Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSITIONS, METHODS AND USES THEREOF
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No.
61/695,229, filed on August 30, 2012, and the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional
Application No. 61/787,721, filed on March 15, 2013. This application also
claims the
benefit of priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 13/833,193, filed
on March 15,
2013, which application also claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Application
No. 61/695,229, filed on August 30, 2012. The entire disclosure of each of
these priority
applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to biodegradable compositions,
materials, gloves and
methods for the manufacture thereof
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0003] Plastics and rubbers are industrially mass-produced and at the same
time are used
widely in daily life and in industrial fields with their usage increasing
greatly. One such use
is plastic or rubber gloves that can be used in various applications such as
for chemical
handling and in the health care industry. It is desirable that the products
withstand the forces
of nature and the wear from their designated use. Many of these types of
materials and
products do not biodegrade in natural environments, and so in recent years,
environmental
littering and destruction due to discarded plastics has occurred. Accordingly,
in recent years,
development of plastics that can be biodegraded in natural environments has
been desired.
[0004] Thus, there exists a need for materials, products and methods related
to plastic or
rubber gloves that can be biodegraded in a natural environment, such as a
landfill. Such
materials, products and methods are described herein.
SUMMARY
[0005] Among various aspects, disclosed herein is a biodegradable elastomeric
material
formed from a composition comprising: a) an acrylonitrile butadiene based
rubber; b) an
alkali stabilizing agent; c) a metal oxide crosslinking agent; and d) a
biodegradation agent,
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a biodegradation rate
as measured
according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that of a
substantially
identical reference elastomeric material in the absence of the biodegradation
agent.
[0006] Also disclosed herein is biodegradable elastomeric material, formed
from a
composition comprising: a) a halogen containing elastomeric polymer; and b) a
biodegradation agent, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard
that is
greater than that of a substantially identical reference elastomeric material
in the absence of
the biodegradation agent.
[0007] Also disclosed herein is a biodegradable thermoplastic material, formed
from a
composition comprising: a) a halogen containing thermoplastic polymer; b) a
biodegradation
agent; and c) a plasticizer, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard
that is
greater than that of a substantially identical reference thermoplastic
material in the absence of
the biodegradation agent.
[0008] Also disclosed herein is a biodegradable elastomeric glove, comprising
a
biodegradable elastomeric glove material formed from a composition comprising:
a) an
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber; b) an alkali stabilizing agent; c) a
metal oxide
crosslinking agent; and d) a biodegradation agent, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric
glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM
D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference elastomeric
glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[0009] Also disclosed herein is a biodegradable elastomeric glove, comprising
a
biodegradable elastomeric glove material formed from a composition comprising:
a) a
halogen containing elastomeric polymer; and b) a biodegradation agent, wherein
the
biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as
measured
according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that of a
substantially
identical reference elastomeric glove material in the absence of the
biodegradation agent.
[0010] Also disclosed herein is a biodegradable thermoplastic glove,
comprising a
biodegradable thermoplastic glove material formed from a composition
comprising: a) a
halogen containing thermoplastic polymer comprising polyvinyl chloride; and b)
a
2
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
biodegradation agent, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard
that is
greater than that of a substantially identical reference thermoplastic glove
material in the
absence of the biodegradation agent.
[0011] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
elastomeric glove,
comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape;
b)
contacting at least a surface portion of the glove former with a coagulant to
provide at least a
partial coagulant coating on the surface portion of the glove former; c)
drying the coagulant
coating; d) coating the glove former having the dried at least partial
coagulant coating on the
surface thereof with a composition comprising i. an acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber; ii.
an alkali stabilizing agent; iii. a metal oxide crosslinking agent; and iv. a
biodegradation
agent, e) curing the coating of step d) to provide an elastomeric glove
material that exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard
that is
greater than that of a substantially identical reference elastomeric glove
material in the
absence of the biodegradation agent.
[0012] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
elastomeric glove,
comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape;
b)
contacting at least a surface portion of the glove former with a coagulant to
provide at least a
partial coagulant coating on the surface portion of the glove former; c)
drying the coagulant
coating; d) coating the glove former having the dried at least partial
coagulant coating on the
surface thereof with a composition comprising i. a halogen containing
elastomeric polymer
comprising polychloroprene, and ii. a biodegradation agent, e) curing the
coating of step d) to
provide an elastomeric glove material that exhibits a biodegradation rate as
measured
according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that of a
substantially
identical reference elastomeric glove material in the absence of the
biodegradation agent.
[0013] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
elastomeric glove,
comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape
and being at
least partially lined with a support material; b) contacting at least a
portion of the support
material of step a) with a composition comprising i. an acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber;
ii. an alkali stabilizing agent; iii. a metal oxide crosslinking agent; and
iv. a biodegradation
agent, to provide a first coating of the composition on the support material;
c) allowing the
first coating to at least partially set; and d) repeating steps b) and c) in
sequence "n" times;
3
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
wherein "n" is an integer equal to or greater than 1 to provide a supported
elastomeric glove
material that exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM
D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference elastomeric
glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[0014] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
elastomeric glove,
comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape
and being at
least partially lined with a support material; b) contacting at least a
portion of the support
material of step a) with a composition comprising i. halogen containing
elastomeric polymer
comprising polychloroprene; and a biodegradation agent; c) allowing the first
coating to at
least partially set; and d) repeating steps b) and c) in sequence "n" times;
wherein "n" is an
integer equal to or greater than 1 to provide a supported elastomeric glove
material that
exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing
standard
that is greater than that of a substantially identical reference elastomeric
glove material in the
absence of the biodegradation agent.
[0015] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
thermoplastic glove,
comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape;
b) coating
the glove former having the dried at least partial coagulant coating on the
surface thereof
with a composition comprising i. a halogen containing thermoplastic polymer
comprising
polyvinyl chloride, and ii. a biodegradation agent, c) curing the coating of
step b) to provide
an thermoplastic glove material that exhibits a biodegradation rate as
measured according to
an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially
identical
reference thermoplastic glove material in the absence of the biodegradation
agent.
[0016] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
thermoplastic glove,
comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape
and being at
least partially lined with a support material; b) contacting at least a
portion of the support
material of step a) with a composition comprising i. halogen containing
thermoplastic
polymer comprising polyvinyl chloride; and ii. a biodegradation agent, to
provide a first
coating of the composition on the support material; c) allowing the first
coating to at least
partially set; and d) repeating steps b) and c) in sequence "n" times; wherein
"n" is an integer
equal to or greater than 1 to provide a supported thermoplastic glove material
that exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard
that is
4
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
greater than that of a substantially identical reference thermoplastic glove
material in the
absence of the biodegradation agent.
[0017] In one aspect, the materials and gloves disclosed herein are more
biodegradable in a
natural environment (i.e. land fill) than a material or glove without the
biodegradation agent.
The materials and gloves with the biodegradation agent have substantially the
same shelf
time and desired properties as materials and gloves without the biodegradation
agent. Thus,
the biodegradation does not start until the material or glove comes into
contact with suitable
microbes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this
specification, illustrate several aspects and together with the description
serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
[0019] Figure lA and 1B show a plot of the degradation data after 30 days.
[0020] Figure 2A and 2B show a plot of the degradation data after 65 days.
[0021] Figure 3A and 3B show a plot of the degradation data after 120 days.
[0022] Figure 4A and 4B show a plot of the degradation data after 160 days.
[0023] Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the
description which
follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned
by practice of the
invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by
means of the
elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It
is to be
understood that both the foregoing general description and the following
detailed description
are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention,
as claimed.
DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to
the following
detailed description of the invention and the Examples included therein.
[0025] Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, systems, devices,
and/or
methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not
limited to
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
specific synthetic methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular
reagents unless
otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood
that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects
only and is not
intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or
equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, example
methods and materials are now described.
[0026] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference
to disclose
and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the
publications are
cited.
A. Definitions
[0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this invention
belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein
can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example
methods and materials
are now described.
[0028] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "an"
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for
example, reference to "a polymer" includes mixtures of two or more polymers,
and the like.
[0029] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value,
and/or to
"about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another
aspect includes
from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly,
when values are
expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be
understood that the
particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the
endpoints of each
of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the
other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values
disclosed herein, and
that each value is also herein disclosed as "about" that particular value in
addition to the
value itself For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is
also disclosed. It
is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also
disclosed. For
example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also
disclosed.
6
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[0030] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" means that the
subsequently
described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description
includes
instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does
not.
[0031] Disclosed are the components to be used to prepare the compositions of
the invention
as well as the compositions themselves to be used within the methods disclosed
herein.
These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when
combinations,
subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that
while specific reference
of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of
these compounds
cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and
described herein. For
example, if a particular compound is disclosed and discussed and a number of
modifications
that can be made to a number of molecules including the compounds are
discussed,
specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the
compound
and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the
contrary. Thus, if
a class of molecules A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of molecules
D, E, and F and
an example of a combination molecule, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is
not
individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated
meaning
combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered
disclosed.
Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for
example, the sub-
group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies
to all
aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of
making and using
the compositions of the invention. Thus, if there are a variety of additional
steps that can be
performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be
performed with any
specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the methods of the
invention.
[0032] As used herein, the terms "biodegradable elastomeric material" and like
terms mean a
material that is biodegradable and is an elastomer. As used herein, a
biodegradable
elastomeric material is not a biodegradable thermoplastic material. Examples
of
biodegradable elastomeric materials are described elsewhere herein.
[0033] As used herein, the terms "biodegradable thermoplastic material" and
like terms mean
a material that is biodegradable and is thermoplastic. As used herein, a
biodegradable
thermoplastic material is not a biodegradable elastomeric material. Examples
of
biodegradable thermoplastic materials are described elsewhere herein.
7
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[0034] As used herein, the terms "biodegradable elastomeric glove" and like
terms mean a
glove that is biodegradable and is an elastomer. For example, a glove that
comprises a
biodegradable elastomeric material is a biodegradable elastomeric glove. A
biodegradable
elastomeric glove is not a biodegradable thermoplastic glove. Examples of
biodegradable
elastomeric gloves are described elsewhere herein.
[0035] As used herein, the terms "biodegradable thermoplastic glove" and like
terms mean a
glove that is biodegradable and is thermoplastic. For example, a glove that
comprises a
biodegradable thermoplastic material is a biodegradable thermoplastic glove. A
biodegradable thermoplastic glove is not a biodegradable elastomeric glove.
Examples of
biodegradable thermoplastic gloves are described elsewhere herein.
[0036] As used herein the term "biodegradation rate" and the like terms refers
to the time for
a material or glove to biodegrade to a specific degree. For example, a
material that
biodegrades 30% in 20 days has a higher biodegradation rate than a material
that biodegrades
10% in 20 days.
[0037] As used herein the term "halogen containing elastomeric polymer" and
the like terms
mean a polymer that comprises a halogen, for example, chloride, fluoride,
iodine, or bromide
or a combination thereof, and is an elastomer. A halogen containing
elastomeric polymer is
not a halogen containing thermoplastic polymer. For example, polychloroprene
is a halogen
containing elastomeric polymer.
[0038] As used herein the term "halogen containing thermoplastic polymer" and
the like
terms mean a polymer that comprises a halogen, for example, chloride,
fluoride, iodine, or
bromide or a combination thereof, and is thermoplastic. A halogen containing
thermoplastic
polymer is not a halogen containing elastomeric polymer. For example,
polyvinyl chloride is
a halogen containing thermoplastic polymer.
