[0032] The cellulose acetate of the present invention may be produced in any physical form that is desirable for downstream processing into compositions, melts and useful articles.In one or more embodiments, the biodegradable melt-stable cellulose acetate is in the form of powder.In one or more embodiments, the biodegradable melt-stable cellulose acetate is in the form of flakes or pellets.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable cellulose acetate composition comprises at least one recycled cellulose acetate.In one or more embodiments, the recycled cellulose acetate comprises at least one substituent on the anhydroglucose unit (AU) derived from recycled-containing materials, such as recycled plastic-containing syngas.Recycled cellulose acetate and methods for their manufacture are described, for example, in the assignee's PCT Publications WO2020 / 242921; WO2021 / 061918A1; WO2021 / 092296A1 and US Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0247910, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] In the embodiment of the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention comprises cellulose acetate, the composition may further comprise one or more additional cellulose esters.Non-limiting examples of such additional cellulose esters include cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, and so-called mixed acid esters, such as cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB).In the embodiment of the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention comprises cellulose acetate, the additional cellulose ester may comprise a second cellulose acetate that is different from the first cellulose acetate by one or more characteristics, such as degree of substitution (DS), glass transition temperature, intrinsic viscosity, acid value, hydroxyl value, bulk density, molecular weight, etc.

[0035] The cellulose ester may be present in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition in an amount of 1% to 99% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In one or more embodiments, the cellulose ester is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the amount of cellulose ester in the composition may vary based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, desired composition target properties such as crystallinity, toughness, elongation, adhesion, melt strength factor, etc. In one or more embodiments, the cellulose ester is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In one or more embodiments, the cellulose ester is present in an amount of up to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In one or more embodiments, the cellulose ester is present in an amount of up to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In one or more embodiments, the cellulose ester is present in the biodegradable composition in an amount of up to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, or up to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, or up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0036] The melt-processable cellulose acetate composition of the present invention further comprises a plasticizer.The plasticizer may be used alone or in combination of two or more.The plasticizer may be generally described as a processing aid that can reduce, for example, the melting temperature, glass transition temperature (Tg) and / or melt viscosity of the cellulose acetate present in the composition.

[0037] In embodiments, the plasticizer is a biodegradable plasticizer. Some examples of biodegradable plasticizers include triacetin, tripropoinin, triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, polyethylene glycol, benzoate-containing plasticizers such as Benzoflex™ plasticizer series, poly(alkyl succinates) such as poly(butyl succinate), polyethersulfone, adipate-based plasticizers, soybean oil epoxides such as Paraplex™ plasticizer series, sucrose-based plasticizers, dibutyl sebacate, tributyrin, Resoflex™ series plasticizers, triphenyl phosphate, glycolate, polyethylene glycol esters and ethers, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane-1,3-diylbis(2-methylpropanoate), polycaprolactone, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the plasticizer includes plasticizers with recycled content. Plasticizers having recycled content are generally described in WO2021092321A1, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the contents and disclosure of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0038] In an embodiment, the plasticizer is a food-compatible plasticizer. The term "food-compatible" means that the plasticizer is compatible with applicable food additive, food contact and / or drug regulations that are permitted for use or recognized as safe by at least one (national or regional) safety regulatory agency (or organization). Food-compatible materials may include materials listed in 21 CFR Food Additive Regulations or other generally recognized as safe (GRAS) materials by the US FDA. In an embodiment, the food-compatible plasticizer is triacetin. In embodiments, examples of food compatible plasticizers that may be considered include 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), adipic acid esters (e.g., diisobutyl adipate), polyvinylpyrrolidone, glycerin tribenzoate, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the plasticizer may be selected from the group consisting of triacetin, polyethylene glycol having an average weight average molecular weight of 300 to 1000 Da, and combinations thereof.

[0039] The melt-processable cellulose ester composition of the present invention can be plasticized. Thus, plasticizer can be present in a plasticizing amount. The phrase "plasticizing amount" includes the amount of plasticizer sufficient to plasticize the cellulose ester present in the melt-processable cellulose ester composition, and facilitate the formation of melt and the melt processing of the melt into a useful melt-molded article. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific amount of plasticizer that can constitute "plasticizing amount" can depend on many factors, such as the identity and amount of cellulose ester present in the composition and the identity of other additives or ingredients. For example, the presence of a compatible polymer, solvent, and certain processing aids such as foaming agent in the composition can reduce the amount of plasticizer required to plasticize cellulose acetate.

[0040] In embodiments, the plasticizer may be present in an amount sufficient to allow the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition to be melt-processed (or thermoformed) into a useful article, such as a disposable plastic article, in conventional melt processing equipment. The amount of plasticizer may therefore vary based on factors including the type of thermal or melt processing used to make the article from the composition. Non-limiting processing examples include extrusion, such as profile extrusion and sheet extrusion; injection molding; compression molding; blow molding; thermoforming, etc. Thus, the articles that include the composition or are formed from the composition or can be prepared using the composition may include extrusion articles, such as profile extrusion articles and sheet extrusion articles; injection molding articles; compression molding articles; blow molding articles; thermoforming articles, etc.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises a plasticizer (as described herein) in an amount of from 1 wt.% to 40 wt.%, or from 5 wt.% to 40 wt.%, or from 5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, or from 10 wt.% to 40 wt.%, or from 13 wt.% to 40 wt.%, or from 15 wt.% to 50 wt.%, or from 15 wt.% to 40 wt.%, or 17wt%~40wt%, or 20wt%~40wt%, or 25wt%~40wt%, or 5wt%~35wt%, or 10wt%~35wt%, or 13wt%~35wt%, or 15wt%~35wt%, or more than 15wt%~35wt%, or 17wt%~35wt%, or 20wt%~35wt%, or 5wt%~30wt%, or 10wt%~30wt%, or 13wt%~30wt %, or 15wt% to 30wt%, or more than 15wt% to 30wt%, or 17wt% to 30wt%, or 5wt% to 25wt%, or 10wt% to 25wt%, or 13wt% to 25wt%, or 15wt% to 25wt%, or more than 15wt% to 25wt%, or 17wt% to 25wt%, or 5wt% to 20wt%, or 10wt% to 20wt%, or 13wt% to 20wt%, or 15w It may contain in an amount of from 15 wt% to 20 wt%, or from greater than 15 wt% to 20 wt%, or from 17 wt% to 20 wt%, or from 5 wt% to 17 wt%, or from 10 wt% to 17 wt%, or from 13 wt% to 17 wt%, or from 15 wt% to 17 wt%, or from greater than 15 wt% to 17 wt%, or from 5 wt% to less than 17 wt%, or from 10 wt% to 17 wt%, or from 13 wt% to 17 wt%, or from 15 wt% to less than 17 wt%.

[0042] The melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention comprises a hydrocolloid. In general, hydrocolloids are high molecular weight hydrophilic polymers, generally containing polar or charged functional groups, such as hydroxyl groups, which can make the hydrocolloid soluble or dispersible in water and polyelectrolytes. Hydrocolloids can be of vegetable, animal, microbial or synthetic origin, and can be classified as either protein hydrocolloids (such as gelatin, casein and some milk-, egg-, and vegetable- or vegetable-derived protein isolates) or polysaccharide hydrocolloids; however, those skilled in the art will understand that there are many types of hydrocolloids, each type containing multiple grades in its product category and can be processed under various conditions. Hydrocolloids can form gels by physical association of their polymer chains through one or more of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions and cation-mediated crosslinking. Hydrocolloids are generally well known in the art and are described, for example, in WO2007 / 048193, WO2010 / 091853, and US 6093439, the contents and disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term "hydrocoloid" is expressly intended to include purified, partially purified or purified hydrocolloids; hydrocolloids found as salts, such as, for example, sodium alginate; and chemically modified hydrocolloids and / or hydrocolloid derivatives, such as, for example, hydroxypropylated starch and acacia gum modified with octenyl succinic acid.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the hydrocolloids included in the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester compositions of the present invention can be emulsifiers or emulsifying agents. As generally described in the art, emulsifiers are surfactants or surface-active substances, often water-soluble or water-dispersible, that can reduce interfacial tension and counter droplet enlargement in chemical systems. Emulsifiers can, for example, act as stabilizers for emulsions, preventing liquids that normally do not mix from separating. Hydrocolloids that are substantially surface-active can have the potential to act as emulsifiers in formulations or compositions. The most widely utilized polysaccharide emulsifiers in food applications are acacia gum, modified starches, modified celluloses, certain pectins (e.g., sugar beet pectin), and some galactomannans (soybean soluble polysaccharides). Starches hydrophobically modified by reaction with succinic octenyl anhydride have been shown to be strongly surface active. Good stabilization by adsorbed polysaccharides can also be achieved with various surface-active derivatives of cellulose, such as hydroxypropyl(methyl)cellulose, depolymerized citrus pectin, and corn fiber gum. Polysaccharide hydrocolloids that can act as emulsifiers can include fenugreek gum, gum arabic, gum ghatti, and gum karaya. Tragacanth gum, as well as mesquite gum and larch arabinogalactan, are other polysaccharide hydrocolloid emulsifiers from tree exudates.

[0044] Furthermore, some polysaccharide hydrocolloids may act as emulsifiers in the presence of proteins blended or chemically reacted with the polysaccharide, referred to herein as "polysaccharide / protein emulsifier complexes," where the complexes (which may also be referred to herein as blends or complexes) have a higher surface activity than the polysaccharide alone. Examples of polysaccharide / protein emulsifier complexes include whey protein-maltodextrin complexes and blends of beta-casein with xanthan gum. As a further example, U.S. Patent No. 8,034,394, the contents and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes glycoprotein emulsifiers comprising at least one covalently bound protein and at least one carbohydrate, wherein the protein is selected from the group comprising one or more proteins of milk, plant or egg, and the carbohydrate is selected from the group comprising one or more sugars of simple sugars, monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. In one or more embodiments, the hydrocolloid included in the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention may be a polysaccharide / protein emulsifier complex.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the hydrocolloid is present in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition in an amount of 0.1 to 49 wt%, or 0.5 to 20 wt%, or 0.1 to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition. In one or more embodiments, the hydrocolloid is present in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition in an amount equal to or less than the amount of cellulose ester in the composition. In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention may include two or more hydrocolloids or a blend or mixture of hydrocolloids. In such embodiments, the total hydrocolloid content in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition may be 0.1 to 49 wt%, or 0.1 to 20 wt%, or 0.1 to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the hydrocolloid contained in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention is a polysaccharide hydrocolloid.Examples of polysaccharide hydrocolloids include, but are not limited to, agar, alginate, carrageenan, chitin, cassia gum, cellulose gum, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, fenugreek gum, gellan gum, guar gum, acacia gum, arabic gum, ghatti gum, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, konjac mannan, linseed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum (also known as Caesalpinia spinosa gum), tamarind gum, yarrow gum, sycamore gum, xanthan gum, soybean soluble polysaccharide, pectin, starch and modified starch. In one or more embodiments, the hydrocolloid included in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of agar, alginate, carrageenan, chitin, cassia gum, cellulose gum, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, fenugreek gum, gellan gum, guar gum, acacia gum, arabic gum, ghatti gum, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, konjac mannan, larch gum, linseed gum, locust bean gum, mesquite gum, corn fiber gum, tara gum (also known as Caesalpinia spinosa gum), tamarind gum, yarrow gum, sycamore gum, xanthan gum, soybean soluble polysaccharide, pectin, starch, and modified starch. In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention includes a hydrocolloid, and the hydrocolloid includes acacia gum.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the hydrocolloid contained in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention is a food-compatible hydrocolloid.The term "food-compatible" refers to conformity with applicable food additive, food contact and / or pharmaceutical regulations, and means that the plasticizer is permitted for use or recognized as safe by at least one (national or regional) safety regulatory agency (or organization). Examples of food compatible hydrocolloids include, but are not limited to, agar, alginate, carrageenan, chitin, cassia gum, cellulose gum, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, fenugreek gum, gellan gum, guar gum, acacia gum, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, konjac mannan, linseed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum (also known as Caesalpinia spinosa gum), tamarind gum, yarrow gum, sycamore gum, xanthan gum, soy soluble polysaccharides, pectin, starch, and modified starches.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the hydrocolloid contained in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention comprises both hydrophilic domain and hydrophobic domain.The examples of hydrocolloids having both hydrophilic domain and hydrophobic domain include, but are not limited to, gum arabic, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, gum ghatti, gum larch, gum fenugreek, pectin such as sugar beet pectin, depolymerized citrus pectin, chicory root pectin; chitosan, mesquite gum, corn fiber gum and modified starch such as sodium octenyl succinate starch.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention may contain one or more optional additives.Non-limiting examples of additives include UV absorbers, antioxidants, acid scavengers such as epoxidized soybean oil, radical scavengers, epoxidized oils and their fillers, additives, biopolymers, stabilizers, and / or odor control waxes, compatibilizers, biodegradation accelerators, dyes, pigments, colorants, gloss regulators, lubricants, antioxidants, viscosity regulators, antifungal agents, antifog agents, heat stabilizers, impact regulators, antibacterial agents, softeners, processing aids, mold release agents, and combinations thereof.It should be noted that the same type of compound or material may be identified as or included in multiple categories of components in melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition. For example, polyethylene glycol (PEG) can function as a plasticizer or as an additive that does not function as a plasticizer, such as a hydrophilic polymer or biodegradation promoter, where lower molecular weight PEG has a plasticizing effect and higher molecular weight PEG functions as a hydrophilic polymer but without a plasticizing effect.In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention may include glyceryl monostearate (GMS) or other fatty acid or ester.GMS or other fatty acid derivatives can be added as a lubricant, release agent, or to reduce adhesion.

