Degradable polymer composition

• US 5,834,582 A
• Filed: 02/20/1996
• Issued: 11/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/1988
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: NatureWorks LLC (Cargill Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Chronopol, Inc.
• Inventors: Lipinsky, Edward S., Sinclair, Richard G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cain, Edward J.
• Application Number:
  US08/603,578
• Time in Patent Office: 994 Days
• Field of Search: 528/354, 528/361, 523/124, 524/306, 524/310, 524/315, 524/317, 524/320
• US Class Current: 528/354
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 15/26 Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Derivatives thereof A61L15/225 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 15/62 Compostable, hydrosoluble or hydrodegradable materials
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/1942 spherical
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 63/08 Lactones or lactides
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 2367/04 Polyesters derived from hydroxy carboxylic acids, e.g. lactones C08J2367/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 5/18 Manufacture of films or sheets
• CPC Class Codes: C08K 5/10 Esters; Ether-esters
• CPC Class Codes: C08K 5/101 of monocarboxylic acids
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 101/00 Compositions of unspecified macromolecular compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/02 Organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/14 Macromolecular compounds according to C08L59/00 - C08L87/00; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/18 Polyesters or polycarbonates according to C08L67/00 - C08L69/00; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/26 Natural polymers, natural resins or derivatives thereof according to C08L1/00 - C08L5/00, C08L89/00, C08L93/00, C08L97/00 or C08L99/00
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/28 Non-macromolecular organic substances
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 29/00 Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and at least one being terminated by an alcohol, ether, aldehydo, ketonic, acetal or ketal radical; Compositions of hydrolysed polymers of esters of unsaturated alcohols with saturated carboxylic acids; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 53/00 Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 57/00 Compositions of unspecified polymers obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 67/00 Compositions of polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain of polyester-amides C08L77/12; of polyester-imides C08L79/08; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 67/025 containing polyether sequences
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 67/04 Polyesters derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g. lactones C08L67/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 167/04 : Polyesters derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g. lactones C09D167/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C09J 167/00 : Adhesives based on polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain based on polyester-amides C09J177/12; based on polyester-imides C09J179/08; Adhesives based on derivatives of such polymers
• CPC Class Codes: C09J 167/04 : Polyesters derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g. lactones C09J167/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: D21H 17/53 : Polyethers; Polyesters

Abstract

Disclosed are degradable materials which-include a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer and nontoxic modifier, wherein the modifier is compatible with the polymer and the modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive. Also disclosed are processes for forming the various degradable materials, which include films, molded products, laminates, foams, powders, nonwovens, adhesives and coatings. The disclosed materials and processes are particularly useful for the production of commercial and consumer products in high volumes which are suitable for recycling after use or which are discarded into the environment in large volumes.

Claims

1. A degradable molded article comprising:

a) a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer, comprising repeating monomer or comonomer units selected from the group consisting of;

##STR6## wherein X is the same or different and is O or NR'"'"' with R'"'"' being the same or different and being H, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl;

R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and where n₁ and n₂ can be the same or different and are an integer of from 1-12;

b) a nontoxic modifier, wherein said modifier is compatible with said polymer and said modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive;

c) wherein said molded article has a tensile strength of less than about 20,000 psi; and

d) wherein said polymer has a weight average molecular weight from about 100,000 to about 500,000.

2. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said molded article is selected from the group consisting of spoons, forks and knives.

3. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said repeating monomer or comonomer units comprise repeating monomer or comonomer units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, gamma-hydroxycarboxylic acids, delta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, epsilon-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, gamma-lactones, delta-lactones, epsilon-lactones, beta-lactams, gamma-lactams, delta-lactams, epsilon-lactams, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, dioxanones, substituted variations of the foregoing compounds, and combinations thereof.

4. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said polymer is produced by polymerization of monomers, at least 50% by weight of which are monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, and combinations thereof.

5. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said lactide monomers comprise a preponderance of optically active lactide and a lesser amount of optically inactive lactide selected from the group consisting of racemic L,D-lactide and meso L,D-lactide.

6. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said modifier is thermally and chemically stable at temperatures below about 130°

C.

7. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, ε

-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, ketones, amides, nitriles, and combinations of the foregoing.

8. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of adipic acid derivatives, azelaic acid derivatives, cyclic esters of oligomers of lactic acid, esters of oligomers of lactic acid, citric acid derivatives, polyesters of adipic acid, polyesters of azelaic acid, polyesters of sebacic acid, sebacic acid derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, and combinations thereof.

9. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, diisodecyl adipate, bis (2-butoxyethyl) adipate, bis (2-ethylhexyl) azelate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, acetylated lactoyllactate ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl citrate, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, epoxidized soy oil, 2-ethylhexyl epoxy tallate, diethylene glycol dinonanoate, triethylene glycol di(2-ethylbutyrate), pentaerythritol esters, alkoxy sucrose and glucose, acylated sucrose and glucose, alkylated and acylated glycols, starch esters, N-acylated amino acid esters, amide derivatives and oligomers of N-acylated amino acid esters, polyethylene glycol ethers, sulfonamides and derivatives, tri(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, diphenyl phthalate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, sebacic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, di-n-butyl sebacate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate, and combinations thereof.

10. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, epsilon-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and combinations of the foregoing.

11. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, and combinations thereof.

12. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, oligomers of lactic acid, oligomers of lactide and mixtures thereof, wherein said oligomers of lactic acid and oligomers of lactide are defined by the formula:

##STR7## where m is an integer;

2<

m<

75.

13. The molded article of claim 1, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of acetyl tributyl citrate, lactide, glycolide, lactic acid esters, dimethyl adipate, diethyl adipate, caprolactone, acetyl triethyl citrate, bis 2-ethyl hexyl sebacate, and bis 2-ethyl hexyl adipate.

14. A laminated composite material comprising a resin comprising:

a) a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer comprising repeating monomer or comonomer units selected from the group consisting of;

##STR8## wherein X is the same or different and is O or NR'"'"' with R'"'"' being the same or different and being H, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl;

R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and where n₁ and n₂ can be the same or different and are an integer of from 1-12;

b) a nontoxic modifier, wherein said modifier is compatible with said polymer and said modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive; and

c) wherein said resin has a tensile strength of less than about 20,000 psi.

15. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said resin forms a tie layer.

16. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said resin forms an outer protective coating.

17. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said polymer has a weight average molecular weight from about 100,000 to about 500,000.

18. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said repeating monomer or comonomer units comprise repeating monomer or comonomer units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, gamma-hydroxycarboxylic acids, delta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, epsilon-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, gamma-lactones, delta-lactones, epsilon-lactones, beta-lactams, gamma-lactams, delta-lactams, epsilon-lactams, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, dioxanones, substituted variations of the foregoing compounds, and combinations thereof.

19. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said polymer is produced by polymerization of monomers, at least 50% by weight of which are monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, and combinations thereof.

20. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said lactide monomers comprise a preponderance of optically active lactide and a lesser amount of optically inactive lactide selected from the group consisting of racemic L,D-lactide and meso L,D-lactide.

21. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said modifier is thermally and chemically stable at temperatures below about 130°

C.

22. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, e-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, ketones, amides, nitriles, and combinations of the foregoing.

23. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of adipic acid derivatives, azelaic acid derivatives, cyclic esters, oligomers of lactic acid, esters of oligomers of lactic acid, citric acid derivatives, polyesters of adipic acid, polyesters of azelaic acid, polyesters of sebacic acid, sebacic acid derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, and combinations thereof.

24. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, diisodecyl adipate, bis(2-butoxyethyl) adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)azelate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, acetylated lactoyllactate ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl citrate, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, epoxidized soy oil, 2-ethylhexyl epoxy tallate, diethylene glycol dinonanoate, triethylene glycol di(2-ethylbutyrate), pentaerythritol esters, alkoxy sucrose and glucose, acylated sucrose and glucose, alkylated and acylated glycols, starch esters, N-acylated amino acid esters, amide derivatives and oligomers of N-acylated amino acid esters, polyethylene glycol ethers, sulfonamides and derivatives, tri(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, diphenyl phthalate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, sebacic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, di-n-butyl sebacate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate, and combinations thereof.

25. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, epsilon-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and combinations of the foregoing.

26. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, and combinations thereof.

27. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, oligomers of lactic acid, oligomers of lactide and mixtures thereof, wherein said oligomers of lactic acid and oligomers of lactide are defined by the formula:

##STR9## where m is an integer;

2<

m<

75.