[0039] As used herein the term 'biodegradable elastomeric glove material" and
the like terms
mean a material or composition on which the biodegradable elastomeric glove is
based.
[0040] As used herein the term 'biodegradable thermoplastic glove material"
and the like
terms mean a material or composition on which the biodegradable thermoplastic
glove is
based.
8
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[0041] As used herein the term "glove former" and the like terms mean a form
or cast of
desired size and shape on which a glove can be formed. A glove former can have
the shape
similar to that of a human hand which shape is transferred to the glove upon
manufacturing.
[0042] As used herein the term "reference elastomeric material in the absence
of the
biodegradation agent" and the like terms means a substantially identical
material to a
previous recited elastomeric material but for that the reference elastomeric
material does not
contain a biodegradation agent. For example, if an elastomeric material
comprises a 100
parts polymer, 1 part cross-linker, 2 parts filler and 1.13 parts
biodegradation agent, then the
reference elastomeric material in the absence of the biodegradation agent
comprises 100 parts
polymer, 1 part cross-linker, and 2 parts filler but does not contain a
biodegradation agent.
[0043] Unless otherwise noted, each of the materials disclosed herein are
either
commercially available and/or the methods for the production thereof are known
to those of
skill in the art.
[0044] It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certain
functions.
Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the
disclosed functions,
and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform
the same function
that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will
typically achieve the
same result.
B. Compositions
1. Biodegradation agent
[0045] Exemplary non-limiting biodegradation agents suitable for use as
biodegradation
agents in the methods, composition, materials, and gloves disclosed herein,
their function,
and use, are described in U.S. Published Application 2008/0103232 to Lake et
al., which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0046] Biodegradation is generally considered as consisting of either enzyme-
catalyzed
hydrolysis, non-enzymatic hydrolysis, metabolic action, or both. The enzymes
may be either
endoenzymes which cleave the internal chain linkages within the chain or
exoenzymes which
cleave terminal monomer units sequentially.
9
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[0047] Biodegradation is a functional decay of material, e.g. loss of
strength, substance,
transparency, or good dielectric properties where it is known to be
identifiable with exposure
of the material to a living environment, which may itself be very complex, and
the property
loss may be attributable to physical or chemical actions as first steps in an
elaborate chain of
processes.
[0048] A biodegradable polymer is a high molecular weight polymer that, owing
to the
action of micro- and/or macroorganisms or enzymes, degrades to lower molecular
weight
compounds. Natural polymers are by definition those which are biosynthesized
by various
routes in the biosphere. Proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, lipids,
natural rubber, and
lignin, among others, are all biodegradable polymers, but the rate of this
biodegradation may
vary from hours to years depending on the nature of the functional group and
degree of
complexity. Biopolymers are organized in different ways at different scales.
This hierarchical
architecture of natural polymers allows the use of relatively few starting
molecules (i.e.
monomers), which are varied in sequences and conformations at molecular-, nano-
, micro-,
and macroscale, forming truly environmentally adaptable polymers.
[0049] On the other hand, the repetitive units of synthetic polymers are
hydrolyzable,
oxidizable, thermally degradable, or degradable by other means. Nature also
uses these
degradation modes, e.g., oxidation or hydrolysis, so in that sense there is no
distinction
between natural or synthetic polymers. The catalysts promoting the
degradations in nature
(catabolisms) are the enzymes, which are grouped in six different classes
according to the
reaction catalyzed. These classes include oxidoreductase for catalyzing redox
reactions,
transferase for catalyzing transfer of functional group reactions, hydrolase
for catalyzing
hydrolysis, lyase for catalyzing addition to double bond reactions, isomerase
for catalyzing
isomerization and ligase for catalyzing formation of new bonds using ATP.
[0050] Biodegradation of oxidizable polymers is generally slower than
biodegradation of
hydrolyzable ones. Even polyethylene, which is rather inert to direct
biodegradation, has
been shown to biodegrade after initial photo-oxidation. An oxidized polymer is
more brittle
and hydrophilic than a non-oxidized polymer, which also usually results in a
material with
increased biodegradability. Means to accelerate the oxidation of polymers (for
example
polyolefins) are presented according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[0051] For example, by combining a nickel dithiocarbamate (photo antioxidant)
with an iron
dithiocarbamate (photo proxidant), a wide range of embrittlement times may be
obtained.
[0052] In one aspect, the materials and gloves disclosed herein provides for
increased
susceptibility to biodegradation of polymers by means of additives including a
biopolymer.
In this way a polymer blend is obtained that is more susceptible to
biodegradation.
[0053] Combining granular starch mixed with polyethylene together with an
unsaturated
polymer, a thermal stabilizer, and a transition metal produce a material with
increased
susceptibility to photo-oxidation, thermolysis, and biodegradation. This
particular material
has also an induction time before degradation may be initiated. The use of
starch alone in
polyethylene, for example, requires, however, rather large amounts in order to
really create
an increase in the biodegradation rate.
[0054] According to one embodiment, a filler is added to a composition to be
added to a
polymer thereby increasing the biodegradability.
[0055] Microbial or enzymatic attack of pure aromatic polyester is increased
by exposure to
certain microbes, for example Trichosporum, athrobacteria and Asperyillus
negs.
[0056] Aliphatic polyester degradation is seen as a two-step process: the
first is
depolymerization, or surface erosion. The second is enzymatic hydrolysis which
produces
water-insoluble intermediates that can be assimilated by microbial cells.
[0057] Polyurethane degradation may occur by fungal degradation, bacterial
degradation and
degradation by polyurethane enzymes.
[0058] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can be a polymer, such as a
biodegradable
polymer. The polymers can be homo ¨ or co-polymers. In one aspect, the polymer
is a
homopolymer. In another aspect, the polymer is a co-polymer. Co-polymers
include AB and
ABA type co-polymers. In one aspect, the polymer comprises polylactic acid,
poly(lactic-co-
glycolic acid), polypolypropylene carbonate, polycaprolactone,
polyhydroxyalkanoate,
chitosan, gluten, and one or more aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as
polybutylene
succinate, polybutylene succinate-adipate, polybutylene succinate-sebacate, or
polybutylene
terephthalate-coadipate, or a mixture thereof
11
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[0059] In one aspect the polymer is polybutylene succinate. In one aspect, the
polybutylene
succinate can have a number average molecular mass (M) from 1,000 g/mole to
100,000
g/mole. In another aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a number
average molecular
mass (M) from 5,000 g/mole to 80,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the
polybutylene
succinate can have a number average molecular mass (M) from 10,000 g/mole to
60,000
g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a number
average
molecular mass (M) from 20,000 g/mole to 60,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect,
the
polybutylene succinate can have a number average molecular mass (M) from
30,000 g/mole
to 50,000 g/mole. In one aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a weight
average
molecular mass (M) from 1,000 g/mole to 150,000 g/mole. In another aspect, the
polybutylene succinate can have a weight average molecular mass (M) from 5,000
g/mole
to 100,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have
a weight
average molecular mass (M) from 10,000 g/mole to 80,000 g/mole. In yet another
aspect,
the polybutylene succinate can have a weight average molecular mass (M) from
20,000
g/mole to 80,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polybutylene succinate can
have a weight
average molecular mass (M) from 30,000 g/mole to 80,000 g/mole. In yet another
aspect,
the polybutylene succinate can have a weight average molecular mass (M) from
50,000
g/mole to 70,000 g/mole. In one aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a
Z average
molecular mass (M) from 1,000 g/mole to 300,000 g/mole. In another aspect, the
polybutylene succinate can have a Z average molecular mass (M) from 30,000
g/mole to
250,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a Z
average
molecular mass (M) from 50,000 g/mole to 200,000 g/mole. In yet another
aspect, the
polybutylene succinate can have a Z average molecular mass (M) from 100,000
g/mole to
200,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a Z
average
molecular mass (M) from 130,000 g/mole to 180,000 g/mole. In one aspect, the
polybutylene succinate can have a polydispersity index PDI from 1.1 to 5Ø In
another
aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a polydispersity index PDI from
1.2 to 3Ø In
yet another aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a polydispersity index
PDI from 1.2
to 2Ø In yet another aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a
polydispersity index PDI
from 1.3 to 1.8. In yet another aspect, the polybutylene succinate can have a
polydispersity
index PDI from 1.4 to 1.7.
[0060] In one aspect, the polymer can have a number average molecular mass (M)
from
1,000 g/mole to 100,000 g/mole. In another aspect, the polymer can have a
number average
12
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
molecular mass (M) from 5,000 g/mole to 80,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect,
the
polymer can have a number average molecular mass (M) from 10,000 g/mole to
60,000
g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polymer can have a number average molecular
mass (M)
from 20,000 g/mole to 60,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polymer can
have a number
average molecular mass (M) from 30,000 g/mole to 50,000 g/mole. In one aspect,
the
polymer can have a weight average molecular mass (M) from 1,000 g/mole to
150,000
g/mole. In another aspect, the polymer can have a weight average molecular
mass (M) from
5,000 g/mole to 100,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polymer can have a
weight
average molecular mass (M) from 10,000 g/mole to 80,000 g/mole. In yet another
aspect,
the polymer can have a weight average molecular mass (M) from 20,000 g/mole to
80,000
g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polymer can have a weight average molecular
mass (M)
from 30,000 g/mole to 80,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polymer can
have a weight
average molecular mass (M) from 50,000 g/mole to 70,000 g/mole. In one aspect,
the
polymer can have a Z average molecular mass (M) from 1,000 g/mole to 300,000
g/mole. In
another aspect, the polymer can have a Z average molecular mass (M) from
30,000 g/mole
to 250,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polymer can have a Z average
molecular mass
(Mz) from 50,000 g/mole to 200,000 g/mole. In yet another aspect, the polymer
can have a Z
average molecular mass (M) from 100,000 g/mole to 200,000 g/mole. In yet
another aspect,
the polymer can have a Z average molecular mass (M) from 130,000 g/mole to
180,000
g/mole. In one aspect, the polymer can have a polydispersity index PDI from
1.1 to 5Ø In
another aspect, the polymer can have a polydispersity index PDI from 1.2 to
3Ø In yet
another aspect, the polymer can have a polydispersity index PDI from 1.2 to
2Ø In yet
another aspect, the polymer can have a polydispersity index PDI from 1.3 to
1.8. In yet
another aspect, the polymer can have a polydispersity index PDI from 1.4 to
1.7.
[0061] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a carboxylic acid
compound. In
another aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a chemo attractant
compound; a
glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with chain length
from 5-18
carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[0062] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a microbe
capable of
digesting the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[0063] In one aspect, the polymer can comprised in the biodegradation agent
can selected
from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymers,
13
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate, polyesters,
polyvinyl chloride,
methacrylate, nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide, polychloroprene,
acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber, and any copolymers of said polymers, or a combination thereof
[0064] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
compatibilizing
additive.
[0065] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a carrier
resin. Suitable
carrier resins include, but are not limited to, polydivinyl benzene, ethylene
vinyl acetate
copolymers, maleic anhydride, and acrylic acid with polyolefins, or a
combination thereof
[0066] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
chemotaxis agent to
attract microbes. Suitable chemotaxis agents comprise, but are not limited to,
a sugar or a
furanone. In one aspect, the furanone can be selected from 3,5
dimethylyentenyl dihydro
2(3H)furanone isomer mixtures, emoxyfurane and N-acylhomoserine lactones. In
another
aspect, the chemotaxis agent can comprise coumarin and/or coumarin
derivatives.