[0050] In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises at least one filler. In an embodiment, the filler is of a type and present in an amount that enhances the biodegradability and / or compostability of the article that comprises the composition and is prepared or formed from the composition. In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises at least one filler selected from: carbohydrates (sugars and salts), cellulosic and organic fillers (wood flour, wood fiber, hemp, cellulose carbon, coal particles, graphite, and starch), mineral and inorganic fillers (calcium carbonate, talc, silica, titanium dioxide, glass fiber, glass spheres, boronitride, aluminum trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, alumina, and clay), food waste or by-products (eggshell, distillers grains, and coffee grounds), desiccants (e.g. calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide), or combinations (e.g., mixtures) thereof. In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises at least one filler that also functions as a color additive. In an embodiment, the color additive filler can be selected from: carbon, graphite, titanium dioxide, opacifiers, dyes, pigments, toners, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises at least one filler that also functions as a stabilizer or flame retardant.

[0051] In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition may optionally further comprise a biodegradable polymer (other than cellulose ester such as cellulose acetate). In an embodiment, the other biodegradable polymer may be selected from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA and PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone polymers (PCL), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene succinate (PES), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and copolymers (such as polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA)), cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, starches, proteins, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition may comprise two or more biodegradable polymers. In embodiments, the biodegradable polymer (other than the cellulose ester) is present in an amount of 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 melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition. In embodiments, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition contains the biodegradable polymer (other than the cellulose ester) in an amount of 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 cellulose ester plus the biodegradable polymer. In embodiments, the biodegradable polymer has a molecular weight of 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, as measured using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with a refractive index detector and polystyrene standards utilizing a solvent of methylene chloride. The PHAs include those having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 00 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.In embodiments, the PHA may include polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate.

[0052] In certain embodiments, melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition optionally comprises at least one stabilizer.In general, it may be desirable for melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition and the article that comprises or is formed from or prepared using them to be compostable and / or biodegradable, but a certain amount of stabilizer can be added to provide a selected shelf life or stability against, for example, light exposure, oxidation stability, or hydrolysis stability.In various embodiments, stabilizer can include UV absorbers, antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid, BHT, BHA), other acids and radical scavengers, epoxidized oils, such as epoxidized soybean oil, or combinations thereof.

[0053] Antioxidants (AOs) can be divided into several classes, including primary antioxidants and secondary antioxidants. Primary antioxidants are generally known to function essentially as free radical terminating agents (scavengers). Secondary antioxidants are generally known to dissociate hydroperoxides (ROOH) into non-reactive products before they dissociate into alkoxy and hydroxyl radicals. Secondary antioxidants are often used in combination with free radical scavengers (primary antioxidants) to achieve a synergistic inhibitory effect, and secondary AOs are used to extend the life of phenolic-type primary AOs.

[0054] "Primary antioxidants" are antioxidants that act by reacting with peroxide radicals via hydrogen transfer, quenching the radicals. Primary antioxidants generally contain reactive hydroxy or amino groups, such as in sterically hindered phenols and secondary aromatic amines. Examples of primary antioxidants are BHT, Irganox™ 1010, 1076, 1726, 245, 1098, 259, and 1425; Ethanox™ 310, 376, 314, and 330; Evernox™ 10, 76, 1335, 1330, 3114, MD 1024, 1098, 1726, 120.2246, and 565; Anox™ 20, 29, 330, 70, IC-14, and 1315; Lowinox™ 520, 1790, 22IB46, 22M46, 44B25, AH25, GP45, cellulose acetate 22, CPL, 3 Includes HD98, TBM-6, and WSP; Naugard™ 431, PS48, SP, and 445; Songnox™ 1010, 1024, 1035, 1076 CP, 1135LQ, 1290PW, 1330FF, 1330PW, 2590PW, and 3114FF; and ADK Stab AO-20, AO-30, AO-40, AO-50, AO-60, AO-80, and AO-330.

[0055] "Secondary antioxidants" are often hydroperoxide dissociators. Hydroperoxide dissociators act by reacting with hydroperoxides and dissociating them into non-radical, non-reactive and thermally stable products. They are often used in conjunction with primary antioxidants. Examples of secondary antioxidants include organophosphorus (e.g., phosphites, phosphonites) and organosulfur compounds. The phosphorus and sulfur atoms of these compounds react with peroxides to convert them to alcohols. Examples of secondary antioxidants are Ultranox 626, Ethanox™ 368, 326, and 327; Doverphos™ LPG11, LPG12, DP S-680, 4, 10, S480, S-9228, S-9228T; Evernox™ 168 and 626; Irgafos™ 126 and 168; Weston™ DPDP, DPP, EHDP, PDDP, TDP, TLP, and TPP; Mark™ CH302, CH55, TNPP, CH66, CH300, CH301, CH302, CH304, and CH305; ADK Stab2112, HP-10, PEP-8, PEP-36, 1178, 135A, 1500, 3010, C, and TPP; Weston 439, DHOP, DPDP, DPP, DPTDP, EHDP, PDDP, PNPG, PTP, PTP, TDP, TLP, TPP, 398, 399, 430, 705, 705T, TLTTP, and TNPP; Alkanox 240, 626, 626A, 627AV, 618F, and 619F; and Songnox™ 1680FF, 1680PW, and 6280FF.

[0056] In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises at least one stabilizer, the stabilizer comprising one or more secondary antioxidants. In an embodiment, the stabilizer comprises a first stabilizer component selected from one or more secondary antioxidants, and a second stabilizer component selected from one or more primary antioxidants, citric acid, or a combination thereof.

[0057] In embodiments, the stabilizer comprises one or more secondary antioxidants in an amount, in weight percent, ranging from 0.01 to 0.8, or 0.01 to 0.7, or 0.01 to 0.5, or 0.01 to 0.4, or 0.01 to 0.3, or 0.01 to 0.25, or 0.01 to 0.2, or 0.05 to 0.8, or 0.05 to 0.7, or 0.05 to 0.5, or 0.05 to 0.4, or 0.05 to 0.3, or 0.05 to 0.25, or 0.05 to 0.2, or 0.08 to 0.8, or 0.08 to 0.7, or 0.08 to 0.5, or 0.08 to 0.4, or 0.08 to 0.3, or 0.08 to 0.25, or 0.08 to 0.2, based on the total weight of the composition. In one class of this embodiment, the stabilizer comprises a secondary antioxidant that is a phosphite compound.In one class of this embodiment, the stabilizer comprises a secondary antioxidant that is a phosphite compound and another secondary antioxidant that is DLTDP.

[0058] In a subclass of this class, the stabilizer further comprises a second stabilizer component comprising one or more primary antioxidants in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 0.7, or 0.05 to 0.6, or 0.05 to 0.5, or 0.05 to 0.4, or 0.05 to 0.3, or 0.1 to 0.6, or 0.1 to 0.5, or 0.1 to 0.4, or 0.1 to 0.3, based on the total weight of the composition. In a subclass of this class, the stabilizer further comprises a second stabilizer component comprising citric acid in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 0.2, or 0.05 to 0.15, or 0.05 to 0.1, based on the total weight of the composition. In a subclass of this class, the stabilizer further comprises a second stabilizer component comprising one or more primary antioxidants and citric acid in the amounts disclosed herein. In a subclass of this class, the stabilizer contains less than 0.1 wt.% or no primary antioxidant, based on the total weight of the composition. In a subclass of this class, the stabilizer contains less than 0.05 wt.% or no primary antioxidant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0059] In embodiments, depending on the application, for example, for disposable food contact applications, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition may include at least one odor control additive. In embodiments, depending on the application and the ingredients used in the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition, suitable odor control additives may be selected from: vanillin, Pennyroyal M-1178, almond, cinnamyl, spices, spice extracts, volatile organic compounds or small molecules, and Plastidor. In one embodiment, the odor control additive may be vanillin. In embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition may include the odor control additive in an amount of 0.01 to 1 wt%, or 0.1 to 0.5 wt%, or 0.1 to 0.25 wt%, or 0.1 to 0.2 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. The mechanism for the odor control additive may include masking, scavenging, complementation, or a combination thereof.

[0060] As discussed above, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition may include other optional additives. In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition may include at least one compatibilizer. In an embodiment, the compatibilizer may be either a non-reactive compatibilizer or a reactive compatibilizer. The compatibilizer may enhance the ability of the cellulose ester or another component to reach a desired small particle size and improve the dispersion of the selected component in the composition. In such an embodiment, depending on the desired formulation, the cellulose ester may be in either the continuous or discontinuous phase of the dispersion. In an embodiment, the compatibilizer used may improve the mechanical and / or physical properties of the composition by modifying the interfacial interaction / bonding between the cellulose ester and another component, such as another biodegradable polymer.

[0061] In embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises the compatibilizer in an amount of from about 1 to about 40 wt%, or from about 1 to about 30 wt%, or from about 1 to about 20 wt%, or from about 1 to about 10 wt%, or from about 5 to about 20 wt%, or from about 5 to about 10 wt%, or from about 10 to about 30 wt%, or from about 10 to about 20 wt%, based on the weight of the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition.

[0062] In embodiments, if desired, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition may include a biodegradation agent and / or dissociation agent, such as, for example, a hydrolysis aid, or any intentional degradation-promoting additive may be added to or contained in the composition, added either during or after the production of cellulose acetate, and melted or solvent blended with cellulose acetate to promote the biodegradability of the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition and / or the compostability and / or disintegrability of articles that contain it or are formed or prepared using it. In embodiments, the additives may promote hydrolysis by releasing acidic or basic residues, and / or accelerate photo (UV) or oxidative degradation, and / or promote the growth of selective microbial colonies in compost and soil media to aid in disintegration and biodegradation. In addition to promoting degradation, these additives may have additional functions, such as improving the processability of the article or improving the mechanical properties of the desired article.

