BIODEGRADABLE AND EDIBLE FEED PACKAGING MATERIALS

摘要

Biodegradable and edible composites for use as feed packaging containers are provided. Broadly, the composites are formed from a mixture comprising fiber mixed with a non-petroleum based, biodegradable adhesive formed by modifying a starch, protein, or protein-rich flour. The mixture has a moisture content of less than about 20 % by weight, based upon the total weight of the mixture taken as 100 % by weight. The mixture is then molded at pressures of from about 150-600 psi and temperatures of from about 150-500 DEG F to yield a final composite having a compressive strength of at least about 5 MPa. Preferred fibers include those derived from straw, corn stalks, sorghum stalks, soybean hulls, and peanut hulls. Preferred modifiers include NaOH, urea sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and guanidine hydrochloride.