[0067] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the biodegradation
agent enhances
the biodegradability of otherwise non-biodegradable plastic products through a
series of
chemical and biological processes when disposed of in a microbe-rich
environment, such as a
biologically active landfill. The biodegradation agent causes the plastic to
be an attractive
food source to certain soil microbes, encouraging the plastic to be consumed
more quickly
than plastics without the biodegradation agent.
[0068] The biodegradation agent requires the action of certain enzymes for the
biodegradation process to begin, so plastics containing the biodegradation
agent will not start
to biodegrade during the intended use of the materials and gloves described
herein. For
example, the microbes can secrete enzymes that break down the polymers into
components
that are easily consumed by microbes. Typically, when an organic material
biodegrades in
an anaerobic environment, the by-products are: humus, methane and carbon
dioxide. It is
believed that when plastics containing the biodegradation agent are
biodegraded to the same
by-products as an organic material.
2. Microbes
14
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[0069] A variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, aid in
degrading
polymeric materials. Preliminary Review of the Degradation of Cellulosic,
Plastic, and
Rubber Materials in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, and Possible Effects of
Magnesium
Oxide Safety Factor Calculations, Prepared for U.S. EPA Office of Radiation
and Indoor Air
(Sep. 11, 2006). Actinobacteria are a type of bacteria that are most(ly)
commonly found in
soil and can thrive in low-nutrient environments. They can survive in both
aerobic and
anaerobic conditions, although most are aerobic. The most important role of
the
Actinobacteria is decomposition of organic nutrients, such as cellulose, and
they are one of
the few bacteria able to consume lignocellulose.
[0070] Fungi (molds) commonly require oxygen and a pH range of 4.5 to 5 to
proliferate.
Fungi grow at temperatures ranging up to 45 C, although optimum growth rates
generally
occur at temperatures between 30 C and 37 C. Because most fungi require
oxygen, they
may only be available for cellulosic, plastic and rubber (CPR) degradation
before closure and
for a relatively short time (compost environment). There is some evidence that
anaerobic
fungi may degrade lignocellulosic materials.
[0071] Biodegradation processes can affect polymers in a number of ways.
Microbial
processes that can affect polymers include mechanical damage caused by growing
cells,
direct enzymatic effects leading to breakdown of the polymer structure, and
secondary
biochemical effects caused by excretion of substances other than enzymes that
may directly
affect the polymer or change environmental conditions, such as pH or redox
conditions.
Although microorganisms such as bacteria generally are very specific with
respect to the
substrate utilized for growth, many are capable of adapting to other
substrates over time.
Microorganisms produce enzymes that catalyze reactions by combining with a
specific
substrate or combination of substrates. The conformation of these enzymes
determines their
catalytic reactivity towards polymers. Conformational changes in these enzymes
may be
induced by the changes in pH, temperature, and other chemical additives.
3. Microbes and Plastics Degradation
[0072] For the enzymatic degradation of synthetic plastic and rubber polymers,
polymers
containing hydrolysable groups in the polymer backbone would be especially
prone to
microbial attack, because many microorganisms are capable of producing
hydrolases
(enzymes catalyzing hydrolysis). In general, aliphatic polyesters,
polyurethane, polyethers,
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
and polyimides are more easily degraded by commonly occurring microorganisms.
Generally, higher molecular weight polymers and branched polymers are more
resistant to
microbial degradation. However, some bacterial strains have been identified
that can
degrade polyethylene, including Rhodococcus and B. borstelensis.
[0073] The ability of microorganisms to adapt to a new source of nutrients is
highly
noteworthy in any evaluation of the microbial degradation of plastic and
rubber materials.
Evidence of adaptation of bacteria for the degradation of plastics has been
shown in several
cases. For example, it was found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa started
proliferation 56 days
after the bacteria were brought into contact with polyamide-6 polymer.
Inoculation of
previously untreated polyamide with these bacteria resulted in immediate
growth on the new
substrate. Individual species of bacteria can carry out several different
steps of chemical
breakdown or biodegradation. Most toxic compounds are degraded or biodegraded
by groups
called consortia. Each species in the group works on a particular stage of the
degradation
process, and one or more of them together are needed for the complete
degradation or
biodegradation or detoxification process. Contaminated vessels containing such
things as
pesticides, metals, radioactive elements, mixed wastes and the like can be
made to contain
microbes that will detoxify and decompose the contaminates and biodegrade the
vessel.
[0074] Other microbes that may assist in biodegradation are psychrophiles,
mesophiles,
thermophiles, actinomycetes, saprophytes, absidia, acremonium, altemaria,
amerospore,
arthrinium, ascospore, aspergillus, aspergillus caesiellus, aspergillus
candidus, aspergillus
cameus, aspergillus clavatus, aspergillus deflectus, aspergillus flavus,
aspergillus fumigatus,
aspergillus glaucus, aspergillus nidulans, aspergillus ochraceus, aspergillus
oryzae,
aspergillus parasiticus, aspergillus penicilloides, aspergillus restrictus,
aspergillus sydowi,
aspergillus terreus, aspergillus ustus, aspergillus versicolor,
aspergillus/penicillium--like,
aureobasidium, basidiomycetes, basidiospore, bipolaris, blastomyces, B.
borstelensis,
botrytis, candida, cephalosporium, chaetomium, cladosporium, cladosporium
full/Lim,
cladosporium herbarum, cladosporium macrocarpum, cladosporium sphaerospermum,
conidia, conidium, conidobolus, Cryptococcus neoformans, cryptostroma
corticale,
cunninghamella, curvularia, dreschlera, epicoccum, epidermophyton, fungus,
fusarium,
fusarium solani, geotrichum, gliocladium, helicomyces, helminthosporium,
histoplasma,
humicula, hyaline mycelia, memnoniella, microsporum, mold, monilia, mucor,
mycelium,
myxomycetes, nigrospora, oidium, paecilomyces, papulospora, penicillium,
periconia,
16
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
perithecium, peronospora, phaeohyphomycosis, phoma, pithomyces, rhizomucor,
rhizopus,
rhodococcus, rhodotorula, rusts, saccharomyces, scopulariopsis, sepedonium,
serpula
lacrymans, smuts, spegazzinia, spore, sporoschisma, sporothrix, sporotrichum,
stachybotrys,
stemphylium, syncephalastrum, Thermononespore fusca DSM43793, torula,
trichocladium,
trichoderma, trichophyton, trichothecium, tritirachium, ulocladium,
verticillium, wallemia
and yeast.
[0075] One or several furanone compounds combined can act as chemo attractants
for
bacteria and or as odorants for the decomposing or degrading polymer. Some
furanones,
particularly certain halogenated furanones are quorum sensing inhibitors.
Quorum sensing
inhibitors are typically low-molecular-mass molecules that cause significant
reduction in
quorum sensing microbes. In other words, halogenated furanones kill certain
microbes.
Halogenated furanones prevent bacterial colonization in bacteria such as V.
fischeri, Vibrio
harveyi, Serratia ficaria and other bacteria. However, the natural furanones
are ineffective
against P. aeruginosa, but synthetic furanones can be effective against P.
aeruginosa.
[0076] Some furanones, including but not limited to those listed below, can be
chemo
attractant agents for bacteria. Suitable furanones include but are not limited
to: 3,5
dimethylyentenyl dihydro 2(3H)furanone isomer mixtures, emoxyfurane and N-
acylhomoserine lactones, or a combination thereof
[0077] Bacteria that have shown to attract to the furanone compounds listed
above include,
but are not limited to C. violaceum.
[0078] Other chemo attractant agents include sugars that are not metabolized
by the bacteria.
Examples of these chemo attractant agents may include but are not limited to:
galactose,
galactonate, glucose, succinate, malate, aspartate, serine, fumarate, ribose,
pyruvate,
oxalacetate and other L-sugar structures and D-sugar structures but not
limited thereto.
Examples of bacteria attracted to these sugars include, but are not limited to
Escherichia coli,
and Salmonella. In a preferred embodiment the sugar is a non-estererfied
starch.
[0079] Coumarin and its derivatives can also be chemo attractant agents for
bacteria.
Coumarin derivatives are known to those skilled in the art.
[0080] In one aspect, the biodegradation agents can be combined with any
polymeric
material, such a polymeric material found in gloves, such as acrylonitrile
butadiene based
17
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
rubber, a halogen containing elastomeric polymer, or a halogen containing
thermoplastic
polymer. When combined in small quantities with any of acrylonitrile butadiene
based
rubber, a halogen containing elastomeric polymer, and a halogen containing
thermoplastic
polymer, the resulting compositions, materials or gloves become biodegradable
while
maintaining their desired characteristics. The resulting materials and
products (i.e. gloves)
made therefrom exhibit the same desired mechanical properties, and have
effectively similar
shelf-lives as products without the additive, and yet, when disposed of, are
able to at least
partially metabolize into inert biomass by the communities of anaerobic and
aerobic
microorganisms commonly found almost everywhere on Earth.
[0081] This biodegradation process can take place aerobically or anerobically.
It can take
place with or without the presence of light. Traditional polymers and products
therefrom are
now able to biodegrade in land fill and compost environments within a
reasonable amount of
time as defined by the EPA to be 30 to 50 years on average.
[0082] In one aspect, the biodegradation agents can increase, when added, the
biodegradation
rate of the disclosed materials and gloves. The materials and gloves can be
degraded into an
inert humus-like form that is harmless to the environment. An example of
attracting
microorganisms through chemotaxis is to use a positive chemotaxis, such as a
scented
polyethylene terephthalate pellet, starch D-sugars not metabolized by the
microbes or
furanone that attracts microbes or any combination thereof
[0083] In one aspect, the biodegradation process begins with one or more
proprietary
swelling agents that, when combined with heat and moisture, expands the
plastics' molecular
structure.
[0084] After the one or more swelling agents create space within the plastic's
molecular
structure, the combination of bio-active compounds discovered after
significant laboratory
trials attracts a colony of microorganisms that break down the chemical bonds
and
metabolize the plastic through natural microbial processes.
[0085] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent comprises a furanone compound,
a glutaric
acid, a hexadecanoic acid compound, a polycaprolactone polymer, a carrier
resin to assist
with placing the additive material into the polymeric material in an even
fashion to assure
proper biodegradation. The biodegradation agent can also comprise organoleptic
organic
18
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
chemicals as swelling agents i.e. natural fibers, cultured colloids, cyclo-
dextrin, polylactic
acid, etc.
[0086] In one aspect, a biodegradation agent can comprise a mixture of a
furanone
compound, a glutaric acid, a hexadecanoic acid compound, a polycaprolactone
polymer,
organoleptic swelling agent (natural fiber, cultured colloid, cyclo-dextri,
polylactic acid, etc.)
and a carrier resin to assist with placing the additive material into the
polymeric material to
be rendered biodegradable in an even fashion to assure proper biodegradation.
In one aspect,
the furanone compound is in a range equal to or greater than 0-20% by weight.