[0063] An example set of possible dissociation agents includes inorganic carbonates, synthetic carbonates, nepheline syenite, talc, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, diatomaceous earth, natural or synthetic silica, calcined clay, etc. In embodiments, it may be desirable for these additives to be well dispersed in the composition matrix. The additives may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0064] Another set of examples of possible dissociating agents are aromatic ketones used as oxidative dissociating agents, including benzophenone, anthraquinone, anthrone, acetylbenzophenone, 4-octylbenzophenone, etc. These aromatic ketones may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0065] Other examples include cobalt or magnesium salts, such as aliphatic carboxylic acid (C12-C20) salts of cobalt or magnesium, or transition metal compounds used as oxidizing dissociators, such as cobalt stearate, cobalt oleate, magnesium stearate, and magnesium oleate; or anatase titanium dioxide, or titanium dioxide may be used. Mixed-phase titanium dioxide particles, in which both rutile and anatase crystal structures are present in the same particle, may be used. The particles of the photoactivator may have a relatively large surface area, for example, about 10 to about 300 square meters / g, or 20 to 200 square meters / g, as measured by the BET surface area method. The photoactivator may be added to a plasticizer, if desired. These transition metal compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0066] Examples of rare earth compounds that can be used as the oxidizing dissociation agent include rare earths belonging to group 3A of the periodic table and their oxides. Specific examples thereof include cerium (Ce), yttrium (Y), neodymium (Nd), rare earth oxides, hydroxides, rare earth sulfates, rare earth nitrates, rare earth acetates, rare earth chlorides, rare earth carboxylates, etc. More specific examples thereof include cerium oxide, cerium sulfate, ammonium cerium sulfate, ammonium cerium nitrate, cerium acetate, lanthanum nitrate, cerium chloride, cerium nitrate, cerium hydroxide, cerium octylate, lanthanum oxide, yttrium oxide, scandium oxide, etc. These rare earth compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition includes additives with pro-degradant functions to enhance biodegradability, including transition metal salts or chemical catalysts containing transition metals such as cobalt, manganese, and iron. Suitable transition metal salts include tartrates, stearates, oleates, citrates, and chlorides. The additives may further include a free radical scavenging system and one or more inorganic or organic fillers, such as chalk, talc, silica, wollastonite, starch, cotton, recycled cardboard, and plant-derived materials. The additives may also include enzymes, bacterial cultures, swelling agents, CMC, sugars, or other energy sources. The additives may also include hydroxylamine esters and thio compounds.

[0068] In certain embodiments, other possible biodegradation and / or dissociation agents may include swelling agents and disintegration agents. Swelling agents may be hydrophilic materials that increase in volume after absorbing water and exert pressure on the surrounding matrix. Disintegration agents may be additives that promote the matrix to break down into smaller pieces in an aqueous environment. Examples include minerals, and polymers, including crosslinked or modified polymers, and swelling hydrogels. In embodiments, the composition may include water-swelling minerals or clays, such as laponite and bentonite, and their salts; hydrophilic polymers, such as poly(acrylic acid) and salts, poly(acrylamide), poly(ethylene glycol), and poly(vinyl alcohol); polyglycolic acid; polysaccharides, such as starch, psyllium, and modified polymers, such as crosslinked PVP, sodium starch glycolate, carboxymethylcellulose, gelatinous starch, sodium croscarmellose; or combinations of these additives.

[0069] In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition may include a pH-basic additive that can increase the dissociation or decomposition of the composition or article made or prepared using the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition. Examples of pH-basic additives that can be used as oxidative dissociation agents include alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates, ZnO, and basic Al2O3. In an embodiment, the at least one basic additive can be MgO, Mg(OH)2, MgCO3, CaO, Ca(OH)2, CaCO3, NaHCO3, Na2CO3, K2CO3, ZnO KHCO3, or basic Al2O3. In one aspect, alkaline earth metal oxides, ZnO, and basic Al2O3 can be used as basic additives. In an embodiment, a combination of different pH-basic additives or a combination of pH-basic additives and other additives may be used. In embodiments, the pH-basic additive has a pH in the range of greater than 7.0 to 10.0, or 7.1-9.5, or 7.1-9.0, or 7.1-8.5, or 7.1-8.0, measured in a 1 wt % water mixture / solution.

[0070] Examples of organic acid additives that may be used as oxidative dissociation agents include acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, benzoic acid, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, citrate, tartarate, oxalate, malate, maleic acid, maleate, phthalic acid, phthalate, benzoate, and combinations thereof.

[0071] Examples of other hydrophilic polymers or biodegradation-promoting agents may include glycols, polyglycols, polyethers, and polyalcohols or other biodegradable polymers, such as poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid), polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, polydioxanes, polyoxalates, poly(α-esters), polycarbonates, polyanhydrides, polyacetals, polycaprolactones, poly(orthoesters), polyamino acids, aliphatic polyesters such as poly(butylene)succinic acid, poly(ethylene)succinic acid, starch, regenerated cellulose, or aliphatic-aromatic polyesters such as PBAT.

[0072] In embodiments, examples of colorants include carbon black, iron oxides, such as red iron oxide or blue iron oxide, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, red cadmium, calcium carbonate, kaolin clay, aluminum hydroxide, barium sulfate, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide; and organic pigments, such as azo and diazo and triazo pigments, condensed azo, azo lakes, naphthol pigments, anthrapyrimidines, benzimidazolones, carbazoles, diketopyrrolopyrroles, flavanthrones, indigoid pigments, isoindolinones, isoindolines, isoviolanthrones, metal complex pigments, oxadienes, In certain embodiments, the pigments may include those of the phthalocyanine series, particularly copper phthalocyanine and its nuclear halogenated derivatives, and also lakes of acid, basic and mordant dyes, and isoindolinone pigments, as well as vegetable and vegetable dyes, and other available colorants or dyes.

[0073] In embodiments, gloss modifiers and fillers for adjusting the surface gloss may include silica, talc, clay, barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and the like.

[0074] Suitable flame retardants may include silica, metal oxides, phosphates, catechol phosphates, resorcinol phosphates, borates, inorganic hydrates, and aromatic polyhalides.

[0075] While it is desirable for articles comprising and formed or prepared using the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester compositions to be compostable, disintegratable and / or biodegradable, certain amounts of antifungal, antibacterial, or antimicrobial agents may be added to provide a selected shelf life, useful service life, or stability.Such agents include polyene antifungals (e.g., natamycin, rimocidin, filipin, nystatin, amphotericin B, kajicin, and hamycin), imidazole antifungals such as miconazole (available as MICELLULOSE ACETATETIN™ from WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corporation), ketoconazole (commercially available as NIZORAL® from McNeil consumer Healthcare), clotrimazole (available as LOTRAMIN® and LOTRAMIN® from Merck), and the like. AF® and available from Bayer as CASTEN®), econazole, omoconazole, bifonazole, butoconazole, fenticonazole, isoconazole, oxiconazole, sertaconazole (commercially available as ERTACZO® from OrthoDematologics), sulconazole, and tioconazole; triazole antifungals such as fluconazole, itraconazole, isavuconazole, ravuconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, terconazole, and albaconazole, thiazole antifungals (e.g., abafungin), allylamine antifungals (e.g., terbinafine (commercially available as LAMISIL® from Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.), naftifine (commercially available as NAFTIN® from Merz Pharmaceuticals), and butenafine (commercially available as LOTRAMIN® from Merck), ULTRA®), echinocandin antifungals (e.g., anidulafungin, capofungin, and micafungin), polygodial, benzoic acid, ciclopirox, tolnaftate (e.g., available from MDS Consumer Care, Inc. as TINACTIN®), undecylenic acid, flucytosine, 5-fluorocytosine, griseofulvin, haloprogin, caprylic acid, and any combination thereof.

[0076] Viscosity modifiers having the purpose of modifying the melt flow index or viscosity of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition that may be used include polyethylene and polypropylene glycols, and glycerin.

[0077] In embodiments, other components that may be included in the composition may function as release or lubricants (e.g., fatty acids, ethylene glycol distearate), antiblock or slip agents (e.g., one or more fatty acid esters, metal stearates (e.g., zinc stearate), and waxes), antifog agents (e.g., surfactants), heat stabilizers (e.g., epoxy stabilizers, derivatives of epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO), linseed oil, and sunflower oil), antistatic agents, foaming agents, biocides, impact modifiers, or reinforcing fibers. More than one component may be present in the composition. It is noted that additional components may perform more than one function in the composition. The different (or specific) functionality of any particular additive (or component) to the composition may depend on its physical properties (e.g., molecular weight, solubility, melting temperature, Tg, etc.) and / or the amount of such additive / component in the overall composition. For example, polyethylene glycol may function as a plasticizer at one molecular weight, or as a hydrophilic agent (having little or no plasticizing effect) at another molecular weight.

[0078] In embodiments, flavorings may be added if desired. Examples of flavorings include spices, spice extracts, herb extracts, essential oils, aromatic salts, volatile organic compounds, volatile small molecules, methyl formate, methyl acetate, methyl butyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, isoamyl acetate, pentyl butyrate, pentyl pentanoate, octyl acetate, myrcene, geraniol, nerol, citral, citronellal, citronellol, linalool, nerolidol, limonene, camphor, terpineol, alpha-ionone, thujone, benzaldehyde, eugenol, isoeugenol, cinnamaldehyde, ethyl maltol, vanilla. , vanillin, cinnamyl alcohol, anisole, anethole, estragole, thymol, furaneol, methanol, rosemary, lavender, citrus, freesia, apricot flower, green, peach, jasmine, rosewood, pine, thyme, hornwort, musk, vetiver, myrrh, blackcurrant, bergamot, grapefruit, acacia, passionflower, sandalwood, tonka bean, mandarin, neroli, violet leaves, gardenia, red fruits, ylang-ylang, goldenrod, mimosa, tonka bean, wood, ambergris Squirrel, daffodil, hyacinth, narcissus, blackcurrant bud, iris, raspberry, lily of the valley, sandalwood, vetiver, cedarwood, neroli, strawberry, carnation, oregano, honey, civet, heliotrope, caramel, coumarin, patchouli, dewberry, heronial, coriander, pimento berry, labdanum, cassi, aldehyde, orchid, amber, iris, tuberose, palmarosa, cinnamon, nutmeg, moss, snowbell, pineapple, foxglove, tulip, wisteria, clematis, Ambergris, gum, resin, civet, plum, castoreum, civet, myrrh, geranium, rose violet, jonquil, spicy carnation, galbanum, petitgrain, iris, honeysuckle, pepper, raspberry, benzoin, mango, coconut, hesperides, castoreum, osmanthus, mousse de chene, nectarine, mint, anise, cinnamon, iris, apricot, plumeria, marigold, rose otto, daffodil, tolu balsam, frankincense, amber, orange blossom, bourbon vetiver,Opopanax, white musk, papaya, sugar candy, jackfruit, tangerine, lotus flower, lily of the valley, mulberry, absinthe, ginger, juniper, benzoin, peony, violet, lemon, lime, hibiscus, white rum, basil, lavender, balsamic, fortified olive, sweet osmanthus, calocalunde, white orchid, calla lily, white rose, rubrum lily, tagetes, ambergris, ivy, grass, rubber grass, spearmint, clary sage, cottonwood, grape, plumbell, lotus, Cyclamen, Orchid, Glycine, Tahiti Tiare, Ginger Lily, Green Osmanthus, Passion Flower, Blue Rose, Bay Lamium, Cassia, African Tagetes, Anatolian Rose, Auvergne Narcissus, British Bloom, British Bloom Chocolate, Bulgarian Rose, Chinese Patchouli, Chinese Gardenia, Calabrian Mandarin, Comoro Tuberose, Ceylon Cardamom, Caribbean Passion Fruit, Damascena Rose, Georgia Peach, Maidenhair Lily, Egyptian Jasmine , Egyptian marigold, Ethiopian civet, Farnesian cassi, sweet iris, French jasmine, French jonquil, French hyacinth, Guinea orange, Guyana capua, Grasse petitgrain, Grasse rose, Grasse tuberose, Haitian vetiver, Hawaiian pineapple, Israeli basil, Indian sandalwood, Indian Ocean vanilla, Italian bergamot, Italian iris, Jamaican pepper, May rose, Madagascar ylang ylang, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan jasmine, Moroccan Colossus, Moroccan oakmoss, Moroccan orange blossom, Mysore sandalwood, Oriental rose, Russian leather, Russian coriander, Sicilian mandarin, South African marigold, South American tonka bean, Singaporean patchouli, Spanish orange blossom, Sicilian lime, Reunion Island vetiver, Turkish rose, Thai benzoin, Tunisian orange blossom, Yugoslavian oakmoss, Bernese cedarwood, Utah yarrow, West Indian rosewood, and the like, and any combination thereof.

