Monolithic polymer composition having a releasing material

• US 6,316,520 B1
• Filed: 09/18/1998
• Issued: 11/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/1995
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: CSP Technologies Incorporated (AptarGroup Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Capitol Specialty Plastics Incorporated
• Inventors: Hekal, Ihab M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Silbaugh, Jan H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): McDowell, Suzanne E.
• Application Number:
  US09/157,032
• Time in Patent Office: 1,152 Days
• Field of Search: 264/349, 521/905, 524/503, 524/387, 523/102, 523/122, 523/132
• US Class Current: 523/102
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 20/28014 characterised by their form
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 20/28033 Membrane, sheet, cloth, pad, lamellar or mat
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 20/28042 Shaped bodies; Monolithic structures
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/16 Making multilayered or multicoloured articles B29C45/0062 takes precedence; feeding colouring materials into the injection unit B29C45/1816
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/40 using two or more parallel screws or at least two parallel non-intermeshing screws, e.g. twin screw extruders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/264 for absorbing liquids
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/266 for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants B65D51/244, B65D51/30 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 9/26 by elimination of a solid phase from a macromolecular composition or article, e.g. leaching out
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 101/00 Compositions of unspecified macromolecular compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 23/02 not modified by chemical after-treatment
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 23/0861 Saponified vinylacetate
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 23/10 Homopolymers or copolymers of propene
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/02 Organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/04 Macromolecular compounds according to groups C08L7/00 - C08L49/00, or C08L55/00 - C08L57/00; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/14 Macromolecular compounds according to C08L59/00 - C08L87/00; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/22 Macromolecular compounds not provided for in C08L2666/16 - C08L2666/20
• 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 29/04 Polyvinyl alcohol; Partially hydrolysed homopolymers or copolymers of esters of unsaturated alcohols with saturated carboxylic acids
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 69/00 Compositions of polycarbonates; Compositions of derivatives of polycarbonates
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 71/00 Compositions of polyethers obtained by reactions forming an ether link in the main chain of polyacetals C08L59/00; of epoxy resins C08L63/00; of polythioether-ethers C08L81/02; of polyether-sulfones C08L81/06; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 71/02 : Polyalkylene oxides
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 77/00 : Compositions of polyamides obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic amide link in the main chain of polyhydrazides C08L79/06; of polyamideimides or polyamide acids C08L79/08; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 21/083 : by using sorbent or hygroscopic materials, e.g. chemical substances, molecular sieves
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 521/905 : Hydrophilic or hydrophobic cellular product

Abstract

The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a releasing material is blended into the polymer so that the releasing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the releasing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components:

a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinvlpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and

a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, nematocides, fungicides and rodenticides;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

2. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

3. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

4. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components:

a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and

a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance, flavor and perfume sources;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

5. The article of manufacture of claim 4 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

6. The article of manufacture of claim 4 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

7. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components:

a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and

a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial, corrosion inhibitors, ripening and antiripening agents;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

8. The article of manufacture of claim 7 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

9. The article of manufacture of claim 7 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

10. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components:

a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer; and

a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, nematocides, fungicides and rodenticides;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and having interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

11. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

12. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

13. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components:

a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressures and is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer; and

a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance, flavor and perfume sources;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and having interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

14. The article of manufacture of claim 13 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

15. The article of manufacture of claim 13 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

16. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components:

a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer; and

a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial, corrosion inhibitors ripening and antiripening agents;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and having interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

17. The article of manufacture of claim 16 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

18. The article of manufacture of claim 16 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

19. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:

(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

(b) a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and

(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, nematocides, fungicides and rodenticides;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

20. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

21. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

22. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:

(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

(b) a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and

(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance, flavor and perfume sources;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

23. The article of manufacture of claim 22 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

24. The article of manufacture of claim 22 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

25. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:

(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

(b) a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and

(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial, corrosion inhibitors, ripening and antiripening agents;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

26. The article of manufacture of claim 25 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

27. The article of manufacture of claim 25 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

28. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:

(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

(b) a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer; and

(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, nematocides, fungicides and rodenticides;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and having interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

29. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

30. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

31. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:

(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

(b) a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer; and

(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance, flavor and perfume sources;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and having interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

32. The article of manufacture of claim 31 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

33. The article of manufacture of claim 31 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.

34. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:

(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure;

(b) a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25°

C. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% by weight of the polymer; and

(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial, corrosion inhibitors ripening and antiripening agents;

wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and having interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.

35. The article of manufacture of claim 34 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.

36. The article of manufacture of claim 34 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.