In another
aspect, the furanone compound is 20-40% by weight, or 40-60% by weight, or 60-
80% by
weight or 80-100% by weight of the total additive. The glutaric acid is in the
range equal to
or greater than 0-20% by weight of the total additive. In another aspect, the
glutaric acid is
20-40% by weight, or 40-60% by weight, or 60-80% by weight or 80-100% by
weight, 20-
40%, 40-60%, 60-80% or 80-100% by weight of the total additive. The
hexadecanoic acid
compound is in the range equal to or greater than 0-20% by weight of the total
additive. In
another aspect, the hexadecanoic acid is 20-40% by weight, or 40-60% by
weight, or 60-80%
by weight or 80-100% by weight, 20-40%, 40-60%, 60-80% or 80-100% by weight of
the
total additive. The polycaprolactone polymer is in the range equal to or
greater than 0-20%
by weight of the total additive. In another aspect, the polycaprolactone is 20-
40% by weight,
or 40-60% by weight, or 60-80% by weight or 80-100% by weight, 20-40%, 40-60%,
60-
80% or 80-100% by weight of the total biodegradation agent. The natural or
manmade
organoleptic swelling agent (e.g. natural fiber, cultured colloid, cyclo-
dextrin, or polylactic
acid) is in the range equal to or greater than 0-20% by weight of the
additive. In one aspect,
the organoleptic swelling agent is 20-40% by weight, or 40-60% by weight, or
60-80% by
weight or 80-100% by weight, 20-40%, 40-60%, 60-80% or 80-100% by weight of
the total
biodegradation agent.
[0087] In one aspect, the glutaric acid compound can be propylglutaric acid
for example, but
is not limited thereto.
[0088] In one aspect, the polycaprolactone polymer can be selected from, but
is not limited
to the group of: poly-e-caprolactone, polycaprolactone, poly(lactic acid),
poly(glycolic acid),
poly (lactic_co_glycolic acid).
19
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279 PCT/US2013/057316
[0089] In one aspect, the swelling agents may be selected from, but is not
limited to the
group of: natural fibers, cultured colloids, organoleptic compounds, cyclo-
dextrin.
[0090] In one aspect, he carrier resin can be selected from, but is not
limited to the group of:
ethylene vinyl acetate, poly vinyl acetate, maleic anhydride, and acrylic acid
with
polyolefins.
[0091] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise
dipropylene glycol.
[0092] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise soy
derivatives, such as
soy-methyl-ester.
[0093] In one aspect, biodegradation agent can be incorporated in the polymers
described
herein by, for example, granulation, powdering, making an emulsion,
suspension, or other
medium of similar even consistency.
[0094] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent is blended into the polymeric
material just
before sending the polymeric material to the forming machinery for making the
gloves.
[0095] Any carrier resin may be used (such as poly-vinyl acetate, ethyl vinyl
acetate, etc.)
where poly olefins or any plastic material that these carrier resins are
compatible with can be
combined chemically and allow for the dispersion of the additive.
[0096] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent comprises one or more
antioxidants that are
used to control the biodegradation rate. Antioxidants can be enzymatically
coupled to
biodegradable monomers such that the resulting biodegradable polymer retains
antioxidant
function. Antioxidant-couple biodegradable polymers can be produced to result
in the
antioxidant coupled polymer degrading at a rate consistent with an effective
administration
rate of the antioxidant. Antioxidants are chosen based upon the specific
application, and the
biodegradable monomers may be either synthetic or natural.
[0097] In one aspect, an exemplary biodegradation agent can comprise the
organic lipid
based SR5300 product available from ENSO Plastics of Mesa, Arizona.
4. MATERIALS
a. BIODEGRADABLE ELASTOMERIC MATERIAL
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
i M4TERIALS COMPRISING ACRYLONITRILE
[0098] Disclosed herein is a biodegradable elastomeric material formed from a
composition
comprising: a) an acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber; b) an alkali
stabilizing agent; c) a
metal oxide crosslinking agent; and d) a biodegradation agent, wherein the
biodegradable
elastomeric material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference
elastomeric material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[0099] In one aspect, the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is present in
an amount of from
greater than 70.0 to about 98.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the total
composition. For example,
the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is present in an amount of about
72.0, 76.0, 80.0,
84.0, 88.0, 92.0 or 96.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the total composition. For
example, the
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is present in an amount of about 88.0
parts per 100 dry
parts of the total composition. Acrylonitrile butadiene based rubbers and
latex are known to
those skilled in the art and is available in the market place. For example, an
acrylonitrile
butadiene based latex is available from Synthomer as Synthomer X1138, which is
a fine
dispersion of the carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber particles in
water (45%
solids/55% water).
[00100] In one aspect, the alkali stabilizing agent is present in an amount
of from
greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber.
For example, the alkali stabilizing agent is present in an amount of about
0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8,
1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile
butadiene based
rubber.
[00101] In one aspect, the alkali stabilizer comprises an alkali hydroxide.
Suitable
alkali stabilizers include, but are not limited to, those comprising potassium
hydroxide or
ammonia, or a combination thereof For example, the alkali stabilizer can be
potassium
hydroxide. In another example, the alkali stabilizer can be ammonia. In yet
another
example, the alkali stabilizer can be potassium hydroxide and ammonia.
[00102] In one aspect, the composition can have a basic pH. For example,
composition can have a pH in the range of from about 8.0 to about 12.0, such
as for example,
8.5 to about 10.5.
21
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00103] In one aspect, the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber can be an
acrylonitrile
butadiene rubber latex. In another example, the acrylonitrile butadiene based
rubber can be a
carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex.
[00104] In one aspect, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be zinc oxide
or
magnesium oxide. For example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be zinc
oxide. In
another example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be magnesium oxide.
Other metal
oxide crosslinking agent can also be other substances known in the art.
[00105] In one aspect, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be present in
an amount
of from greater than 0 to about 5.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
acrylonitrile butadiene based
rubber. For example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be present in an
amount of
about 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 or 5.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber.
[00106] In one aspect, the composition can further comprise at least one
additive.
Suitable additives can be selected from the group consisting of a heat
sensitizer, surfactant,
vulcanizing agent, inorganic filler, antioxidant, pigment, and odorant.
[00107] In one aspect, the composition can comprise an inorganic filler
present in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber. For example, the composition can comprise an inorganic
filler
present in an amount of about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 parts per
100 dry parts of the
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00108] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber. For example, the biodegradation agent is present in
the composition
in an amount of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1,
1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6,
1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber.
[00109] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a carboxylic
acid
compound. In another aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a chemo
attractant
compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with
chain length
from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
22
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00110] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
microbe
capable of digesting the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00111] In one aspect, the polymer can comprised in the biodegradation
agent can
selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl
acetate
copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate,
polyesters,
polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide,
polychloroprene,
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any copolymers of said polymers, or
a combination
thereof
[00112] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
compatibilizing
additive.
[00113] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
carrier resin.
Suitable carrier resins include, but are not limited to, polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl
acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, and acrylic acid with polyolefins, or a
combination
thereof
[00114] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
chemotaxis
agent to attract microbes. Suitable chemotaxis agents comprise, but are not
limited to, a
sugar or a furanone. In one aspect, the furanone can be selected from 3,5
dimethylyentenyl
dihydro 2(3H)furanone isomer mixtures, emoxyfurane and N-acylhomoserine
lactones. In
another aspect, the chemotaxis agent can comprise coumarin and/or coumarin
derivatives.
[00115] In one aspect, the elastomeric material can be vulcanized. In
another aspect,
the elastomeric material is not vulcanized. For example, the composition would
not contain
any accelerator material.
[00116] In one aspect, the composition or elastomeric material can further
comprise a
carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and a compound including a divalent or
trivalent
metal, wherein the carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a level of
carboxyl groups
sufficient to crosslink with the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
Suitable carboxylic
acids include, but are not limited to carboxylic acid is ethylene acrylic
acid.
23
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00117] Crosslinking chemistries that can be incorporated to all disclosed
materials
and gloves described herein is described in U.S. patent 6,706,816 to Williams
et al., which is
hereby incorporated by references by its entirety.
[00118] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material is
unsupported. In
another aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material is supported. Suitable
support
materials include, but are not limited to cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled
polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass,
meta and para-
aramids (for example, Kevlar0, Twaron0, Nomex0), or ultra-high-molecular-
weight-
polyethylene, or a combination thereof
11. M4TERIALS COMPRISING A HALOGEN
CONTAINING ELASTOMERIC POLYMER
[00119] Also disclosed herein is biodegradable elastomeric material, formed
from a
composition comprising: a) a halogen containing elastomeric polymer; and b) a
biodegradation agent, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard
that is
greater than that of a substantially identical reference elastomeric material
in the absence of
the biodegradation agent.
[00120] In one aspect, the halogen containing elastomeric polymer is
present in an
amount of from greater than 70.0 to about 98.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
total
composition. For example, the halogen containing elastomeric polymer is
present in an
amount of about 72.0, 76.0, 80.0, 84.0, 88.0, 92.0 or 96.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the total
composition. For example, the halogen containing elastomeric polymer is
present in an
amount of about 88.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the total composition.
Polychloroprene is
known to those skilled in the art and is available in the market place. For
example,
polychloroprene is available from DuPontTM as Neoprene.
[00121] In one aspect, the halogen containing elastomeric polymer
comprisespolychloroprene. For example, the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer can be
polychloroprene.
[00122] In one aspect, the composition can further comprise a metal oxide
cross
linking agent. In one aspect, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be zinc
oxide or
magnesium oxide. For example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be zinc
oxide. In
24
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
another example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be magnesium oxide.
Other metal
oxide crosslinking agent can also be other substances known in the art.
[00123] In one aspect, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be present in
an amount
of from greater than 0 to about 10.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen
containing
elastomeric polymer. For example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be
present in an
amount of about 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 or 10.0 parts per
100 dry parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00124] In one aspect, the composition can further comprise at least one
additive.
Suitable additives can be selected from the group consisting of a heat
sensitizer, surfactant,
vulcanizing agent, inorganic filler, antioxidant, pigment, and odorant.
[00125] In one aspect, the composition can comprise an inorganic filler
present in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
halogen containing
elastomeric polymer. For example, the composition can comprise an inorganic
filler present
in an amount of about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00126] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
halogen containing
elastomeric polymer. For example, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in
an amount of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7,
1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
[00127] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a carboxylic
acid
compound. In another aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a chemo
attractant
compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with
chain length
from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00128] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
microbe
capable of digesting the halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00129] In one aspect, the polymer can comprised in the biodegradation
agent can
selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl
acetate
copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate,
polyesters,
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide,
polychloroprene,
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any copolymers of said polymers, or
a combination
thereof
[00130] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
compatibilizing
additive.
[00131] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
carrier resin.
Suitable carrier resins include, but are not limited to, polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl
acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, and acrylic acid with polyolefins, or a
combination
thereof
[00132] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
chemotaxis
agent to attract microbes. Suitable chemotaxis agents comprise, but are not
limited to, a
sugar or a furanone. In one aspect, the furanone can be selected from 3,5
dimethylyentenyl
dihydro 2(3H)furanone isomer mixtures, emoxyfurane and N-acylhomoserine
lactones. In
another aspect, the chemotaxis agent can comprise coumarine and/or coumarin
derivatives.
[00133] In one aspect, the elastomeric material can be vulcanized. In
another aspect,
the elastomeric material is not vulcanized. For example, the composition would
not contain
any accelerator material.
[00134] In one aspect, the composition or elastomeric material can further
comprise a
carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and a compound including a divalent or
trivalent
metal, wherein the carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a level of
carboxyl groups
sufficient to crosslink with the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
Suitable carboxylic
acids include, but are not limited to carboxylic acid is ethylene acrylic
acid.