[0079] As described herein, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention can be melt-processable and useful for forming melt-molded articles. Thus, in another aspect, the present invention is directed to melt-processable cellulose acetate melt. The term "melt" is generally utilized to describe a composition in a flowable, liquid form, sometimes essentially viscous composition, typically created by raising the composition to a temperature sufficient to promote melt flow (as opposed to, for example, adding a solvent to form a dispersion, suspension or solution). The melt is typically in the form required for melt processing to produce a melt-molded article. When describing a composition as "melt-processable" herein, it is intended to include compositions that can be formed using melt processes such as extrusion, including, but not limited to, profile and sheet extrusion; injection molding; compression molding; blow molding; melt spinning; thermoforming, and the like, that are processable into useful melt-molded articles. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the present invention is directed to a cellulose ester melt that is particularly useful for forming melt-molded articles. In one or more embodiments, the cellulose ester melt comprises, is prepared from, or is formed from the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention. In one or more embodiments, the cellulose ester melt comprises (i) a cellulose ester; (ii) a plasticizer; and (iii) a hydrocolloid.

[0080] An important general feature of the melt processable compositions and melts of the present invention is the unexpected improvement in processability in the manufacture of melt molded articles. One parameter that demonstrates this feature can be melt viscosity. Melt viscosity measures the extrusion rate of a thermoplastic through an orifice at a given temperature and load, and is an important indicator of equipment power consumption, torque and pressure during melt processing. Melt viscosity provides a means of measuring the flow of molten materials and can be used to evaluate the consistency and processability of materials. Representative methods for evaluating processability include melt flow rate (MFR), melt volume flow rate (MVR), using measuring instruments such as capillary rheometers, melt rheology, melt flow index (MFI; described in standards ASTM D1238 and ISO1133), and bar flow evaluation using an injection molding machine. Viscosity is measured according to ASTM D-4440. The formulations described in the present invention have melt viscosities on the order of 3000 poise to 500,000 poise when measured at 230°C and a shear rate of 1 rad / sec. Processing temperatures can be varied to obtain desired flow behavior based on the intended application.

[0081] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present application has a hydrocolloid-free melt processable cellulose ester composition that is 10% to 100%, or 20% to 100%, or 30% to 100%, or 40% to 100%, or 50% to 100%, or 60% to 100%, or 60% to 80%, or 50% to 80%, or and exhibiting a strain hardening ("SH") in the range of 40%-80%, or 40%-60%, or 30%-80%, or 30%-60%, or 30%-40%, or 20%-80%, or 20%-60%, or 20%-40%, or 10%-80%, or 10%-60%, or 10%-40%, or 10%-20%, where SH is determined by the procedures disclosed herein (i.e., Example 9).

[0082] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions of the present application exhibit a maximum areal draw ratio ("Max ADR") in the range of 10% to 50%, or 20% to 50%, or 30% to 50%, or 40% to 50%, or 30% to 40%, or 20% to 40%, or 20% to 30%, or 10% to 40%, or 10% to 30%, or 10% to 20%, relative to a melt processable cellulose ester composition not containing a hydrocolloid, where Max ADR is determined by the procedure disclosed herein (i.e., Example 8).

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose acetate composition of the present invention is a foamable composition.In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized foamable composition of the present invention comprises: (i) cellulose acetate; (ii) a plasticizer; (iii) a hydrocolloid; (iv) optionally at least one nucleating agent; and (v) at least one foaming agent selected from the group consisting of a physical foaming agent, a chemical foaming agent, and a carrier polymer, and a combination thereof.

[0084] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an article. In one or more embodiments, the article is a melt-formed article. The article of the present invention comprises, is formed from, or is prepared using, a melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprising a cellulose ester, a plasticizer, and a hydrocolloid. In one or more embodiments, the article can be a melt-formed article, such as, for example, an extrusion article, such as a profile extrusion article and a sheet extrusion article; an injection molded article; a compression molded article; a thermoformed article; a melt-spun article, such as a melt-spun fiber. In one or more embodiments, the melt-formed article of the present invention can be a molded disposable food contact article, including an article that is biodegradable and / or compostable (i.e., any of the industrial or household compostability tests / standards discussed herein). In an embodiment, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition can be extrudable, moldable, castable, thermoformable, or 3-D printed. "Article" as used herein is defined to include an article in its entirety as well as in its components, elements, or portions thereof that can be joined, bonded, assembled, etc. In an embodiment, the article is environmentally non-sustainable. "Environmentally non-sustainable" is meant to describe a material or article that, upon reaching an advanced level of decay, becomes readily available for total consumption by natural microbial populations. The decomposition of biodegradable cellulose acetate ultimately results in the conversion to carbon dioxide, water and biomass.

[0085] In embodiments, articles comprising the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions (discussed herein) have a thickness of 150 mils (3.81 mm), or 140 mils (3.56 mm), or 130 mils (3.30 mm), or 120 mils (3.04 mm), or 110 mils (2.79 mm), or 100 mils (2.54 mm), or 90 mils (2.29 mm), or 80 mils (2.03 mm), or are provided having a maximum thickness of 1.78 mm (70 mils), or 1.52 mm (60 mils), or 1.27 mm (50 mils), or 1.01 mm (40 mils), or 0.76 mm (30 mils), or 0.64 mm (25 mils), or 0.51 mm (20 mils), or 0.38 mm (15 mils), or up to 0.25 mm (10 mils), and may be biodegradable and / or compostable. In embodiments, articles including the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions (discussed herein) are provided having a maximum thickness of 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, and may be environmentally non-sustainable.

[0086] In embodiments, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention, as well as the melt and melt molded articles, may contain recycled content.In one or more embodiments, recycled content includes biodegradable cellulose ester regrind.The term "regrind" is intended to include recyclables, scrap, in-house scrap, such as scrap from molders, off-spec or post-industrial source material, which is ground, crushed, crushed, pulverized, etc., to a particle-like or powder-like form.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the recycled content is provided by a reactant derived from recycled materials, which is a source of one or more acetyl groups on recycled cellulose acetate. In an embodiment, the reactant is derived from recycled plastic. In an embodiment, the reactant is derived from recycled plastic-containing syngas. "Recycled plastic-containing syngas" refers to a syngas obtained from a gas synthesis operation that utilizes a feedstock containing at least some content of recycled plastic, as described more fully in various embodiments herein below. In an embodiment, the recycled plastic-containing syngas can be produced according to any process for producing syngas described herein; can include or consist of any of the syngas compositions or syngas composition streams described herein; or cellulose ester can be produced from any feedstock composition described herein.

[0088] In an embodiment, the feedstock (for the gas synthesis operation) may be in the form of a combination of one or more particulate fossil fuel sources and particulate recycled plastic. In one embodiment, or in any of the embodiments mentioned, the solid fossil fuel source may include coal. In an embodiment, the feedstock is fed into a gasifier along with an oxidant gas, and the feedstock is converted to synthesis gas.

[0089] In an embodiment, recycled plastic-containing syngas is utilized to make at least one chemical intermediate in a reaction scheme to make recycled cellulose ester.In an embodiment, recycled plastic-containing syngas may be a component of feedstock (used to make at least one cellulose acetate intermediate) or a reactant that includes other sources of synthesis gas, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or combinations thereof.In one embodiment, or in any of the embodiments mentioned, recycled plastic-containing syngas is the only source of synthesis gas used to make cellulose acetate intermediate.

[0090] In embodiments, the cellulose ester intermediates produced using recycled synthesis gas, for example recycled plastic synthesis gas, can be selected from methanol, acetic acid, methyl acetate, acetic anhydride and combinations thereof.In embodiments, the cellulose ester intermediates can be at least one reactant or at least one product in one or more of the following reactions: (1) synthesis gas is converted to methanol; (2) synthesis gas is converted to acetic acid; (3) methanol is converted to acetic acid, for example, methanol is carbonylated to produce acetic acid; (4) methanol and acetic acid are converted to methyl acetate; and (5) methyl acetate is converted to acetic anhydride, for example, methyl acetate and methanol are carbonylated to produce acetic acid and acetic anhydride.

[0091] In an embodiment, the recycled plastic-containing syngas is used to produce at least one cellulose reactant. In an embodiment, the recycled plastic-containing syngas is used to produce at least one recycled cellulose ester.

[0092] In an embodiment, recycled plastic-containing syngas is utilized to make acetic anhydride. In an embodiment, the syngas containing recycled plastic-containing syngas is first converted to methanol, and then this methanol is used in a reaction scheme to make acetic anhydride. "RPS acetic anhydride" refers to acetic anhydride that is derived from recycled plastic-containing syngas. By derived, it is meant that at least some of the feedstock source material (used in any reaction scheme to make cellulose ester intermediate) has some content of recycled plastic-containing syngas.

[0093] In an embodiment, RPS acetic anhydride is utilized as a cellulose acetate intermediate reactant in the esterification of cellulose to prepare recycled cellulose acetate, as discussed more fully above. In an embodiment, RPS acetic acid is utilized as a reactant to prepare cellulose acetate or cellulose diacetate.

[0094] In embodiments, recycled cellulose esters are prepared from a cellulose reactant that includes acetic anhydride derived from recycled plastic-containing syngas. In an embodiment, the recycled plastic-containing syngas comprises a gasification product from a gasification feedstock. In one embodiment, the gasification product is produced by a gasification process using a gasification feedstock comprising recycled plastic. In an embodiment, the gasification feedstock comprises coal.

[0095] In an embodiment, the gasification feedstock comprises a liquid slurry comprising coal and recycled plastics. In an embodiment, the gasification process comprises gasification of said gasification feedstock in the presence of oxygen.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, the melt-processible cellulose acetate composition comprises at least one cellulose ester having at least one substituent on the anhydroglucose unit (AGU) derived from one or more chemical intermediates, at least one of which is derived, at least in part, from recycled plastic-containing syngas.

[0097] In an embodiment, the cellulose ester of the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises the cellulose ester derived from renewable sources, such as the cellulose from wood or cotton linters, and the cellulose acetate derived from recycled material sources, such as recycled plastics or recycled synthetic gas.Therefore, in an embodiment, there is provided a melt-processable plasticized cellulose acetate composition that is biodegradable and contains both renewable and recycled content, i.e., is made from renewable and recycled sources.

[0098] In embodiments, the composition, melt and / or melt-formed article of the present invention may have a degree of decomposition or decomposability. The degree of decomposition may be characterized by the weight loss of the sample over a given period of exposure to a particular environmental condition. In some cellulose esters, the cellulose ester shows at least about 5, 10, 15, or 20 percent weight loss after 60 days of burial in soil, and / or at least about 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 percent weight loss after 15 days of exposure in a typical municipal composting device. However, the rate of decomposition may vary depending on the particular end use. Exemplary degrees of decomposition test conditions are provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,970,988 and 6,571,802, the contents and disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0099] In some embodiments, melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition can be a component of biodegradable disposable melt-molded article or can be used to prepare or form them.It has been found that melt-processable cellulose ester composition described herein can show an increased level of environmental non-persistence, characterized by better than expected decomposition under various environmental conditions.The melt-molded article described herein can meet or exceed one or more pass standards set by international testing methods and international organizations for industrial compostability, home compostability, marine biodegradability and / or soil biodegradability.

[0100] To be considered a "compostable" material, the following four criteria must be met: (1) the material must pass the biodegradation requirements corresponding to 90% absolute biodegradation or 90% relative biodegradation for a control polymer in a test according to ISO 14855-1 (2012) at elevated temperatures (58°C) under controlled composting conditions, (2) the material must reach 90% disintegration when tested according to ISO 16929 (2013) under aerobic composting conditions; (3) the test material must meet all requirements for volatile solids, heavy metals and fluorine as specified by ASTM D6400 (2012), EN 13432 (2000) and ISO 17088 (2012); (4) the material must not adversely affect plant growth. As used herein, the term "biodegradable" generally refers to the biological transformation and consumption of organic molecules. Biodegradability is an inherent property of the material itself, and materials may exhibit different degrees of biodegradability depending on the particular conditions to which they are exposed. The term "disintegrability" or phrase "degree of disintegration" refers to the tendency of a material to physically dissociate into smaller pieces when exposed to certain conditions. Disintegration depends on both the material itself, as well as the physical size and configuration of the article being tested. Ecotoxicity measures the effect of a material on plant life, and the heavy metal content of a material is determined in accordance with procedures set forth in standard test methods.

[0101] In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions, melts and / or melt-formed articles of the present invention can be biodegradable. In one or more embodiments, the melts of the present invention can be biodegradable.