28. The laminated composite material of claim 14, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of acetyl tributyl citrate, lactide, glycolide, lactic acid esters, dimethyl adipate, diethyl adipate, caprolactone, acetyl triethyl citrate, bis 2-ethyl hexyl sebacate, and bis 2-ethyl hexyl adipate.

32. The coextrudate material of claim 28, wherein said polymer is produced by polymerization of monomers, at least 50% by weight of which are monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, and combinations thereof.

36. The coextrudate material of claim 25, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of adipic acid derivatives, azelaic acid derivatives, cyclic esters of oligomers of lactic acid, esters of oligomers of lactic acid, citric acid derivatives, polyesters of adipic acid, polyesters of azelaic acid, polyesters of sebacic acid, sebacic acid derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, and combinations thereof.

29. A coextrudate material comprising:

a) a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer comprising repeating monomer or comonomer units selected from the group consisting of;

##STR10## wherein X is the same or different and is O or NR'"'"' with R'"'"' being the same or different and being H, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl;

R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and where n₁ and n₂ can be the same or different and are an integer of from 1-12;

b) a nontoxic modifier, wherein said modifier is compatible with said polymer and said modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive; and

c) wherein said polymer has a tensile strength of less than about 20,000 psi.

30. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said polymer has a weight average molecular weight from about 100,000 to about 500,000.

31. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said repeating monomer or comonomer units comprise repeating monomer or comonomer units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, gamma-hydroxycarboxylic acids, delta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, epsilon-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, gamma-lactones, delta-lactones, epsilon-lactones, beta-lactams, gamma-lactams, delta-lactams, epsilon-lactams, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, dioxanones, substituted variations of the foregoing compounds, and combinations thereof.

33. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said lactide monomers comprise a preponderance of optically active lactide and a lesser amount of optically inactive lactide selected from the group consisting of racemic L,D-lactide and meso L,D-lactide.

34. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said modifier is thermally and chemically stable at temperatures below about 130°

C.

35. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, ε

-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, ketones, amides, nitriles, and combinations of the foregoing.

37. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, diisodecyl adipate, bis (2-butoxyethyl) adipate, bis (2-ethylhexyl) azelate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, acetylated lactoyllactate ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl citrate, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, epoxidized soy oil, 2-ethylhexyl epoxy tallate, diethylene glycol dinonanoate, triethylene glycol di(2-ethylbutyrate), pentaerythritol esters, alkoxy sucrose and glucose, acylated sucrose and glucose, alkylated and acylated glycols, starch esters, N-acylated amino acid esters, amide derivatives and oligomers of N-acylated amino acid esters, polyethylene glycol ethers, sulfonamides and derivatives, tri(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, bis (2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, diphenyl phthalate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, sebacic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, di-n-butyl sebacate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate, and combinations thereof.

38. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, epsilon-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and combinations of the foregoing.

39. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, and combinations thereof.

40. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, oligomers of lactic acid, oligomers of lactide and mixtures thereof, wherein said oligomers of lactic acid and oligomers of lactide are defined by the formula:

##STR11## where m is an integer;

2<

m<

75.

41. The coextrudate material of claim 29, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of acetyl tributyl citrate, lactide, glycolide, lactic acid esters, dimethyl adipate, diethyl adipate, caprolactone, acetyl triethyl citrate, bis 2-ethyl hexyl sebacate, and bis 2-ethyl hexyl adipate.

42. A foam material comprising:

a) a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer comprising repeating monomer or comonomer units selected from the group consisting of;

##STR12## wherein X is the same or different and is O or NR'"'"' with R'"'"' being the same or different and being H, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl;

R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and where n₁ and n₂ can be the same or different and are an integer of from 1-12;

b) a nontoxic modifier, wherein said modifier is compatible with said polymer and said modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive; and

c) wherein said foam material has a weight average molecular weight of between about 50,000 and about 500,000.

43. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said foam material has a T_g of between about 100°

C. and about 105°

C.

44. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said polymer is semi-crystalline and not transparent.

45. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said repeating monomer or comonomer units comprise repeating monomer or comonomer units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, gamma-hydroxycarboxylic acids, delta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, epsilon-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, gamma-lactones, delta-lactones, epsilon-lactones, beta-lactams, gamma-lactams, delta-lactams, epsilon-lactams, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, dioxanones, substituted variations of the foregoing compounds, and combinations thereof.

46. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said polymer is produced by polymerization of monomers, at least 50% by weight of which are monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, and combinations thereof.

47. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said lactide monomers comprise a preponderance of optically active lactide and a lesser amount of optically inactive lactide selected from the group consisting of racemic L,D-lactide and meso L,D-lactide.

48. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said modifier is thermally and chemically stable at temperatures below about 130°

C.

49. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, e-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, ketones, amides, nitrites, and combinations of the foregoing.

50. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of adipic acid derivatives, azelaic acid derivatives, cyclic esters of oligomers of lactic acid, esters of oligomers of lactic acid, citric acid derivatives, polyesters of adipic acid, polyesters of azelaic acid, polyesters of sebacic acid, sebacic acid derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, and combinations thereof.

51. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, diisodecyl adipate, bis (2-butoxyethyl) adipate;

bis (2-ethylhexyl) azelate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, acetylated lactoyllactate ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl citrate, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, epoxidized soy oil, 2-ethylhexyl epoxy tallate, diethylene glycol dinonanoate, triethylene glycol di(2-ethylbutyrate), pentaerythritol esters, alkoxy sucrose and glucose, acylated sucrose and glucose, alkylated and acylated glycols, starch esters, N-acylated amino acid esters, amide derivatives and oligomers of N-acylated amino acid esters, polyethylene glycol ethers, sulfonamides and derivatives, tri(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, dicyclohexylphthalate, diphenyl phthalate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000,.azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, sebacic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, di-n-butyl sebacate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate, and combinations thereof.

52. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, epsilon-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and combinations of the foregoing.

53. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, and combinations thereof.

54. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, oligomers of lactic acid, oligomers of lactide and mixtures thereof, wherein said oligomers of lactic acid and oligomers of lactide are defined by the formula:

##STR13## where m is an integer;

2<

m<

75.

55. The foam material of claim 42, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of acetyl tributyl citrate, lactide, glycolide, lactic acid esters, dimethyl adipate, diethyl adipate, caprolactone, acetyl triethyl citrate, bis 2-ethyl hexyl sebacate, and bis 2-ethyl hexyl adipate.

56. An adhesive material comprising:

a) a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer comprising repeating monomer or comonomer units selected from the group consisting of;

##STR14## wherein X is the same or different and is O or NR'"'"' with R'"'"' being the same or different and being H, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl;

R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and where n₁ and n₂ can be the same or different and are an integer of from 1-12;

b) a nontoxic modifier, wherein said modifier is compatible with said polymer and said modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive; and

c) wherein said adhesive material has a weight average molecular weight of between about 5,000 and about 200,000.

57. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said polymer has a T_g of less than room temperature to about 100°

C.

58. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said repeating monomer or comonomer units comprise repeating monomer or comonomer units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, gamma-hydroxycarboxylic acids, delta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, epsilon-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, gamma-lactones, delta-lactones, epsilon-lactones, beta-lactams, gamma-lactams, delta-lactams, epsilon-lactams, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, dioxanones, substituted variations of the foregoing compounds, and combinations thereof.

59. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said polymer is produced by polymerization of monomers, at least 50% by weight of which are monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, and combinations thereof.

60. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said lactide monomers comprise a preponderance of optically active lactide and a lesser amount of optically inactive lactide selected from the group consisting of racemic L,D-lactide and meso L,D-lactide.

61. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said modifier is thermally and chemically stable at temperatures below about 130°

C.

62. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, e-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, ketones, amides, nitriles, and combinations of the foregoing.

63. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of adipic acid derivatives, azelaic acid derivatives, cyclic esters of oligomers of lactic acid, esters of oligomers of lactic acid, citric acid derivatives, polyesters of adipic acid, polyesters of azelaic acid, polyesters of sebacic acid, sebacic acid derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, and combinations thereof.

64. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, diisodecyl adipate, bis (2-butoxyethyl) adipate, bis (2-ethylhexyl) azelate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, acetylated lactoyllactate ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl citrate, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, epoxidized soy oil, 2-ethylhexyl epoxy tallate, diethylene glycol dinonanoate, triethylene glycol di(2-ethylbutyrate), pentaerythritol esters, alkoxy sucrose and glucose, acylated sucrose and glucose, alkylated and acylated glycols, starch esters, N-acylated amino acid esters, amide derivatives and oligomers of N-acylated amino acid esters, polyethylene glycol ethers, sulfonamides and derivatives, tri(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, dicyclohexylphthalate, diphenyl phthalate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, sebacic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, di-n-butyl sebacate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate, and combinations thereof.

65. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, epsilon-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and combinations of the foregoing.

66. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, and combinations thereof.

67. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, oligomers of lactic acid, oligomers of lactide and mixtures thereof, wherein said oligomers of lactic acid and oligomers of lactide are defined by the formula:

##STR15## where m is an integer;

2<

m<

75.

68. The adhesive material of claim 56, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of acetyl tributyl citrate, lactide, glycolide, lactic acid esters, dimethyl adipate, diethyl adipate, caprolactone, acetyl triethyl citrate, bis 2-ethyl hexyl sebacate, and bis 2-ethyl hexyl adipate.

69. A coating material comprising:

a) a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer comprising repeating monomer or comonomer units selected from the group consisting of;

##STR16## wherein X is the same or different and is O or NR'"'"' with R'"'"' being the same or different and being H, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl;

R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and where n₁ and n₂ can be the same or different and are an integer of from 1-12;

b) a nontoxic modifier, wherein said modifier is compatible with said polymer and said modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive; and

c) wherein said coating material has a molecular weight in the range of from about 10,000 to about 100,000.

70. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said repeating monomer or comonomer units comprise repeating monomer or comonomer units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, gamma-hydroxycarboxylic acids, delta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, epsilon-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, gamma-lactones, delta-lactones, epsilon-lactones, beta-lactams, gamma-lactams, delta-lactams, epsilon-lactams, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, dioxanones, substituted variations of the foregoing compounds, and combinations thereof.

71. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said polymer is produced by polymerization of monomers, at least 50% by weight of which are monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, and combinations thereof.

72. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said lactide monomers comprise a preponderance of optically active lactide and a lesser amount of optically inactive lactide selected from the group consisting of racemic L,D-lactide and meso L,D-lactide.

73. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said modifier is thermally and chemically stable at temperatures below about 130°

C.

74. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, ε

-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, ketones, amides, nitriles, and combinations of the foregoing.

75. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of adipic acid derivatives, azelaic acid derivatives, cyclic esters of oligomers of lactic acid, esters of oligomers of lactic acid, citric acid derivatives, polyesters of adipic acid, polyesters of azelaic acid, polyesters of sebacic acid, sebacic acid derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, and combinations thereof.

76. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said modified comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, diisodecyl adipate, bis (2-butoxyethyl) adipate, bis (2-ethylhexyl) azelate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, acetylated lactoyllactate ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl citrate, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, epoxidized soy oil, 2-ethylhexyl epoxy tallate, diethylene glycol dinonanoate, triethylene glycol di(2-ethylbutyrate), pentaerythritol esters, alkoxy sucrose and glucose, acylated sucrose and glucose, alkylated and acylated glycols, starch esters, N-acylated amino acid esters, amide derivatives and oligomers of N-acylated amino acid esters, polyethylene glycol ethers, sulfonamides and derivatives, tri(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, diphenyl phthalate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, sebacic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, di-n-butyl sebacate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate, and combinations thereof.

77. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, epsilon-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and combinations of the foregoing.

78. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, and combinations thereof.

79. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, oligomers of lactic acid, oligomers of lactide and mixtures thereof, wherein said oligomers of lactic acid and oligomers of lactide are defined by the formula:

##STR17## where m is an integer;

2<

m<

75.

80. The coating material of claim 69, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of acetyl tributyl citrate, lactide, glycolide, lactic acid esters, dimethyl adipate, diethyl adipate, caprolactone, acetyl triethyl citrate, bis 2-ethyl hexyl sebacate, and bis 2-ethyl hexyl adipate.

81. A spun-bonded nonwoven material comprising:

a) a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer comprising repeating monomer or comonomer units selected from the group consisting of;

##STR18## wherein X is the same or different and is O or NR'"'"' with R'"'"' being the same or different and being H, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl;

R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and where n₁ and n₂ can be the same or different and are an integer of from 1-12;

b) a nontoxic modifier, wherein said modifier is compatible with said polymer and said modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive; and

c) wherein said polymer has a tensile strength of less than about 20,000 psi.

82. The spun-bonded nonwoven material as claimed in claim 81, wherein said spun-bonded nonwoven material is fabricated into a product selected from the group consisting of envelopes, towels, cloth wipes and fabrics.

83. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said polymer has a weight average molecular weight from about 100,000 to about 500,000.

84. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said repeating monomer or comonomer units comprise repeating monomer or comonomer units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, gamma-hydroxycarboxylic acids, delta-hydroxycarboxylic acids, epsilon-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, gamma-lactones, delta-lactones, epsilon-lactones, beta-lactams, gamma-lactams, delta-lactams, epsilon-lactams, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, dioxanones, substituted variations of the foregoing compounds, and combinations thereof.

85. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said polymer is produced by polymerization of monomers, at least 50% by weight of which are monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, and combinations thereof.

86. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said lactide monomers comprise a preponderance of optically active lactide and a lesser amount of optically inactive lactide selected from the group consisting of racemic L,D-lactide and meso L,D-lactide.

87. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said modifier is thermally and chemically stable at temperatures below about 130°

C.

88. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, e-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, ketones, amides, nitriles, and combinations of the foregoing.

89. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of adipic acid derivatives, azelaic acid derivatives, cyclic esters of oligomers of lactic acid, esters of oligomers of lactic acid, citric acid derivatives, polyesters of adipic acid, polyesters of azelaic acid, polyesters of sebacic acid, sebacic acid derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, epoxy derivatives, glycol derivatives, phthalic acid derivatives, phosphoric acid derivatives, and combinations thereof.

90. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, diisodecyl adipate, bis(2-butoxyethyl) adipate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)azelate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, acetylated lactoyllactate ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl citrate, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, epoxidized soy oil, 2-ethylhexyl epoxy tallate, diethylene glycol dinonanoate, triethylene glycol di(2-ethylbutyrate), pentaerythritol esters, alkoxy sucrose and glucose, acylated sucrose and glucose, alkylated and acylated glycols, starch esters, N-acylated amino acid esters, amide derivatives and oligomers of N-acylated amino acid esters, polyethylene glycol ethers, sulfonamides and derivatives, tri(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl, phthalate, butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, diphenyl phthalate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, sebacic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, di-n-butyl sebacate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate, and combinations thereof.

91. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, derivatives of dicarboxylic acids, polyesters of dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, polyesters of tricarboxylic acids, cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, derivatives of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, oligomers of cyclic diesters of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, beta-lactones, delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, epsilon-lactones, oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, esters of oligomers of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and combinations of the foregoing.

92. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said modifier comprises modifier selected from the group consisting of di-n-hexyl adipate, lactide, epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide, delta-valerolactone, oligomeric lactic acid, oligomeric lactic acid ethyl ester, tri-n-butyl acetylcitrate, adipic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 190 to about 6000, azelaic acid polyester with molecular weight from about 232 to about 7500, and combinations thereof.

93. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactide, oligomers of lactic acid, oligomers of lactide and mixtures thereof, wherein said oligomers of lactic acid and oligomers of lactide are defined by the formula:

##STR19## where m is an integer;

2<

m<

75.

94. The spun-bonded nonwoven material of claim 81, wherein said modifier comprises modifiers selected from the group consisting of acetyl tributyl citrate, lactide, glycolide, lactic acid esters, dimethyl adipate, diethyl adipate, caprolactone, acetyl triethyl citrate, bis 2-ethyl hexyl sebacate, and bis 2-ethyl hexyl adipate.

95. A garbage bag comprising:

a) a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer comprising repeating monomer or comonomer units selected from the group consisting of;

##STR20## wherein X is the same or different and is O or NR'"'"' with R'"'"' being the same or different and being H, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl;

R₁, R2, R₃ and R₄ can be the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and where n₁ and n₂ can be the same or different and are an integer of from 1-12;

b) a nontoxic modifier, wherein said modifier is compatible with said polymer and said modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive; and

c) wherein said garbage bag has a tensile strength of less than about 20,000 psi.

96. A flexible bottle comprising:

a) a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer comprising repeating monomer or comonomer units selected from the group consisting of;

##STR21## wherein X is the same or different and is O or NR'"'"' with R'"'"' being the same or different and being H, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl;

R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ can be the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or substituted hydrocarbyl containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and where n₁ and n₂ can be the same or different and are an integer of from 1-12;

b) a nontoxic modifier, wherein said modifier is compatible with said polymer and said modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive; and

c) wherein said flexible bottle has a tensile strength of less than about 20,000 psi.