[00135] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material is
unsupported. In
another aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material is supported. Suitable
support
materials include, but are not limited to cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled
polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass,
meta and para-
aramids (for example, Kevlar0, Twaron0, Nomex0), or ultra-high-molecular-
weight-
polyethylene, or a combination thereof
b. BIODEGRADABLE THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL
26
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00136] Also disclosed herein is a biodegradable thermoplastic material,
formed from
a composition comprising: a) a halogen containing thermoplastic polymer; b) a
biodegradation agent; and c) a plasticizer, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic material
exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing
standard
that is greater than that of a substantially identical reference thermoplastic
material in the
absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00137] In one aspect, the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer is
present in an
amount of from greater than 30.0 to about 70.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
total
composition. For example, the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer is
present in an
amount of about 35.0, 40.0, 45.0, 50.0, 55.0, 60.0, 65.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the total
composition. For example, the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer is
present in an
amount of about 50.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the total composition. Halogen
containing
thermoplastic polymer are known to those in skilled in the art and is
available in the market
place. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is available from Cameo Chemicals
as
Pevikon 737.
[00138] In one aspect, the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer can
comprise
polyvinyl chloride (PVC). For example, the halogen containing thermoplastic
polymer can
be PVC.
[00139] The plasticizer provides a number of functions, including wetting
of a surface,
or alternately, decreasing the elastic modulus of the material, or further
still, aiding in the
mixing and application of the material. Numerous plasticizers exist and are
known in the art,
including fatty acids, e.g., oleic acid, palmitic acid, etc.,
dioctylphthalate, phospholipids, and
phosphatidic acid. Suitable plasticizers include, but are not limited to Di-
isononyl Phthalate,
1-[2-(benzoyloxy)propoxy] propan-2-y1 benzoate, and epoxidized soybean oil.
The
plasticizer can be present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 160
parts per 100 dry
parts of the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer. For example, the
plasticizer can be
present in an amount of about 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 or 160 parts per
100 dry parts of
the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer.
[00140] In one aspect, the composition further comprises at least one
additive selected
from the group consisting of a filler, stabilizer and pigment.
27
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00141] In one aspect, the composition can comprise an inorganic filler
present in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
halogen containing
elastomeric polymer. For example, the composition can comprise an inorganic
filler present
in an amount of about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00142] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
halogen containing
elastomeric polymer. For example, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in
an amount of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7,
1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
[00143] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a carboxylic
acid
compound. In another aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a chemo
attractant
compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with
chain length
from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00144] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
microbe
capable of digesting the halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00145] In one aspect, the polymer can comprised in the biodegradation
agent can
selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl
acetate
copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate,
polyesters,
polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide,
polychloroprene,
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any copolymers of said polymers, or
a combination
thereof
[00146] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
compatibilizing
additive.
[00147] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
carrier resin.
Suitable carrier resins include, but are not limited to, polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl
acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, and acrylic acid with polyolefins, or a
combination
thereof
28
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00148] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
chemotaxis
agent to attract microbes. Suitable chemotaxis agents comprise, but are not
limited to, a
sugar or a furanone. In one aspect, the furanone can be selected from 3,5
dimethylyentenyl
dihydro 2(3H)furanone isomer mixtures, emoxyfurane and N-acylhomoserine
lactones. In
another aspect, the chemotaxis agent can comprise coumarine and/or coumarin
derivatives.
[00149] In one aspect, the biodegradable thermoplastic material is
unsupported. In
another aspect, the biodegradable thermoplastic material is supported.
Suitable support
materials include, but are not limited to cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled
polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fibergla,ss,
meta and para-
aramids (Kev1ar4), Twarong, Nomexit)), or ultra-high-molecular-weight-
polyethylene, or a
combination thereof
C. BIODEGRADABILITY PROPERTIES OF THE MATERIALS
[00150] All the properties described herein can be attributed to all
materials disclosed
herein, including the biodegradable elastomeric materials and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic materials.
[00151] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material is biodegradable under aerobic conditions. In another
aspect, the
biodegradable elastomeric material or the biodegradable thermoplastic material
biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.
[00152] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days at least 200%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric material
after 30 days.
[00153] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days at least 200%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric material
after 30 days.
[00154] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
29
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days at least 300%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric material
after 65 days.
[00155] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days at least 500%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric material
after 120
days.
[00156] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days at least 700%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric material
after 160
days.
[00157] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days of at least at
least about 3%.
[00158] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days of at least at
least about 4%.
[00159] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days of at least at
least about
10%.
[00160] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric material or the
biodegradable
thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days of at least at
least about
15%.
C. GLOVES
1. BIODEGRADABLE ELASTOMERIC GLOVES
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
a. GLOVES COMPRISING ACRYLONITRILE
[00161] Also disclosed herein is a biodegradable elastomeric glove,
comprising a
biodegradable elastomeric glove material formed from a composition comprising:
a) an
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber; b) an alkali stabilizing agent; c) a
metal oxide
crosslinking agent; and d) a biodegradation agent, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric
glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM
D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference elastomeric
glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00162] In one aspect, the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is present
in an amount
of from greater than 70.0 to about 98.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the total
composition. For
example, the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is present in an amount of
about 72.0, 76.0,
80.0, 84.0, 88.0, 92.0, or 96.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the total
composition. For example,
the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is present in an amount of about 88.0
parts per 100
dry parts of the total composition.
[00163] In one aspect, the alkali stabilizing agent is present in an amount
of from
greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber.
For example, the alkali stabilizing agent is present in an amount of about
0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8,
1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile
butadiene based
rubber.
[00164] In one aspect, the alkali stabilizer comprises an alkali hydroxide.
Suitable
alkali stabilizers include, but are not limited to, those comprising potassium
hydroxide or
ammonia. For example, the alkali stabilizer can be potassium hydroxide. In
another
example, the alkali stabilizer can be ammonia.
[00165] In one aspect, the composition can have a basic pH. For example,
composition can have a pH in the range of from about 8.0 to about 12.0, such
as for example,
8.5 to about 10.5.
[00166] In one aspect, the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber can be an
acrylonitrile
butadiene rubber latex. In another example, the acrylonitrile butadiene based
rubber can be a
carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex.
31
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00167] In one aspect, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be zinc oxide
or
magnesium oxide. For example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be zinc
oxide. In
another example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be magnesium oxide.
Other metal
oxide crosslinking agent can also be other substances known in the art.
[00168] In one aspect, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be present in
an amount
of from greater than 0 to about 5.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
acrylonitrile butadiene based
rubber. For example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be present in an
amount of
about 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, or 5.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber.
[00169] In one aspect, the composition can further comprise at least one
additive.
Suitable additives can be selected from the group consisting of a heat
sensitizer, surfactant,
vulcanizing agent, in organic filler, antioxidant, pigment, and odorant.
[00170] In one aspect, the composition can comprise an inorganic filler
present in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber. For example, the composition can comprise an inorganic
filler
present in an amount of about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 parts per
100 dry parts of the
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00171] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber. For example, the biodegradation agent is present in
the composition
in an amount of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1,
1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6,
1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber.
[00172] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a carboxylic
acid
compound. In another aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a chemo
attractant
compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with
chain length
from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00173] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
microbe
capable of digesting the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
32
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00174] In one aspect, the polymer can comprised in the biodegradation
agent can
selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl
acetate
copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate,
polyesters,
polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide,
polychloroprene,
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any copolymers of said polymers, or
a combination
thereof
[00175] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
compatibilizing
additive.
[00176] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
carrier resin.
Suitable carrier resins include, but are not limited to, polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl
acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, and acrylic acid with polyolefins, or a
combination
thereof
[00177] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
chemotaxis
agent to attract microbes. Suitable chemotaxis agents comprise, but are not
limited to, a
sugar or a furanone. In one aspect, the furanone can be selected from 3,5
dimethylyentenyl
dihydro 2(3H)furanone isomer mixtures, emoxyfurane and N-acylhomoserine
lactones. In
another aspect, the chemotaxis agent can comprise coumarine and/or coumarin
derivatives.
[00178] In one aspect, the elastomeric material can be vulcanized. In
another aspect,
the elastomeric material is not vulcanized. For example, the composition would
not contain
any accelerator material.
[00179] In one aspect, the composition or elastomeric material can further
comprise a
carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and a compound including a divalent or
trivalent
metal, wherein the carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a level of
carboxyl groups
sufficient to crosslink with the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
Suitable carboxylic
acids include, but are not limited to carboxylic acid is ethylene acrylic
acid.
[00180] Crosslinking chemistries that can be incorporated to all disclosed
materials
and gloves described herein is described in U.S. patent 6,706,816 to Williams
et al., which is
hereby incorporated by references by its entirety.
33
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00181] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric glove is unsupported.
In another
aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric glove is supported. Suitable support
materials include,
but are not limited to cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled polyethylene
terephthalate (PET),
acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, meta and para-aramids
(for example,
Kevlartk), Tvvaron1), Nomext), or ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene, or
a
combination thereof.
(b) GLOVES COMPRISING A HALOGEN CONTAINING
ELASTOMERIC POLYMER
[00182] A biodegradable elastomeric glove, comprising a biodegradable
elastomeric
glove material formed from a composition comprising: a) a halogen containing
elastomeric
polymer; and b) a biodegradation agent, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric
glove
material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511
testing
standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical reference
elastomeric glove
material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00183] In one aspect, the halogen containing elastomeric polymer is
present in an
amount of from greater than 70.0 to about 98.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
total
composition. For example, the halogen containing elastomeric polymer is
present in an
amount of about 72.0, 76.0, 80.0, 84.0, 88.0, 92.0, or 96.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the total
composition. For example, the halogen containing elastomeric polymer is
present in an
amount of about 88.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the total composition.
[00184] In one aspect, the halogen containing elastomeric polymer comprises
comprising polychloroprene. For example, the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer can
be polychloroprene.
[00185] In one aspect, the composition can further comprise a metal oxide
cross
linking agent. In one aspect, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be zinc
oxide or
magnesium oxide. For example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be zinc
oxide. In
another example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be magnesium oxide.
Other metal
oxide crosslinking agent can also be other substances known in the art.
[00186] In one aspect, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be present in
an amount
of from greater than 0 to about 10.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen
containing
34
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
elastomeric polymer. For example, the metal oxide crosslinking agent can be
present in an
amount of about 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 or 10.0 parts per
100 dry parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00187] In one aspect, the composition can further comprise at least one
additive.
Suitable additives can be selected from the group consisting of a heat
sensitizer, surfactant,
vulcanizing agent, in organic filler, antioxidant, pigment, and odorant.
[00188] In one aspect, the composition can comprise an inorganic filler
present in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
halogen containing
elastomeric polymer. For example, the composition can comprise an inorganic
filler present
in an amount of about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00189] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
halogen containing
elastomeric polymer. For example, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in
an amount of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7,
1.8, 1.9 or 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
[00190] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a carboxylic
acid
compound. In another aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a chemo
attractant
compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with
chain length
from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00191] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
microbe
capable of digesting the halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00192] In one aspect, the polymer can comprised in the biodegradation
agent can
selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl
acetate
copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate,
polyesters,
polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide,
polychloroprene,
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any copolymers of said polymers, or
a combination
thereof
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00193] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
compatibilizing
additive.