[0102] The melt processable cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit at least 70 percent biodegradation in a period of 50 days or less when tested in accordance with ISO 14855-1 (2012) at ambient temperature (28° C.±2° C.) under aerobic composting conditions. In some cases, (or articles containing or formed therefrom) may exhibit at least 70 percent biodegradation in a period of 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, or 37 days or less when tested under these conditions, also referred to as "home composting conditions." These conditions may not be aqueous or anaerobic conditions. For some cellulose acetates, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) 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 home composting conditions for a period of 50 days or less in accordance with ISO 14855-1 (2012). 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 similar test conditions.

[0103] To be considered "biodegradable", under home composting conditions, a material must show at least 90 percent total biodegradation (e.g., compared to the initial sample) or at least 90 percent of the maximum degradation of a suitable reference material after both the reference and test items reach a plateau, according to French Standard NF T 51-800 and Australian Standard AS 5810. Under home composting conditions, the maximum test duration for biodegradation is one year. The melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions described herein may show at least 90 percent biodegradation within one year, measured under home composting conditions, according to 14855-1 (2012). For some cellulose acetates, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit at least about 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent biodegradation within one year, or the cellulose acetate composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit 100 percent biodegradation within one year, as measured under home composting conditions in accordance with 14855-1(2012).

[0104] Additionally or alternatively, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions (or melt or melt formed articles) described herein may exhibit at least about 90 percent biodegradation within 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 under home composting conditions in accordance with ISO 14855-1 (2012). In some embodiments, the compositions (or melt or melt formed articles) may be at least about 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent biodegradable within about 70, 65, 60, or 50 days under home composting conditions in accordance with ISO 14855-1 (2012). As a result, the composition (or articles containing or formed therefrom) may be considered biodegradable when tested under home composting conditions, for example, in accordance with French Standard NF T 51-800 and Australian Standard AS 5810.

[0105] The melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit at least 60 percent biodegradation in a period of 45 days or less when tested in accordance with ISO 14855-1 (2012) at a temperature of 58° C. (±2° C.) under aerobic composting conditions. In some cases, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit at least 60 percent biodegradation in a period of 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, or 27 days or less when tested under these conditions, also referred to as "industrial composting conditions." These may not be under aqueous or anaerobic conditions. In some cases, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) 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 industrial composting conditions for a period of 45 days in accordance with ISO 14855-1 (2012). 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 cellulose acetate composition (or melt or melt-formed article) subjected to similar test conditions.

[0106] To be considered "biodegradable", at least 90 percent of the organic carbon in all items (or for each component present in an amount greater than 1% by dry mass) must be converted to carbon dioxide under industrial composting conditions, when compared to a control or absolute amount, by the end of the test period, in accordance with ASTM D6400 and ISO 17088. In accordance with European Standard ED 13432 (2000), the material must show at least 90 percent biodegradation in total, or at least 90 percent of the maximum degradation of a suitable reference material after both the reference and test items reach a plateau. Under industrial composting conditions, the maximum test duration for biodegradability is 180 days. The melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions (or melt or melt-formed articles) described herein may show at least 90 percent biodegradation within 180 days, measured under industrial composting conditions, in accordance with 14855-1 (2012). In some cases, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit at least about 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent biodegradation within 180 days, or the cellulose acetate composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit 100 percent biodegradation within 180 days, as measured under industrial composting conditions in accordance with 14855-1(2012).

[0107] Additionally or alternatively, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions (or melt or melt molded articles) described herein may exhibit at least 90 percent biodegradation within 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, as measured under industrial composting conditions, per 14855-1(2012). In some cases, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may be at least about 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent biodegradable within about 65, 60, 55, 50, or 45 days when tested under industrial composting conditions according to ISO 14855-1 (2012). As a result, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) described herein may be considered biodegradable when tested under industrial composting conditions according to ASTM D6400 and ISO 17088.

[0108] The melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit at least 60 percent biodegradation in soil within 130 days, measured at ambient temperature under aerobic conditions, in accordance with ISO 17556 (2012). In some cases, the composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit at least 60 percent biodegradation within a period of 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, or 75 days or less, when tested under these conditions, also referred to as "soil composting conditions". These may not be under aqueous or anaerobic conditions. In some cases, the composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit at least about 65, 70, 72, 75, 77, 80, 82, or 85 percent total biodegradation when tested under soil composting conditions for a period of 195 days, in accordance with ISO 17556 (2012). 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 melt or melt-formed article) subjected to similar test conditions.

[0109] To be considered "biodegradable", a material must exhibit at least 90 percent total biodegradation (e.g., compared to the initial sample) under soil composting conditions in accordance with Vincotte's OK Biodegradable SOIL Compatibility Mark and DIN CERTCO's DIN Gepruft Soil Biodegradability Certification Scheme, or at least 90 percent of the maximum degradation of a suitable reference material after both the reference and test items reach a plateau. Under soil composting conditions, the maximum test duration for biodegradability is 2 years. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester compositions described herein (or articles containing or formed therefrom) may exhibit at least 90 percent biodegradation within 2 years, 1.75 years, 1 year, 9 months, or 6 months, measured under soil composting conditions in accordance with ISO 17556 (2012). In some cases, the composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit at least about 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent biodegradation within two years, as measured under soil composting conditions according to ISO 17556 (2012), or the composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit 100 percent biodegradation within two years.

[0110] Additionally or alternatively, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions (or melt or melt formed articles) described herein may exhibit at least about 90 percent biodegradation within about 700, 650, 600, 550, 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 275, 250, 240, 230, 220, 210, 200, or 195 days, as measured under soil composting conditions, in accordance with ISO 17556 (2012). In some cases, the compositions (or melt or melt formed articles) may be at least about 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent biodegradable within about 225, 220, 215, 210, 205, 200, or 195 days, as tested under soil composting conditions, in accordance with ISO 17556 (2012). As a result, the compositions (or melt or melt molded articles) described herein may meet the requirements to receive Vincotte's OK Biodegradable SOIL conformity mark and meet the standards of DIN CERTCO's DIN Gepruft soil biodegradability certification scheme.

[0111] In some embodiments, the cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) of the present invention may contain less than 1, 0.75, 0.50, or 0.25 weight percent of unknown biodegradable components. In some cases, the composition (or melt or melt-formed article) described herein may not contain unknown biodegradable components.

[0112] In addition to being biodegradable under industrial and / or domestic composting conditions, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions (or melt or melt-formed articles) described herein may also be compostable under domestic and / or industrial conditions. As previously described, a material is considered compostable if it meets or exceeds the requirements set forth in EN 13432 for biodegradability, disintegration ability, heavy metal content, and ecotoxicity. The compositions (or melt or melt-formed articles) described herein may exhibit sufficient compostability under domestic and / or industrial composting conditions and meet the requirements to receive the OK COMPOST and OK COMPOST HOME compatibility marks from Vincotte.

[0113] In some cases, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions (or melt or melt-formed articles) described herein may have a volatile solids concentration, heavy metal and fluorine content that meets all the requirements set by EN 13432 (2000). In addition, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions (or melt or melt-formed articles) may not adversely affect compost quality (including chemical parameters and ecotoxicity testing).

[0114] In some cases, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit at least 90 percent disintegration within 26 weeks as measured under industrial composting conditions according to ISO 16929 (2013). In some cases, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit at least about 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent disintegration within 26 weeks under industrial composting conditions, or the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit 100 percent disintegration within 26 weeks under industrial composting conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit at least 90 percent disintegration within about 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, or 10 weeks under industrial composting conditions, as measured according to ISO 16929 (2013). In some cases, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt formed article) described herein may exhibit at least 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent disintegration within 12, 11, 10, 9, or 8 weeks under industrial composting conditions, as measured according to ISO 16929 (2013).

[0115] In some embodiments, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit at least 90 percent disintegration within 26 weeks as measured under home composting conditions according to ISO 16929 (2013). In some cases, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit at least about 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent disintegration within 26 weeks under home composting conditions, or the composition (or melt or melt formed article) may exhibit 100 percent disintegration within 26 weeks under home composting conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) may exhibit at least 90 percent disintegration within about 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, or 15 weeks under home composting conditions, as measured according to ISO 16929 (2013). In some embodiments, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-formed article) described herein may exhibit at least 97, 98, 99, or 99.5 percent disintegration within 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, or 12 weeks under home composting conditions, as measured according to ISO 16929 (2013).

[0116] The present application also discloses pellets formed from any of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester compositions disclosed herein. In an embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition is formed into pellets.

[0117] In an embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article is an oriented film, oriented sheet, foamed sheet, or fiber. The oriented film or sheet is formed by stretching (e.g., by extrusion) a formed film or sheet. The stretching can be biaxial, uniaxial, or angular. In one class of this embodiment, the oriented film or sheet is stretched biaxially, uniaxially, or angularly.

[0118] In an embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition, when melt-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, exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929(2013). In certain embodiments, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-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 the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929(2013). In certain embodiments, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-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 the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929(2013).In certain embodiments, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt 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 the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929(2013).

[0119] In some embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-molded article) described herein may be substantially free of photodecomposition agents.For example, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-molded article) may comprise 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 or less of photodecomposition agents based on the total weight of the composition (or melt or melt-molded article), or the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition (or melt or melt-molded article) may be free of photodecomposition agents.Examples of such photodecomposition agents include, but are not limited to, pigments that act as photooxidation catalysts and are optionally enhanced by the presence of one or more metal salts, oxidizable accelerators, and combinations thereof. The pigments may include coated or uncoated anatase or rutile titanium dioxide, which may be present alone or in combination with one or more enhancing components, such as, for example, various types of metals. Other examples of photodegradants include benzoin, benzoin alkyl ethers, benzophenone and its derivatives, acetophenone and its derivatives, quinones, thioxanthones, phthalocyanines, and other photosensitizers, ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymers, aromatic ketone-metal salt sensitizers, and combinations thereof.

[0120] In one aspect, there is provided a melt-formed biodegradable and / or compostable article comprising, formed from, or prepared using the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition described herein. In an embodiment, the article is made from a moldable thermoplastic material comprising the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition described herein.

[0121] In an embodiment, the melt-formed article is a disposable food contact article.Examples of such articles that can be made using the present composition include cups, trays, multi-compartment trays, clamshell containers, films, sheets, trays and lids (e.g., thermoformed), candy sticks, stirrers, straws, plates, deep dishes, portion cups, food packaging, liquid carriers, solid or gel carriers, and cutlery.In an embodiment, the melt-formed article can be a horticultural article.Examples of such articles that can be made using the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition include flower pots, plant tags, mulch films, and agricultural ground covers.

[0122] In another aspect, a cellulose ester composition is provided, comprising recycled cellulose esters prepared by an integrated process, the process comprising the following processing steps: (1) preparing a recycled plastic-containing synthesis gas in a gas synthesis operation utilizing a feedstock containing a solid fossil fuel source and at least some content of recycled plastics; (2) preparing at least one chemical intermediate from the synthesis gas; (3) reacting the chemical intermediate in a reaction scheme to prepare at least one cellulose reactant for preparing recycled cellulose acetate and / or selecting the chemical intermediate as at least one cellulose reactant for preparing recycled cellulose acetate; and (4) reacting the at least one cellulose reactant to prepare the recycled cellulose ester, wherein the recycled cellulose ester comprises at least one substituent on anhydroglucose unit (AGU) derived from the recycled plastic-containing synthesis gas.

[0123] In an embodiment, processing steps (1)-(4) are carried out in a system that is in liquid and / or gaseous communication (i.e., including the possibility of a combination of liquid and gaseous communication). It will be appreciated that chemical intermediates may be temporarily stored in storage vessels and later reintroduced into the integrated process system in one or more reaction schemes to produce recycled cellulose acetate starting from recycled plastic-containing syngas.

[0124] In an embodiment, the at least one chemical intermediate is selected from methanol, methyl acetate, acetic anhydride, acetic acid, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, one chemical intermediate is methanol, which is used in a reaction scheme to make a second chemical intermediate that is acetic anhydride. In an embodiment, the cellulose reactant is acetic anhydride.

