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Compositions and methods for manufacturing starch-based sheets

  • US 6,200,404 B1
  • Filed: 11/24/1998
  • Issued: 03/13/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/09/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for manufacturing a starch-bound sheet comprising the steps of:

  • (a) providing a starch-based mixture including water, initially ungelatinized starch granules, and an auxiliary water-dispersible organic polymer that is capable of reducing adhesion between the starch-based mixture and heated forming rollers upon gelatinization of the starch granules;

    (b) forming the starch-based mixture into an initial green sheet by passing the mixture between at least one set of heated forming rollers having a temperature such that a portion of the auiliy water-dispersible organic polymer forms a layer of reduced adhesion on the outer surfaces of the initial green sheet in order to prevent substantial adhesion of the starch-based mixture to the forming rollers upon gelatinization of the starch granules;

    (c) heating the initial green sheet to cause at least a portion of the starch granules to become gelatinized in order to form an intermediate green sheet; and

    (d) removing at least a portion of the water from the intermediate green sheet by evaporation so as to form a starch-bound sheet having a binding matrix that includes a mixture of substantially dried starch and auxiliary water-dispersible organic polymer.

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