[00194] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
carrier resin.
Suitable carrier resins include, but are not limited to, polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl
acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, and acrylic acid with polyolefins, or a
combination
thereof
[00195] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
chemotaxis
agent to attract microbes. Suitable chemotaxis agents comprise, but are not
limited to, a
sugar or a furanone. In one aspect, the furanone can be selected from 3,5
dimethylyentenyl
dihydro 2(3H)furanone isomer mixtures, emoxyfurane and N-acylhomoserine
lactones. In
another aspect, the chemotaxis agent can comprise coumarine and/or coumarin
derivatives.
[00196] In one aspect, the elastomeric material can be vulcanized. In
another aspect,
the elastomeric material is not vulcanized. For example, the composition would
not contain
any accelerator material.
[00197] In one aspect, the composition or elastomeric material can further
comprise a
carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and a compound including a divalent or
trivalent
metal, wherein the carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a level of
carboxyl groups
sufficient to crosslink with the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
Suitable carboxylic
acids include, but are not limited to carboxylic acid is ethylene acrylic
acid.
[00198] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric glove is unsupported.
In another
aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric glove is supported. Suitable support
materials include,
but are not limited to cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled polyethylene
terephthalate (PET),
acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, meta and para-aramids
(Kevlarl),
Twarong, Nomexg), or ultra-high-molectdar-weight-polyethylene, or a
colnbination thereof.
2. BIODEGRADABLE THERMOPLASTIC GLOVE
[00199] Also disclosed herein is a biodegradable thermoplastic glove,
comprising a
biodegradable thermoplastic glove material formed from a composition
comprising: a) a
halogen containing thermoplastic polymer comprising polyvinyl chloride; and b)
a
biodegradation agent, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
36
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard
that is
greater than that of a substantially identical reference thermoplastic glove
material in the
absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00200] In one aspect, the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer is
present in an
amount of from greater than 30.0 to about 70.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
total
composition. For example, the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer is
present in an
amount of about 35.0, 40.0, 45.0, 50.0, 55.0, 60.0 or 65.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the total
composition. For example, the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer is
present in an
amount of about 50.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the total composition.
[00201] In one aspect, the composition further comprises a plasticizer.
Numerous
plasticizers exist and are known in the art, including fatty acids, e.g.,
oleic acid, palmitic acid,
etc., dioctylphtalate, phospholipids, and phosphatidic acid. Suitable
plasticizers include, but
are not limited to Di-isononyl Phthalate, 1-[2-(benzoyloxy)propoxy] propan-2-
y1 benzoate,
and epoxidized soybean oil. The plasticizer can be present in an amount of
from greater than
0 to about 160.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing
thermoplastic polymer.
For example, the plasticizer can be present in an amount of about 20, 40, 60,
80, 100, 120,
140 or 160 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing thermoplastic
polymer.
[00202] In one aspect, the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer can
comprise
polyvinyl chloride (PVC). For example, the halogen containing thermoplastic
polymer can
be PVC.
[00203] In one aspect, the composition further comprises at least one
additive selected
from the group consisting of an inorganic filler, stabilizer and pigment.
[00204] In one aspect, the composition can comprise an inorganic filler
present in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
halogen containing
elastomeric polymer. For example, the composition can comprise an inorganic
filler present
in an amount of about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00205] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in an
amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
halogen containing
elastomeric polymer. For example, the biodegradation agent is present in the
composition in
37
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
an amount of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7,
1.8, 1.9 or 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
[00206] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a carboxylic
acid
compound. In another aspect, the biodegradation agent can comprise a chemo
attractant
compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with
chain length
from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00207] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
microbe
capable of digesting the halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00208] In one aspect, the polymer can comprised in the biodegradation
agent can
selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl
acetate
copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate,
polyesters,
polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide,
polychloroprene,
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any copolymers of said polymers, or
a combination
thereof
[00209] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
compatibilizing
additive.
[00210] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
carrier resin.
Suitable carrier resins include, but are not limited to, polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl
acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, and acrylic acid with polyolefins, or a
combination
thereof
[00211] In one aspect, the biodegradation agent can further comprise a
chemotaxis
agent to attract microbes. Suitable chemotaxis agents comprise, but are not
limited to, a
sugar or a furanone. In one aspect, the furanone can be selected from 3,5
dimethylyentenyl
dihydro 2(3H)furanone isomer mixtures, emoxyfurane and N-acylhomoserine
lactones. In
another aspect, the chemotaxis agent can comprise coumarine and/or coumarin
derivatives.
[00212] In one aspect, the biodegradable thermoplastic glove is unsupported.
In another
aspect, the biodegradable thermoplastic glove is supported. Suitable support
materials
include, but are not limited to cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled
polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, meta and para-
aramids
38
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
(Key tare, Twaron0, N omex ), or ultra-high-molecular-weight-poly ethylene.
or a
combination thereof.
3. BIODEGRADABILITY PROPERTIES OF THE GLOVES
[00213] All the properties described herein can be attributed to all gloves
disclosed
herein, including the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the biodegradable
thermoplastic
gloves.
[00214] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic gloves is biodegradable under aerobic conditions. In another
aspect, the
biodegradable elastomeric material or the biodegradable thermoplastic material
biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.
[00215] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic gloves exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days at least 200%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric material
after 30 days.
[00216] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic gloves exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days at least 300%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric material
after 65 days.
[00217] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic gloves exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days at least 500%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric material
after 120
days.
[00218] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic gloves exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days at least 700%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric material
after 160
days.
39
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00219] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic gloves exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days of at least at
least about 3%.
[00220] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic gloves exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days of at least at
least about 4%.
[00221] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic gloves exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days of at least at
least about
10%.
[00222] In one aspect, the biodegradable elastomeric gloves and the
biodegradable
thermoplastic gloves exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to
an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days of at least at
least about
15%.
D. METHODS
[00223] Also disclosed herein are methods of how to make the gloves
described
herein. All compositions and materials described herein can be used in the
disclosed
methods and have the same properties as disclosed elsewhere herein. For
example, if a
method requires a composition comprising a halogen containing thermoplastic
polymer
comprising polyvinyl chloride, and a biodegradation agent, it is also
understood that the
composition can further comprise other substances and compounds as described
elsewhere
herein.
[00224] Methods for how to produce unsupported acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber
gloves are described in U.S. Patent RE35,616 to Tillotson, which is hereby
incorporated by
its entirety by reference.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
1. METHODS TO PRODUCE BIODEGRADABLE ELASTOMERIC GLOVES
A. UNSUPPORTED GLOVES
[00225] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
elastomeric
glove, comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and
shape; b)
contacting at least a surface portion of the glove former with a coagulant to
provide at least a
partial coagulant coating on the surface portion of the glove former; c)
drying the coagulant
coating; d) coating the glove former having the dried at least partial
coagulant coating on the
surface thereof with a composition comprising i. an acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber; ii
an alkali stabilizing agent; iii a metal oxide crosslinking agent; and iv. a
biodegradation
agent, e)curing the coating of step d) to provide an elastomeric glove
material that exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard
that is
greater than that of a substantially identical reference elastomeric glove
material in the
absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00226] In one aspect, the method can further comprise before step e)
beading a
portion of the coating.
[00227] In one aspect, the method can further comprise removing the
elastomeric
glove material from the glove former.
[00228] In one aspect, the glove former can be pre-heated.
[00229] In one aspect, the method can further comprise before and/or after
step e) the
step of leaching to remove coagulant. For example, the method can further
comprise before
step e) the step of leaching to remove coagulant. In another example, the
method can further
comprise after step e) the step of leaching to remove coagulant. In yet
another example, the
method can further comprise before and after step e) the step of leaching to
remove
coagulant.
[00230] In one aspect, the method can further comprises after leaching to
remove the
coagulant beading a portion of the coating.
[00231] In one aspect, the coagulant comprises calcium nitrate, calcium
chloride,
acetic acid, or a combination thereof
41
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00232] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
elastomeric
glove, comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and
shape; b)
contacting at least a surface portion of the glove former with a coagulant to
provide at least a
partial coagulant coating on the surface portion of the glove former; c)
drying the coagulant
coating; d) coating the glove former having the dried at least partial
coagulant coating on the
surface thereof with a composition comprising i. a halogen containing
elastomeric polymer
comprising polychloroprene, and ii. a biodegradation agent, e) curing the
coating of step d) to
provide an elastomeric glove material that exhibits a biodegradation rate as
measured
according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that of a
substantially
identical reference elastomeric glove material in the absence of the
biodegradation agent.
[00233] In one aspect, the method can further comprise before step e)
beading a
portion of the coating.
[00234] In one aspect, the method can further comprise removing the
elastomeric
glove material from the glove former.
[00235] In one aspect, the glove former can be pre-heated.
[00236] In one aspect, the method can further comprise before and/or after
step e) the
step of leaching to remove coagulant. For example, the method can further
comprise before
step e) the step of leaching to remove coagulant. In another example, the
method can further
comprise after step e) the step of leaching to remove coagulant. In yet
another example, the
method can further comprise before and after step e) the step of leaching to
remove
coagulant.
[00237] In one aspect, the method can further comprise beading a portion of
the
coating. This beading step can occur after the step of leaching to remove the
coagulant.
[00238] In one aspect, the coagulant comprises calcium nitrate, calcium
chloride,
acetic acid, or a combination thereof
B. SUPPORTED GLOVES
[00239] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
elastomeric
glove, comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and
shape and
being at least partially lined with a support material; b) contacting at least
a portion of the
42
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
support material of step a) with a composition comprising i. an acrylonitrile
butadiene based
rubber; ii. an alkali stabilizing agent; iii. a metal oxide crosslinking
agent; and iv. a
biodegradation agent, to provide a first coating of the composition on the
support material; c)
allowing the first coating to at least partially set; and d) repeating steps
b) and c) in sequence
"n" times; wherein "n" is an integer equal to or greater than 1 to provide a
supported
elastomeric glove material that exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially
identical reference
elastomeric glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00240] In one aspect, the method further comprises at least partially
coating a
coagulant on the first coating. In one aspect, the at least partially coating
a coagulant on the
first coating can be applied before step b). In another aspect, the at least
partially coating a
coagulant on the first coating can be applied after step b). In yet another
aspect, the at least
partially coating a coagulant on the first coating can be applied before and
after step b).
[00241] In one aspect, the glove former can be pre-heated.
[00242] In one aspect, the method further comprises removing the supported
elastomeric glove material from the glove former.
[00243] In one aspect, the method further comprises leaching after step d).
[00244] In one aspect, the method further comprises after step d) curing
the
composition.
[00245] Suitable support materials include, but are not limited to the
support material
is selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled
polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass,
meta and para-
aramids (Kevlar0, Twaron0, Nomex0), or ultra-high-molecular-weight-
polyethylene, or a
combination thereof
[00246] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
elastomeric
glove, comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and
shape and
being at least partially lined with a support material; b) contacting at least
a portion of the
support material of step a) with a composition comprising i. halogen
containing elastomeric
polymer comprising polychloroprene; and a biodegradation agent; c) allowing
the first
43
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
coating to at least partially set; and d) repeating steps b) and c) in
sequence "n" times;
wherein "n" is an integer equal to or greater than 1 to provide a supported
elastomeric glove
material that exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM
D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference elastomeric
glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00247] In one aspect, the method further comprises at least partially
coating a
coagulant on the first coating. In one aspect, the at least partially coating
a coagulant on the
first coating can be applied before step b). In another aspect, the at least
partially coating a
coagulant on the first coating can be applied after step b). In yet another
aspect, the at least
partially coating a coagulant on the first coating can be applied before and
after step b).