[0125] In an embodiment, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises a cellulose ester, a plasticizer composition, and a stabilizer composition, the plasticizer composition comprising one or more food grade plasticizers and present in an amount of 5% to 30%, or 5% to 25%, or 5% to 20%, or 5% to 17%, or 5% to 15%, or 5% to 10% wt %, based on the total weight of the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition. If present, the optional stabilizer composition comprises one or more secondary antioxidants and present in an amount of 0.08 to 0.8, or 0.08 to 0.7, or 0.08 to 0.6 wt %, based on the total weight of the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition.

[0126] In an embodiment, the plasticizer composition comprises triacetin in an amount of 5-20 wt%, based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition; the optional stabilizer composition comprises one or more secondary antioxidants in an amount of 0.1-0.4, or 0.1-0.3 wt%, and one or more primary antioxidants in an amount of 0.1-0.4, or 0.2-0.4 wt%, where wt% is based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition. In one class of this embodiment, the one or more secondary antioxidants comprise a phosphite compound (e.g., Weston 705T or Doverphos S-9228T), DLTDP, or a combination thereof, and the one or more primary antioxidants comprise Irganox 1010, BHT, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester composition has a b of less than 40, or less than 35, or less than 30, or less than 25, or less than 20, or less than 15 after normal cycles during injection molding. * or after a doubling cycle time during injection molding, a b of less than 40, or less than 35, or less than 30, or less than 25, or less than 20. * has.

[0127] In an embodiment, the plasticizer composition comprises a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 300 to 500 Daltons in an amount of 5% to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition; the optional stabilizer composition comprises one or more secondary antioxidants in an amount of 0.01 to 0.8, or 0.1 to 0.5, or 0.1 to 0.3, or 0.1 to 0.2 wt %, based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition. In one class of this embodiment, the one or more secondary antioxidants comprise a phosphite compound (e.g., Weston 705T or Doverphos S-9228T), DLTDP, or a combination thereof. In another class of this embodiment, the stabilizer composition further comprises one or more primary antioxidants (e.g., Irganox 1010 or BHT), citric acid, or a combination thereof, where the one or more primary antioxidants are present in an amount of 0.1 to 0.5, or 0.1 to 0.4 wt %, based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition, and the citric acid is present in an amount of 0.05 to 0.2, or 0.05 to 0.15 wt %, based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition.

[0128] In embodiments, the plasticizer composition comprises polyethylene glycol of an average molecular weight of 300-500 Daltons in an amount of 5% to 20% or 5% to 17% or 5% to 16% or 5% to 15% by weight based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition; and the optional stabilizer composition comprises one or more secondary antioxidants in an amount of 0.1 to 0.5, or 0.1 to 0.3, or 0.1 to 0.2 wt %, based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition.

[0129] The present application also discloses a cellulose acetate composition, which comprises: (1) a degree of acetyl substitution ("DS") in the range of 2.2 to 2.6; Ac"), (2) 5-20 wt % of a polyethylene glycol or methoxypolyethylene glycol composition having an average molecular weight of 300 Daltons to 550 Daltons, and (3) a hydrocolloid, wherein the composition is melt processable and biodegradable, and articles comprising, prepared with or formed therefrom are biodegradable.

[0130] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition comprises polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 300 to 500 daltons. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition includes a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 350 to 550 Daltons.

[0131] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the cellulose acetate has a number average molecular weight ("Mn") in the range of 10,000 to 90,000 daltons, as measured by GPC. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the cellulose acetate has a number average molecular weight ("Mn") in the range of 30,000 to 90,000 daltons, as measured by GPC. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the cellulose acetate has a number average molecular weight ("Mn") in the range of 40,000 to 90,000 daltons, as measured by GPC.

[0132] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the film shows more than 5% disintegration after 6 weeks and more than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the film shows more than 10% disintegration after 6 weeks and more than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the film shows more than 20% disintegration after 6 weeks and more than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the film shows more than 30% disintegration after 6 weeks and more than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the film exhibits greater than 50% disintegration after 6 weeks and greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929(2013).In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the film exhibits greater than 70% disintegration after 6 weeks and greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929(2013).

[0133] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film shows more than 30% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or according to the alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film shows more than 50% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or according to the alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film shows more than 70% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or according to the alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film exhibits greater than 95% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929 (2013).

[0134] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition further comprises at least one additional component selected from a filler, an additive, a biopolymer, a stabilizer, or an odor modifier.

[0135] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition further comprises a filler in an amount of 1 to 60 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. In a class of this embodiment, the filler is a carbohydrate, a cellulosic filler, an inorganic filler, a food by-product, a desiccant, an alkaline filler, or a combination thereof.

[0136] In a subclass of this class, the filler is an inorganic filler. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the inorganic filler is calcium carbonate. In a subclass of this class, the filler is a carbohydrate.In a subclass of this class, the filler is a cellulosic filler.In a subclass of this class, the filler is a food by-product.In a subclass of this class, the filler is a desiccant.In a subclass of this class, the filler is an alkaline filler.

[0137] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition further comprises an odor modifying additive in an amount of 0.001 to 1 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. In a class of this embodiment, the odor modifying additive is vanillin, Pennyroyal M-1178, almond, cinnamyl, spices, spice extracts, volatile organic compounds or small molecules, Plastidor, or combinations thereof. In a subclass of this class, the odor modifying additive is vanillin.

[0138] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition further comprises a stabilizer in an amount of 0.01 to 5 wt % based on the total composition. In one class of this embodiment, the stabilizer is a UV absorber, an antioxidant (e.g., ascorbic acid, BHT, BHA, etc.), an acid scavenger, a radical scavenger, an epoxidized oil (e.g., epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized sunflower oil), or a combination.

[0139] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 300 to 500 Daltons. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 350 to 550 Daltons.

[0140] The present application also discloses articles, such as melt-molded articles, formed from or prepared using cellulose acetate compositions comprising the cellulose acetate compositions, the cellulose acetate compositions having: (1) a degree of acetyl substitution ("DS") in the range of 2.2 to 2.6; Ac "), (2) a 5-20 wt % polyethylene glycol or methoxypolyethylene glycol composition having an average molecular weight of 300 Daltons to 550 Daltons, and (3) a hydrocolloid, wherein the composition can be melt processable and biodegradable.

[0141] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article is formed from an orientation process, an extrusion process, an injection molding process, a blow molding process, or a thermoforming process. In a class of this embodiment, the article is formed from an orientation process. In a subclass of this class, the orientation process is a uniaxial extensional process or a biaxial extensional process.

[0142] In one class of this embodiment, the article is formed from an extrusion process. In one class of this embodiment, the article is formed from an injection molding process. In one class of this embodiment, the article is formed from a blow molding process. In one class of this embodiment, the article is formed from a thermoforming process. In a subclass of this class, the article comprises, is formed from, or is prepared using a film or sheet having a thickness of from 0.25 mm (10 mils) to 4.06 mm (160 mils). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the article is a clear or transparent article, the article exhibits a turbidity of less than 10%. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the article is a clear or transparent article, the article exhibits a turbidity of less than 8%. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the article is a clear or transparent article, the article exhibits a turbidity of less than 6%. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the article is a clear or transparent article, the article exhibits a turbidity of less than 5%. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the article is a clear or transparent article, the article exhibits a turbidity of less than 4%. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the article is a clear or transparent article, the article exhibits a turbidity of less than 3%. In one embodiment, when the article is a clear or transparent article, the article exhibits a turbidity of less than 2%. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the article is a clear or transparent article, the article exhibits a turbidity of less than 1%.

[0143] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film shows more than 30% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or according to the alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the composition is formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film shows more than 50% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or according to the alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film shows more than 70% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or according to the alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester composition is melt-formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film exhibits greater than 95% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or alternatively according to ISO 16929 (2013).

[0144] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-formed article exhibits greater than 30% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-formed article exhibits greater than 50% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-formed article exhibits greater than 70% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-formed article exhibits greater than 80% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-formed article exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration testing protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-formed article exhibits greater than 95% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration testing protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013).

[0145] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-formed article has a thickness of 0.8 mm or less. In one embodiment, the melt-formed article has a thickness of 0.76 mm or less.

[0146] The present application also discloses an article comprising a cellulose acetate composition, the cellulose acetate composition comprising: (1) a cellulose acetate having a degree of acetyl substitution ("DSAc") in the range of 2.2 to 2.6; (2) 13 to 23 wt. % of a polyethylene glycol or methoxypolyethylene glycol composition having an average molecular weight of 300 Daltons to 550 Daltons; (3) a hydrocolloid; and (4) 0.01 to 1.8 wt. % of an additive selected from epoxidized soybean oil, a secondary antioxidant, or a combination, wherein the composition is melt processable, biodegradable, and disintegratable.

[0147] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the additive is present at 0.01-1 wt%, or 0.05-0.8 wt%, or 0.05-0.5 wt%, or 0.1-1 wt%.

[0148] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the additive is epoxidized soybean oil present at 0.1-1 wt%, or 0.1-0.5 wt%, or 0.5-1 wt%, or 0.3-0.8 wt%.

[0149] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the additive is a secondary antioxidant present at 0.01-0.8 wt%, or 0.01-0.4 wt%, or 0.4-0.8 wt%, or 0.2-0.6 wt%.

[0150] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition comprises a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 300 to 500 Daltons. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition comprises a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 350 to 550 Daltons.

[0151] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article is formed from an orientation process, an extrusion process, an injection molding process, a blow molding process, or a thermoforming process. In a class of this embodiment, the article is formed from an orientation process. In a subclass of this class, the orientation process is a uniaxial extensional process or a biaxial extensional process.

[0152] In one class of this embodiment, the article is formed from an extrusion process. In one class of this embodiment, the article is formed from an injection molding process. In one class of this embodiment, the article is formed from a blow molding process. In one class of this embodiment, the article is formed from a thermoforming process. In a subclass of this class, the film or sheet used to form the article is from 0.25 mm (10 mils) to 4.06 mm (160 mils) thick.

[0153] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the composition is formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film exhibits greater than 30% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the composition is formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film exhibits greater than 50% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the composition is formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the film exhibits greater than 70% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition, when formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the composition, when formed into a film having a thickness of 0.76 mm, exhibits greater than 95% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013).

[0154] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article exhibits greater than 30% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article exhibits greater than 50% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article exhibits greater than 70% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article exhibits greater than 80% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration testing protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article exhibits greater than 95% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration testing protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013).

[0155] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article has a thickness of 0.8 mm or less. In one embodiment, the article has a thickness of 0.76 mm or less. In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized cellulose acetate composition of the present invention is a foamable composition.In one or more embodiments, the melt-processable plasticized foamable composition of the present invention comprises: (i) cellulose acetate; (ii) a plasticizer; (iii) a hydrocolloid; (iv) optionally at least one nucleating agent; and (v) at least one foaming agent selected from the group consisting of a physical foaming agent, a chemical foaming agent, and a carrier polymer, and a combination thereof.

[0156] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 100° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 102° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 104° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 106° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 110° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature of greater than 115° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa.

[0157] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foaming agent comprises sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, or a combination thereof. In a class of this embodiment, the foaming agent comprises sodium bicarbonate. In a class of this embodiment, the foaming agent comprises citric acid.

[0158] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the carrier polymer comprises polybutylene succinate ("PBS"), polycaprolactone ("PCL"), polylactic acid ("PLA"), polyhydroxyalkanoate ("PHA"), polybutylene adipate terephthalate ("PBAT"), a starch derivative, poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) ("PBSA"), or combinations thereof. In a subclass of this class, the carrier polymer comprises PBS. In a subclass of this class, the carrier polymer comprises PCL. In a subclass of this class, the carrier polymer is PLA. In a subclass of this class, the carrier polymer is PHA. In a subclass of this class, the carrier polymer is PBAT. In a subclass of this class, the carrier polymer is starch. In a subclass of this class, the carrier polymer is PBSA.

[0159] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the plasticizer comprises triacetin, triethyl citrate, or PEG400. In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer is present in the range from 3 to 30 wt %.In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer is present in the range from 3 to 30 or 3 to 25 wt %.

[0160] In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer comprises triacetin. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range 3 to 30 wt %. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range 3 to 30 or 3 to 25 wt %.

[0161] In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer comprises triethyl citrate. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range of 3 to 30 wt %. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range of 3 to 30 or 3 to 25 wt %.

[0162] In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer comprises PEG 400. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range of 3 to 30 wt %. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range of 3 to 30 or 3 to 25 wt %.

