DEGRADABLE CELLULOSE POLYMERS

摘要

2109618 9220738 PCTABS00017 The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic cellulose ester polymer composition having improved degradation properties upon exposure to moisture. The composition includes a cellulose ester and a degradation promoter. The degradation promoter, after formation of the polymer composition into an end-product and in the presence of moisture, is water soluble and leachable from the polymer end-product or in the presence of moisture, hydrolyzes to form water soluble by-products which are leachable from the polymer end-product. The degradation promoter also acts as a catalyst to enhance the hydrolysis of the cellulose acetate, resulting in a mixture of cellulose and acetic acid. The cellulose can then depolymerize into saccharides that are more biodegradable. The degradation promoter can also act as a plasticizer for the cellulose ester polymer or can be used in combination with other known plasticizers.