[00248] In one aspect, the glove former can be pre-heated.
[00249] In one aspect, the method further comprises removing the supported
elastomeric glove material from the glove former.
[00250] In one aspect, the method further comprises leaching after step d).
[00251] In one aspect, the method further comprises after step d) curing
the
composition.
[00252] Suitable support materials include, but are not limited to the support
material is
selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled
polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass,
meta and para--
aramids (Kevlart, Twarone, Nomext), or ultra-high-molecular-weight-
polyethylene, or a
combination thereof.
2. METHODS TO PRODUCE BIODEGRADABLE THERMOPLASTIC GLOVES
A. UNSUPPORTED GLOVES
[00253] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a biodegradable
thermoplastic
glove, comprising: a) providing a glove former having a predetermined size and
shape; b)
coating the glove former having the dried at least partial coagulant coating
on the surface
thereof with a composition comprising i. a halogen containing thermoplastic
polymer
comprising polyvinyl chloride, and ii. a biodegradation agent, c) curing the
coating of step b)
44
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
to provide an thermoplastic glove material that exhibits a biodegradation rate
as measured
according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that of a
substantially
identical reference thermoplastic glove material in the absence of the
biodegradation agent.
[00254] In one aspect, the composition can further comprise a plasticizer.
[00255] In one aspect, the method can further comprise before step c)
beading a
portion of the coating.
[00256] In one aspect, the method can further comprise removing the
elastomeric
glove material from the glove former.
[00257] In one aspect, the glove former can be pre-heated.
B. SUPPORTED GLOVES
[00258] Also disclosed herein is a method of for producing a biodegradable
thermoplastic glove, comprising: a) providing a glove former having a
predetermined size
and shape and being at least partially lined with a support material; b)
contacting at least a
portion of the support material of step a) with a composition comprising i.
halogen
containing thermoplastic polymer comprising polyvinyl chloride; and ii. a
biodegradation
agent, to provide a first coating of the composition on the support material;
c) allowing the
first coating to at least partially set; and d) repeating steps b) and c) in
sequence "n" times;
wherein "n" is an integer equal to or greater than 1 to provide a supported
thermoplastic
glove material that exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an
ASTM D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference thermoplastic
glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00259] In one aspect, the composition further comprises a plasticizer.
[00260] In one aspect, the method further comprises after step d) curing
the coating.
[00261] In one aspect, the method further comprises removing the supported
thermoplastic glove material from the glove former.
[00262] In one aspect, the glove former can be pre-heated.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00263] In one aspect, the method further comprises removing the supported
thermoplastic glove material from the glove former.
B. ASPECTS
[00264] Aspect 1: A biodegradable elastomeric material formed from a
composition
comprising:
a) an acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber;
b) an alkali stabilizing agent;
c) a metal oxide crosslinking agent; and
d) a biodegradation agent,
wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a biodegradation rate
as
measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that
of a
substantially identical reference elastomeric material in the absence of the
biodegradation agent.
[00265] Aspect 2: The biodegradable elastomeric material of aspect 1,
wherein the
alkali stabilizing agent is present in an amount of from greater than 0 to
about 2.0 parts per
100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00266] Aspect 3: The biodegradable elastomeric material of aspect 1 or 2,
wherein
the alkali stabilizer comprises an alkali hydroxide.
[00267] Aspect 4: The biodegradable elastomeric material of any of aspects
1 through
3 wherein the alkali stabilizer comprises potassium hydroxide.
[00268] Aspect 5: The biodegradable elastomeric material of aspects 1 or 2,
wherein
the alkali stabilizing agent comprises ammonia.
[00269] Aspect 6: The biodegradable elastomeric material of aspect 5,
wherein the
composition has a pH in the range of from about 8.5 to about 10.5.
[00270] Aspect 7: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 6, wherein the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is an
acrylonitrile butadiene
rubber latex.
46
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00271] Aspect 8: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 7, wherein the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is a
carboxylated acrylonitrile
butadiene rubber latex.
[00272] Aspect 9: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 7 to 8 wherein the metal oxide crosslinking agent is zinc oxide or
magnesium oxide.
[00273] Aspect 10: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 9, wherein the metal oxide crosslinking agent is present in an
amount of from
greater than 0 to about 5.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile
rubber.
[00274] Aspect 11: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 10, wherein the metal oxide crosslinking agent comprises zinc
oxide.
[00275] Aspect 12: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 11, wherein the composition further comprises at least one
additive selected from
the group consisting of a heat sensitizer, surfactant, vulcanizing agent,
inorganic filler,
antioxidant, pigment, and odorant, or a combination thereof
[00276] Aspect 13: The biodegradable elastomeric material of 12, wherein
the
composition comprises an inorganic filler present in an amount of from greater
than 0 to
about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene based
rubber.
[00277] Aspect 14: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 13, wherein the biodegradation agent is present in an amount of
from greater
than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber.
[00278] Aspect 15: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 14, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a carboxylic acid
compound.
[00279] Aspect 16: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 15, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a chemo attractant
compound; a
glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with chain length
from 5-18
carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
47
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00280] Aspect 17: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 15,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a microbe capable of
digesting the
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00281] Aspect 18: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 15,
wherein said polymer comprised in the biodegradation agent is selected from
the group
consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride,
methacrylate,
nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber,
and any copolymers of said polymers.
[00282] Aspect 19: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 15,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00283] Aspect 20: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 15,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a carrier resin.
[00284] Aspect 21: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 15,
wherein said carrier resin is selected from the group consisting of:
polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid with
polyolefins.
[00285] Aspect 22: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 15,
wherein biodegradation agent further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract
microbes.
[00286] Aspect 23: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 15,
wherein the chemo taxis agent comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00287] Aspect 24: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 23, wherein the elastomeric material is vulcanized.
[00288] Aspect 25: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 1 to 24, wherein the elastomeric material further comprises a
carboxylic acid or a
derivative thereof and a compound including a divalent or trivalent metal,
wherein the
carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a level of carboxyl groups
sufficient to
crosslink with the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
48
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00289] Aspect 26: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 25,
wherein the carboxylic acid is ethylene acrylic acid.
[00290] Aspect 27: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 1,
wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising
polylactic
acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polypolypropylene carbonate,
polycaprolactone,
polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan, gluten, and one or more aliphatic/aromatic
polyesters such
as polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate-adipate, polybutylene
succinate-sebacate,
or polybutylene terephthalate-coadipate, or a mixture thereof
[00291] Aspect 28: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 1,
wherein the biodegradation agent comprises polybutylene succinate.
[00292] Aspect 29: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding claims, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material is
biodegradable under
aerobic conditions.
[00293] Aspect 30: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding aspects, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material is
biodegradable under
anaerobic conditions.
[00294] Aspect 31: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding aspects, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 30 days at least 200% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric material after 30 days.
[00295] Aspect 32: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding aspects, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days at least 300% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric material after 65 days.
[00296] Aspect 33: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding aspects, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
49
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
biodegradation after 120 days at least 500% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric material after 120 days.
[00297] Aspect 34: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding aspects, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days at least 700% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric material after 160 days.
[00298] Aspect 35: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding aspects, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 30 days of at least at least about 3%
[00299] Aspect 36: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding aspects, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days of at least at least about 4%.
[00300] Aspect 37: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding aspects, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 120 days of at least at least about 10%.
[00301] Aspect 38: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
the preceding aspects, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits
a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days of at least at least about 15%.
[00302] Aspect 39: A biodegradable elastomeric glove, comprising a
biodegradable
elastomeric glove material formed from a composition comprising:
a) an acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber;
b) an alkali stabilizing agent;
c) a metal oxide crosslinking agent; and
d) a biodegradation agent,
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation
rate
as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than
that of
a substantially identical reference elastomeric glove material in the absence
of the
biodegradation agent.
[00303] Aspect 40: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of aspect 39 wherein
the
alkali stabilizing agent is present in an amount of from greater than 0 to
about 2.0 parts per
100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00304] Aspect 41: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of aspect 39 or 40,
wherein
the alkali stabilizer comprises an alkali hydroxide.
[00305] Aspect 42: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of any of aspects 39
through
41, wherein the alkali stabilizer comprises potassium hydroxide.
[00306] Aspect 43: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of aspects 39 or 40,
wherein
the alkali stabilizing agent comprises ammonia.
[00307] Aspect 44: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of aspect 43,
wherein the
composition has a pH of from about 8.5 to about 10.5.
[00308] Aspect 45: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39 to 44, wherein the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is an
acrylonitrile
butadiene rubber latex.
[00309] Aspect 46: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39 to 45, wherein the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber is a
carboxylated
acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex.
[00310] Aspect 47: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39 to 46, wherein the metal oxide crosslinking agent is present in an
amount of from
greater than 0 to about 5.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile
butadiene based rubber.
[00311] Aspect 48: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39 to 47, wherein the metal oxide crosslinking agent comprises zinc
oxide or
magnesium oxide.
51
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00312] Aspect 49: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39 to 48, wherein the composition further comprises at least one
additive selected
from the group consisting of a heat sensitizer, surfactant, vulcanizing agent,
inorganic filler,
antioxidant, pigment, and odorant, or a combination thereof
[00313] Aspect 50: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of aspect 49,
wherein the
composition comprises an inorganic filler present in an amount of from greater
than 0 to
about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene based
rubber.
[00314] Aspect 51: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39 to 50, wherein the biodegradation agent is present in an amount of
from greater
than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber.
[00315] Aspect 52: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39 to 51, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a carboxylic acid
compound.
[00316] Aspect 53: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39 to 52, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a chemo
attractant compound;
a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with chain
length from 5-18
carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00317] Aspect 54: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
53,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a microbe capable of
digesting the
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00318] Aspect 55: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
53,
wherein said polymer comprised in the biodegradation agent is selected from
the group
consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride,
methacrylate,
nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber,
and any copolymers of said polymers.
[00319] Aspect 56: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
53,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00320] Aspect 57: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
53,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a carrier resin.
52
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00321] Aspect 58: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
53,
wherein said carrier resin is selected from the group consisting of:
polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid with
polyolefins.
[00322] Aspect 59: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
53,
wherein biodegradation agent further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract
microbes.
[00323] Aspect 60: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
53,
wherein the chemo taxis agent comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00324] Aspect 61: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-60, wherein the elastomeric glove material is vulcanized.
[00325] Aspect 62: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
39,
wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising
polylactic
acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polypolypropylene carbonate,
polycaprolactone,
polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan, gluten, and one or more aliphatic/aromatic
polyesters such
as polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate-adipate, polybutylene
succinate-sebacate,
or polybutylene terephthalate-coadipate, or a mixture thereof
[00326] Aspect 63: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
39,
wherein the biodegradation agent comprises polybutylene succinate.
[00327] Aspect 64: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-60, wherein the elastomeric material further comprises a carboxylic
acid or a
derivative thereof and a compound including a divalent or trivalent metal,
wherein the
carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a level of carboxyl groups
sufficient to
crosslink with the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00328] Aspect 65: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 64,
wherein the carboxylic acid is ethylene acrylic acid.