[0163] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises magnesium silicate, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, or a combination thereof. In a class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In a class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. In a class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0164] In one class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises magnesium silicate. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0165] In one class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises silicon dioxide. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0166] In one class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises magnesium oxide. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0167] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In one embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. The nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0168] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition further comprises fibers. In a class of this embodiment, the fibers comprise hemp, bast, jute, flax, ramie, kenaf, sisal, bamboo, or wood cellulose fibers. In a subclass of this class, the fibers comprise hemp.

[0169] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition further comprises a photodegradable cellulose catalyst. In a class of this embodiment, the photodegradable cellulose catalyst is titanium dioxide, or iron oxide. In a subclass of this class, the photodegradable cellulose catalyst is titanium dioxide. In a subclass of this class, the photodegradable cellulose catalyst is iron oxide.

[0170] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition further comprises a pigment. In a class of this embodiment, the pigment is titanium dioxide, cellulose carbon black, or iron oxide. In a subclass of this class, the pigment is titanium dioxide. In a subclass of this class, the pigment is cellulose carbon black. In a subclass of this class, the pigment is iron oxide.

[0171] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition is biodegradable. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition comprises two or more cellulose acetates having different degrees of acetyl substitution.

[0172] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition further comprises a biodegradable polymer different from cellulose acetate. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, there is an article prepared from any one of the foamable compositions described hereinbefore, which article is a foam or foam article.

[0173] In one class of this embodiment, the article has a thickness up to 3 mm. In one class of this embodiment, the article has one or more skin layers. The skin layers may be found on the outer surface of the article or foam. Skin layer cellulose acetate may also be found in the middle of the foam.

[0174] In one class of this embodiment, the article is biodegradable. In one or more embodiments, particularly with respect to those embodiments in which the article is a foam or foam article, the density of the foam is an important parameter insofar as it can affect various article performance characteristics such as water barrier, stiffness, and thermal conductivity. In one class of this embodiment, the article has a density of 0.9 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.9 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.8 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.8 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.7 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.7 g / cm 3In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.6 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.6 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.5 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.5 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.4 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.4 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.3 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.3 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.2 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.2 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.1 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.1 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.05 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.05 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of 0.2 to 0.9 g / cm 3 or the article has a density in the range of 0.2 to 0.9 g / cm 3 In one or more embodiments, the article comprises a foam having a density in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of 0.01 to 0.2 g / cm 3 The foam includes a foam having a density of

[0175] In one class of this embodiment, the article is industrially compostable or home compostable. In a subclass of this class, the article is industrially compostable. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 1.1 mm. In a subclass of this class, the article is home compostable. In a sub-sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 1.1 mm. In a sub-sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 0.8 mm. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 0.6 mm. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 0.4 mm.

[0176] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 5% disintegration after 6 weeks and greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 10% disintegration after 6 weeks and greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 20% disintegration after 6 weeks and greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 30% disintegration after 6 weeks and greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 50% disintegration after 6 weeks and greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.38 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 70% disintegration after 6 weeks and greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013).

[0177] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 30% collapse after 12 weeks according to the collapse test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 50% collapse after 12 weeks according to the collapse test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 70% collapse after 12 weeks according to the collapse test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, when the foamable composition is formed into a foam having a thickness of 0.76 mm, the foam exhibits greater than 95% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013).

[0178] In one or more embodiments, the invention may be a foamable composition comprising: (i) cellulose acetate; (ii) a plasticizer; (iii) a hydrocolloid; (iv) an optional nucleating agent; and (v) a foaming agent. In one or more embodiments, the foamable composition comprises: (1) a degree of acetyl substitution (DS) of 2.2 to 2.6; Ac(2) 5-40 wt % of a plasticizer; (3) a hydrocolloid; (4) 0.1-3 wt % of a nucleating agent; and (5) 0.1-15 wt % of a physical foaming agent, where the proportions of cellulose acetate, plasticizer, nucleating agent, and physical foaming agent are based on the total weight of the foamable composition. The foaming agent is preferably a physical foaming agent.

[0179] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature (HDT) greater than 100° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 102° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 104° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 106° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 110° C., measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature greater than 115°C, measured using DMA at 2% elongation with a frequency of 1 Hz at 0.45 MPa. Heat deflection temperature is a measure of a material's resistance to strain at elevated temperature and constant load. For example, both ASTM D648 and ISO 75 measure the HDT (heat deflection temperature) on a test specimen after equilibration of the test material. Briefly, a test bar is molded with a specific thickness and width. The test specimen is submerged in oil where the temperature is increased at a constant rate (typically 2°C per minute). A load is applied to the midpoint of the test bar, which is supported near both ends. The temperature at which the bar of material deforms 0.25 mm is recorded as the HDT.

[0180] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the physical foaming agent is CO, N, unbranched or branched (C 2~6 ) alkanes, or any combination thereof. In one class of this embodiment, the physical foaming agent comprises CO2. In one class of this embodiment, the physical foaming agent comprises N2. In one class of this embodiment, the physical foaming agent comprises unbranched or branched (C 2~6 ) containing alkanes.

[0181] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the physical foaming agent is present at 0.1-0.5 wt%. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the physical foaming agent is present at 0.5-4 wt%. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the physical foaming agent is present at 0.3-4 wt%. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the physical foaming agent is present at 4-10 wt%.

[0182] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the plasticizer comprises triacetin, triethyl citrate, or PEG400. In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer is present in the range from 3 to 30 wt.%.In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer is present in the range from 3 to 25 wt.%, or 3 to 20 wt.%, or 3 to 15 wt.%.

[0183] In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer comprises triacetin. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range 3 to 30 wt.%. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range 3 to 25 wt.% or 3 to 20 wt.% or 3 to 15 wt.%.

[0184] In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer comprises triethyl citrate. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range of 3 to 30 wt.%. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range of 3 to 25 wt.% or 3 to 20 wt.% or 3 to 15 wt.%.

[0185] In one class of this embodiment, the plasticizer comprises PEG 400. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range of 3 to 30 wt.%. In a subclass of this class, the plasticizer is present in the range of 3 to 25 wt.% or 3 to 20 wt.% or 3 to 15 wt.%.

[0186] In one embodiment in which the foamable composition includes a nucleating agent, or in combination with any other embodiment, the nucleating agent includes magnesium silicate, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, or combinations thereof. In one class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent includes a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In one class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent includes a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. In one class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent includes a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0187] In one class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises magnesium silicate. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0188] In one class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises silicon dioxide. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0189] In one class of this embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises magnesium oxide. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. In a subclass of this class, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0190] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 2 microns. In one embodiment, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.5 microns. The nucleating agent comprises a particulate composition having a median particle size of less than 1.1 microns.

[0191] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition further comprises fibers. In a class of this embodiment, the fibers comprise hemp, bast, jute, flax, ramie, kenaf, sisal, bamboo, or wood cellulose fibers. In a subclass of this class, the fibers comprise hemp.

[0192] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition further comprises a photolysis catalyst. In a class of this embodiment, the photolysis catalyst is titanium dioxide, or iron oxide. In a subclass of this class, the photolysis catalyst is titanium dioxide. In a subclass of this class, the photolysis catalyst is iron oxide.

[0193] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition further comprises a pigment. In a class of this embodiment, the pigment is titanium dioxide, cellulose carbon black, or iron oxide. In a subclass of this class, the pigment is titanium dioxide. In a subclass of this class, the pigment is carbon black. In a subclass of this class, the pigment is iron oxide.

[0194] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition is biodegradable. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition comprises two or more cellulose acetates having different degrees of acetyl substitution.

[0195] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foamable composition further comprises a biodegradable polymer different from cellulose acetate. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, there is an article prepared from any one of the foamable compositions described hereinbefore, the article being a foam or foam article. In one or more embodiments, the foam article is formed from or includes a foam of the present invention.

[0196] In one class of this embodiment, the article has a thickness or foam thickness up to 3 mm. In one class of this embodiment, the article has one or more skin layers.

[0197] In one class of this embodiment, the article is a melt-formed article which may be one or more of biodegradable, disintegrable and compostable. In one class of this embodiment, the article has a hardness of 0.9 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.8 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.8 g / cm 3In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.7 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.7 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.6 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article has a density of less than 0.5 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.5 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.4 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.4 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.3 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.3 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.2 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.2 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.1 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.1 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of less than 0.05 g / cm 3 or the article has a density of less than 0.05 g / cm 3 In one class of this embodiment, the article includes a foam having a density of 0.2 to 0.9 g / cm 3 It has a density in the range of

[0198] In one class of this embodiment, the article is industrially compostable or home compostable. In a subclass of this class, the article is industrially compostable. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 6 mm. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 3 mm. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 1.1 mm. In a subclass of this class, the article is home compostable. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 6 mm. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 3 mm. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 1.1 mm. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 0.8 mm. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 0.6 mm. In a sub-subclass of this subclass, the article has a thickness of less than 0.4 mm.

[0199] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article has a thickness of less than 6 mm. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article has a thickness of less than 3 mm. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article has a thickness of less than 1.1 mm. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article has a thickness of less than 0.8 mm. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article has a thickness of less than 0.6 mm. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the article has a thickness of less than 0.4 mm.

[0200] The present application relates to a method for producing a foamable composition comprising: (a) providing a non-foamable composition comprising: (1) a cellulose acetate having a degree of acetyl substitution (DSAc) of 2.2 to 2.6; (2) 5 to 40 wt. % of a plasticizer; (3) a hydrocolloid; and (4) 0.1 to 3 wt. % of a nucleating agent; (b) melting the non-foamable composition in an extruder to form a melt of the non-foamable composition; and (b) injecting a physical foaming agent into the melt of the non-foamable composition to prepare a molten foamable composition. A method for preparing a foamable composition is disclosed, comprising:

[0201] In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the physical foaming agent is CO, N, or unbranched or branched (C 2~6 ) containing alkanes. In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foam or foam article exhibits greater than 30% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foam or foam article exhibits greater than 50% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foam or foam article exhibits greater than 70% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foam or foam article exhibits greater than 80% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration test protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foam or article exhibits greater than 90% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration testing protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013). In one embodiment, or in combination with any other embodiment, the foam or article exhibits greater than 95% disintegration after 12 weeks according to the disintegration testing protocol described herein or in accordance with an alternative ISO 16929 (2013).

[0202] The present invention exhibits many surprising features and achieves many unexpected performance and processing parameters. The plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention may exhibit improved melt strength and melt viscosity while maintaining the physical properties and characteristics of the cellulose ester. The plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention may also exhibit a surprising and unexpected increase in the extensibility (stretchability or stretchability) of the formulation when heated above the glass transition temperature (Tg), and may also exhibit increased extensibility when heated below the glass transition temperature. A further particular consideration is the improvement / increase in the areal (planar) stretch ratio, which translates into improved extensibility in melt-formed thermoplastic applications. Improving the stretchability or stretchability of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition can widen its processing window, especially with respect to stretching processes such as blown film extrusion, thermoforming, and fiber spinning. Improved stretchability also widens the range of possible applications for the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition, including articles with high stretch ratios that would otherwise be excluded. If the stretchability of the plasticized cellulose acetate can be increased, higher melt strengths are possible.

[0203] The advantages seen in the present invention may be useful in foam articles or foaming processes where melt strength is desired, such as, for example, minimizing sag in blown film, extrusion blow molding, thermoforming and extrusion, and adjusting cell size in foaming. Interestingly, the compositions of the present invention also showed improved strain hardening over the control. Additionally, the hydrocolloids present in the compositions of the present invention may be water dispersible or water soluble, and thus may serve as disintegration enhancers and allow for higher compostable thickness.

[0204] These and other benefits and advantages of the present invention are demonstrated in the examples set forth below, which are provided merely as illustrations of embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention. EXAMPLES

[0205] The materials utilized in carrying out the examples are specified below: All percentages in the examples are by weight based on the total weight of the composition unless otherwise indicated.

[0206] [Table 1] Example 1 Compression molded film containing 1 wt% hydrocolloid Films were pressed from dry blends of Eastman Cellulose Acetate (CA) grade CA398-30 with 1 wt% hydrocolloid and either 15 wt% triacetin or 15 wt% PEG400 as a plasticizer. The dry ingredients were sieved together three times to mix and disperse the hydrocolloid additive into the CA powder. The plasticizer was then added and the mixture was blended in an electric coffee bean grinder to disperse the plasticizer. Each dry blend was weighed, placed into an aluminum pan, and dried at 80°C for 24 hours. Films were pressed in a heated press with the top and bottom platens preheated to 218°C (425°F) for a total of 4 minutes. All predried CA / plasticizer / hydrocolloid dry blends were applied to the center of a 4 inch square, 10 mil thick frame between two steel plates and a top and bottom layer of aluminum foil. The assembly was placed in a press and heated at 0 pressure for 1 minute to dry and pre-melt the pack, then pressed at 12,000 PHI for 1 minute, increased to higher pressure for approximately 30 seconds, and finally held at 1379 bar ((20,000 PSI) (ram pressure in pounds)) for 1.5 minutes.

[0207] The appearance and ductility of the compression molded films are summarized in the table below. Visually uniform and ductile molded films were used as an indication of compatibility and thermal stability of the hydrocolloid additive at 1%.

[0208] [Table 2] Example 2 Compounding and Sheet Extrusion To form the melt processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions of the present invention, the raw materials were compounded and pelletized using a Leistritz twin screw at a 15 lb. scale. Representative extruder conditions are detailed in Table 2 below. The compositions are set forth in Table 3 below. Xanthan gum has been reported to form non-covalent crosslinks in the presence of citric acid.

[0209] [Table 3]

[0210] [Table 4] Example 3 Dispersibility of hydrocolloids in extruded films. A 0.76 mm (30 mil) film was then melt extruded from each batch of pellets using a 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) Killion sheet extruder equipped with a Maddock mixing screw and adjustable sheet / film die. Nominal temperature / die temperature / melt temperature / barrel temperature range = 191°C (375°F) to 241°C (466°F); rpm = 30 to 70. The dispersion and compatibility of the polysaccharide hydrocolloid in the plasticized CA was determined by visual inspection of the above extruded films and the results are set forth below in Table 4. Acacia gum was deemed miscible with CA, while the other gums and polysaccharides remained intact after the extrusion process.

[0211] [Table 5] Chitosan, xanthan gum and tara gum were not uniformly incorporated into the films. In contrast, acacia gum added at 1 wt% was well dispersed in the films and was also dispersible at 2 wt%.

[0212] Example 4 Thermal properties of extruded films The extruded films of Example 3 were subjected to Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to determine the specific heat capacity (SHC) on the first heat and the glass transition temperature (Tg) on ​​the second heat. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was completed using a TA Instruments Q2000 instrument that determines the thermal transitions of polymers. To analyze the samples, (4-8 mg) of each sample was sealed in an aluminum DSC pan and evaluated using a heat-cool-heat method. For the first heat, the samples were evaluated from 23°C to 250°C at a scan rate of 20°C per minute and the transitions were marked. Next, the samples were cooled from 250°C to 23°C at a scan rate of 20°C per minute and the transitions were marked. Finally, the samples were reheated a second time (second heat method) from 23°C to 250°C at a scan rate of 20°C per minute and the transitions were marked. To minimize the effect of moisture on the sample results, the Tg was determined during the second heat. Transitions were marked and recorded according to ASTM D3418.

[0213] [Table 6] Example 5 Stretchability below Tg The extruded film of Example 3 was subjected to tensile testing according to ASTM D882, which was carried out at ambient conditions of 20° C. and 50% relative humidity (RH), and the results are set forth in Tables 6a and 6b below.

[0214] [Table 7]

[0215] [Table 8] Films from batch 82 with 1 wt% acacia gum had higher breaking strain (elongation at break) in both the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) than similar films without acacia gum.

[0216] Example 6 Extensibility above Tg; draw ratio Sheets of extruded film from Example 3 were thermoformed in a Comet Model C64S thermoformer by male plug assisted vacuum forming. The mold was a multi-cavity mold with nine cylindrical cups arranged in a 3×3 grid. Each cup was 2 inches in diameter while the depth varied from ¼ inch to 2¼ inches, resulting in an areal draw ratio (ADR) ranging from 1.5 to 5.5. The male plugs were designed to provide a 100 μm clearance between the female and male dies. Each extruded sheet was clamped on two sides and heated to a target sheet temperature of Tg+75° C. The actual sheet surface temperature was measured at several locations using an IR thermometer. The sheet sag was measured during heating. Lower sag can be an indication of reduced distortion or wrinkling during forming. The average sheet sag is recorded in Table 7a.

[0217] The heated sheet was placed on a mold and thermoformed into a formed cup. The formed cup was visually inspected for defects (including stress-whitening / discoloration and tears / holes) and, as specified in Table 7b, formed cups without visual defects were recorded as "intact," while samples with visual defects were not recorded (i.e., left blank in the table). The highest stretch ratio achieved for a given sample without the introduction of visual defects is labeled the maximum area stretch ratio for the purposes of this test.

[0218] As evidenced by the data in Table 7b, the maximum areal draw ratio (ADR) for the formed cups formed using control sheet 80 with 15 wt% PEG 400 was 3.5 to 4. The addition of 1% hydrocolloid (acacia gum) increased the maximum ADR to at least 5 to 5.5, which was the limit of the mold equipment used in this study.

[0219] [Table 9]

[0220] [Table 10] Example 7 Deep-draw thermoforming demonstration of varying concentrations of PEG400 and hydrocolloid additive (acacia gum) Sheets of extruded film from Example 3 were thermoformed by male plug assisted vacuum forming with varying concentrations of PEG400 and hydrocolloid additive (acacia gum). The thermoforming equipment, molds and procedures followed were the same as those described in Example 6. The resulting sheet surface temperature (°C), sag (mm) and maximum areal draw ratio (ADR) were recorded repeatedly for each sample and averaged and summarized in Table 8. Sheet temperature was recorded at several points across the sheet using an IR thermometer located directly above the clamping frame. Sag was measured using a GoPro camera rig calibrated from the bottom of the clamping frame to the lowest point of the sagging sheet. Sheets that had no visible sag below the bottom of the clamping frame were recorded as <125mm because the clamping frame prevented the camera from viewing the initial gap of approximately 125mm between the clamped sheet and the bottom of the clamping frame. For the purposes of this study, the maximum ADR was defined and recorded as the ADR in the mold cavity where a cup was formed without any visible defects such as stress whitening, discoloration, tears, or / holes. As evidenced in Table 8, a maximum ADR of 5.5 (the limit of the mold used) with the lowest sag was obtained for sheet 82 with 15 wt% PEG400 and 1 wt% hydrocolloid (acacia gum), indicative of higher melt viscosity and reduced distortion / wrinkling during molding. The higher concentration of plasticizer (PEG400) by itself did not significantly affect the average sag and maximum ADR, as seen in sheets 80 and 94. However, the addition of 1-2 wt% hydrocolloid additive (acacia gum) increased the maximum ADR, as evidenced in sheets 82, 100, and 102.

[0221] [Table 11] Example 8 Deep-draw thermoforming demonstration for various types of hydrocolloid additives Sheets of extruded film formulated with different types of hydrocolloids (acacia gum, modified starch and tragacanth gum) were subjected to thermoforming by male plug assisted vacuum forming. The thermoforming equipment, mould and procedure followed were the same as described in Example 6. The obtained sheet surface temperature (°C), sag (mm) and maximum areal draw ratio (ADR) were recorded repeatedly for each sample as described in Example 7 and averaged and summarized in Table 9. From Table 9, it can be observed that the addition of 1 wt% of hydrocolloid additive (acacia gum, modified starch or tragacanth gum) together with 15 wt% of PEG400 plasticizer significantly increases the obtained maximum ADR compared to the control sheet 80 with only 15 wt% of PEG400.

[0222] [Table 12] Example 9 Extensional rheological properties of extruded films The uniaxial extensional flow properties of the 0.76 mm (30 mil) extruded film samples from Example 8 were characterized on a TAInstruments ARES-G2 rotational rheometer equipped with a Sentmanat Extensional Rheometer (SER) fixture, consisting of two counter-rotating drums with intermeshing gears and low friction bearings. Specimens measuring 76.2 mm (3 in) in length and 12.7 mm (0.5 in) in width were cut from the extruded film and secured at both ends using fixed clamps to two drums set at the desired test temperature. The test temperature used was determined to be Tg+75°C, similar to the thermoforming temperature. Rotation of the rheometer drive shaft rotates the drums in opposite directions, which causes the ends of the specimen film to wrap around the drums, thus stretching the specimen film uniformly over its unsupported extended length. The specimen film was stretched at a constant rate to the break point, and the rheometer torque and axial force data were converted to extensional viscosity, which is the Hencky strain (ε H) or plotted as a function of time. Extensional rheological testing allows for the quantification of strain hardening properties, which provides direct insight into the melt strength and melt extensibility characteristics of polymeric materials. The strain hardening index (SH) is calculated using the following equation: SH=η E / 3η0[where, η E (Pa.s) is the Hencky strain (ε H ) as a function of the apparent extensional viscosity obtained from the peak of the extensional viscosity curve. η is the zero-shear viscosity measured by means of a dynamic frequency sweep experiment using a parallel plate fixture in a rotational rheometer. Table 10 shows the η, ε for samples with and without hydrocolloid additives. H , η E and SH values ​​are listed. The SH results correlate well with the thermoforming extensibility data of Example 8, with sample films having 15 wt% PEG400 and 1 wt% hydrocolloid (modified starch, gum tragacanth or gum acacia) showing significantly higher SH compared to the sample having only 15 wt% PEG400 (Control Sheet 80).

[0223] [Table 13]

Claims

1. A melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition comprising: (i) a cellulose ester; (ii) a plasticizer; and (iii) a hydrocolloid.

2. 10. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrocolloid is present in an amount of from 0.1% to 49% by weight, based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition.

3. 3. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 2, wherein the hydrocolloid is present in an amount of from 0.5% to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition.

4. 3. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 2, wherein the hydrocolloid is present in an amount of from 0.1% to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition.

5. 10. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrocolloid is a polysaccharide hydrocolloid.

6. 2. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of agar, alginate, carrageenan, chitin, cassia gum, cellulose gum, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, fenugreek gum, gellan gum, guar gum, acacia gum, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, konjac mannan, linseed gum, locust bean gum, tara gum (also known as Caesalpinia spinosa gum), tamarind gum, tarrow gum, sycamore gum, xanthan gum, soybean soluble polysaccharides, pectin, starch, modified starch, and combinations thereof.

7. 7. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 6, wherein the hydrocolloid is gum acacia, gum tragacanth, modified starch, or a combination thereof.

8. 10. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrocolloid is a food-compatible hydrocolloid.

9. 10. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the plasticizer is present in an amount of from 1 wt% to 40 wt%, based on the total weight of the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition.

10. 2. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the plasticizer is a polyethylene glycol or methoxypolyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 300 to 500 Daltons.

11. 10. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the cellulose ester comprises cellulose acetate.

12. 10. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition exhibits a strain hardening ("SH") in the range of 10% to 100%, or 20% to 100%, or 30% to 100%, or 40% to 100%, or 50% to 100%, or 60% to 100% compared to a melt-processible cellulose ester composition that does not contain a hydrocolloid, wherein the SH is determined by the procedure disclosed herein.

13. 10. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition exhibits a maximum areal draw ratio ("Max ADR") ranging from 10% to 50%, or from 20% to 50%, or from 30% to 50%, or from 40% to 50% compared to a melt-processible cellulose ester composition that does not contain a hydrocolloid, wherein the Max ADR is determined by the procedure disclosed herein.

14. 14. A cellulose ester melt comprising, formed from, or prepared using the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 14. A melt-formed article comprising, formed from, or prepared using the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. 16. The article of claim 15, which is a compression molded article, or an extruded article, or a profile extruded article, or a thermoformed article.

17. 16. The article of claim 15, which is an oriented film, an oriented sheet, a foam sheet, or a fiber.

18. 14. An article comprising a foam comprising, formed from, or prepared using the melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of any one of claims 1 to 13.

19. 14. The melt-processible plasticized cellulose ester composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrocolloid comprises gum acacia.

20. A pellet comprising the melt-processible plasticized cellulose composition of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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