[00329] Aspect 66: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-65, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material is
biodegradable under
aerobic conditions.
53
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00330] Aspect 67: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-66, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material is
biodegradable under
anaerobic conditions.
[00331] Aspect 68: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-67, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 30 days at least 200% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric glove material after 30 days.
[00332] Aspect 69: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-68, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days at least 300% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric glove material after 65 days.
[00333] Aspect 70: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-69, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 120 days at least 500% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric glove material after 120 days.
[00334] Aspect 71: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-70, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days at least 700% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric glove material after 160 days.
[00335] Aspect 72: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
aspects
39-71, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a
biodegradation rate as
measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation
after 30
days of at least at least about 3%
[00336] Aspect 73: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-72, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a
54
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days of at least at least about 4%.
[00337] Aspect 74: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-73, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 120 days of at least at least about 10%.
[00338] Aspect 75: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-74, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days of at least at least about 15%.
[00339] Aspect 76: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-75, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material is
unsupported.
[00340] Aspect 77: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 39-76, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove is supported.
[00341] Aspect 78: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
77,
wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove is supported by a material
comprising cotton,
nylon, polyester, recycled polyethylene terepinhalate (PET), acrylic, lycra,
bamboo, steel,
carbon fiber, fiberglass, meta and para-aramids (Kevlarg, Twaroirt, Nomex ,),
or ultra-
high-molecular-weight-polyethylene, or a combination thereof.
[00342] Aspect 79: A biodegradable elastomeric glove, comprising a
biodegradable
elastomeric glove material formed from a composition comprising:
a) a halogen containing elastomeric polymer comprising polychloroprene; and
b) a biodegradation agent,
wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation
rate
as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than
that of
a substantially identical reference elastomeric glove material in the absence
of the
biodegradation agent.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00343] Aspect 80: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of aspect 79,
wherein the
halogen containing polymer is polychloroprene.
[00344] Aspect 81: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of aspects 79 or 80,
wherein
the composition further comprises a metal oxide cross linking agent.
[00345] Aspect 82: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of aspect 81,
wherein the
metal oxide cross linking agent is zinc oxide or magnesium oxide.
[00346] Aspect 83: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspects
81 or
82, wherein the metal oxide crosslinking agent is present in an amount of from
greater than 0
to about 10.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
[00347] Aspect 84: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 79 to 83, wherein the composition further comprises at least one
additive selected
from the group consisting of a heat sensitizer, surfactant, vulcanizing agent,
inorganic filler,
antioxidant, pigment, and odorant, or a combination thereof
[00348] Aspect 85: The biodegradable elastomeric glove of aspect 84,
wherein the
composition comprises an inorganic filler present in an amount of from greater
than 0 to
about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
[00349] Aspect 86: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 79 to 85, wherein the biodegradation agent is present in an amount of
from greater
than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing
elastomeric polymer.
[00350] Aspect 87: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 79 to 86, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a carboxylic acid
compound.
[00351] Aspect 88: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 79 to 87, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a chemo
attractant compound;
a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with chain
length from 5-18
carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00352] Aspect 89: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
88,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a microbe capable of
digesting the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
56
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00353] Aspect 90: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
88,
wherein said polymer comprised in the biodegradation agent is selected from
the group
consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride,
methacrylate,
nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber,
and any copolymers of said polymers.
[00354] Aspect 91: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
88,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00355] Aspect 92: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
88,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a carrier resin.
[00356] Aspect 93: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
88,
wherein said carrier resin is selected from the group consisting of:
polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid with
polyolefins.
[00357] Aspect 94: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
88,
wherein biodegradation agent further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract
microbes.
[00358] Aspect 95: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
88,
wherein the chemotaxis agent comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00359] Aspect 96: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 79 to 95, wherein the elastomeric glove material is vulcanized.
[00360] Aspect 97: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 79 to 95, wherein the elastomeric material further comprises a
carboxylic acid or a
derivative thereof and a compound including a divalent or trivalent metal,
wherein the
carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a level of carboxyl groups
sufficient to
crosslink with the halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00361] Aspect 98: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 97,
wherein the carboxylic acid is ethylene acrylic acid.
57
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00362] Aspect 99: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any one
of
aspects 79-98, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a biodegradable
polymer
comprising polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polypolypropylene
carbonate,
polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan, gluten, and one or more
aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as polybutylene succinate, polybutylene
succinate-adipate,
polybutylene succinate-sebacate, or polybutylene terephthalate-coadipate, or a
mixture
thereof
[00363] Aspect 100: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79-98, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises polybutylene
succinate.
[00364] Aspect 101: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material is
biodegradable
under aerobic conditions.
[00365] Aspect 102: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material is
biodegradable
under anaerobic conditions.
[00366] Aspect 103: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 30 days at least 200% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric glove material after 30 days.
[00367] Aspect 104: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days at least 300% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric glove material after 65 days.
[00368] Aspect 105: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 120 days at least 500% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric glove material after 120 days.
58
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00369] Aspect 106: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days at least 700% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference elastomeric glove material after 160 days.
[00370] Aspect 107: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 30 days of at least at least about 3%
[00371] Aspect 108: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days of at least at least about 4%.
[00372] Aspect 109: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 120 days of at least at least about 10%.
[00373] Aspect 110: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 96, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days of at least at least about 15%.
[00374] Aspect 111: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 110, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove is unsupported.
[00375] Aspect 112: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to any
one of
aspects 79 to 110, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove is supported.
[00376] Aspect 113: The biodegradable elastomeric glove according to aspect
112,
wherein the biodegradable elastomeric glove is supported by a material
comprising cotton,
nylon, polyester, recycled polyethylene terebhthalate (PET), acrylic, lycra,
bamboo, steel,
59
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
carbon fiber, fiberglass, meta and para-aramids (Kevlarg, Twarong, Nomexklq or
ultra-
hi gh-mol eci dar-weight-polyethylene, or a combination thereof.
[00377] Aspect 114: A biodegradable elastomeric material, formed from a
composition comprising:
a) a halogen containing elastomeric polymer comprising polychloroprene; and
b) a biodegradation agent.
wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a biodegradation rate
as
measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that
of a
substantially identical reference elastomeric material in the absence of the
biodegradation agent.
[00378] Aspect 115: The biodegradable elastomeric material of aspect 114,
wherein
the halogen containing polymer is polychloroprene.
[00379] Aspect 116: The biodegradable elastomeric material of aspects 114
or 115,
wherein the composition further comprises a metal oxide cross linking agent.
[00380] Aspect 117: The biodegradable elastomeric material of aspect 116,
wherein
the metal oxide cross linking agent is zinc oxide or magnesium oxide.
[00381] Aspect 118: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 116,
wherein the metal oxide crosslinking agent is present in an amount of from
greater than 0 to
about 10.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
[00382] Aspect 119: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 118, wherein the composition further comprises at least one
additive selected
from the group consisting of a heat sensitizer, surfactant, vulcanizing agent,
inorganic filler,
antioxidant, pigment, and odorant.
[00383] Aspect 120: The biodegradable elastomeric material of aspect 119,
wherein
the composition comprises an inorganic filler present in an amount of from
greater than 0 to
about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00384] Aspect 121: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 120, wherein the biodegradation agent is present in an amount
of from greater
than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing
elastomeric polymer.
[00385] Aspect 122: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 121, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a carboxylic
acid compound.
[00386] Aspect 123: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 122, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a chemo
attractant
compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with
chain length
from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00387] Aspect 124: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 123,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a microbe capable of
digesting the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00388] Aspect 125: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 123,
wherein said polymer comprised in the biodegradation agent is selected from
the group
consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride,
methacrylate,
nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber,
and any copolymers of said polymers.
[00389] Aspect 126: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 123,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00390] Aspect 127: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 123,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a carrier resin.
[00391] Aspect 128: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 123,
wherein said carrier resin is selected from the group consisting of:
polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid with
polyolefins.
[00392] Aspect 129: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 123,
wherein biodegradation agent further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract
microbes.
61
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00393] Aspect 130: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 123,
wherein the chemo taxis agent comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00394] Aspect 131: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 130, wherein the elastomeric material is vulcanized.
[00395] Aspect 132: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 130, wherein the composition further comprises a carboxylic
acid or a
derivative thereof and a compound including a divalent or trivalent metal,
wherein the
carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a level of carboxyl groups
sufficient to
crosslink with the halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00396] Aspect 133: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 132,
wherein the carboxylic acid is ethylene acrylic acid.
[00397] Aspect 134: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect 132,
wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising
polylactic
acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polypolypropylene carbonate,
polycaprolactone,
polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan, gluten, and one or more aliphatic/aromatic
polyesters such
as polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate-adipate, polybutylene
succinate-sebacate,
or polybutylene terephthalate-coadipate, or a mixture thereof
[00398] Aspect 135: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to
aspect
132, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises polybutylene succinate.
[00399] Aspect 136: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 131, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material is
biodegradable under
aerobic conditions.
[00400] Aspect 137: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 132, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material is
biodegradable under
anaerobic conditions.
[00401] Aspect 138: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 137, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a
biodegradation
rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent
biodegradation
62
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
after 30 days at least 200% greater than the percent biodegradation of the
corresponding
reference elastomeric material after 30 days.
[00402] Aspect 139: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 137, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a
biodegradation
rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent
biodegradation
after 65 days at least 300% greater than the percent biodegradation of the
corresponding
reference elastomeric material after 65 days.
[00403] Aspect 140: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 137, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a
biodegradation
rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent
biodegradation
after 120 days at least 500% greater than the percent biodegradation of the
corresponding
reference elastomeric material after 120 days.
[00404] Aspect 141: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 137, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a
biodegradation
rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent
biodegradation
after 160 days at least 700% greater than the percent biodegradation of the
corresponding
reference elastomeric material after 160 days.
[00405] Aspect 142: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 137, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a
biodegradation
rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent
biodegradation
after 30 days of at least at least about 3%
[00406] Aspect 143: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 137, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a
biodegradation
rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent
biodegradation
after 65 days of at least at least about 4%.
[00407] Aspect 144: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 137, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a
biodegradation
rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent
biodegradation
after 120 days of at least at least about 10%.
63
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00408] Aspect 145: The biodegradable elastomeric material according to any
one of
aspects 114 to 137, wherein the biodegradable elastomeric material exhibits a
biodegradation
rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent
biodegradation
after 160 days of at least at least about 15%.
[00409] Aspect 146: A method for producing a biodegradable elastomeric
glove,
comprising:
a. providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape;
b. contacting at least a surface portion of the glove former with a
coagulant to
provide at least a partial coagulant coating on the surface portion of the
glove
former;
c. drying the coagulant coating;
d. coating the glove former having the dried at least partial coagulant
coating on
the surface thereof with a composition comprising
i. an acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber;
ii. an alkali stabilizing agent;
iii. a metal oxide crosslinking agent; and
iv. a biodegradation agent,
e. curing the coating of step d) to provide an elastomeric glove
material that
exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference
elastomeric glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00410] Aspect 147: The method of aspect 146, further comprising before
step e)
beading a portion of the coating.
[00411] Aspect 148: The method of aspect 146, further comprising removing
the
elastomeric glove material from the glove former.
[00412] Aspect 149: The method of aspect 146, further comprising before
and/or after
step e) the step of leaching to remove coagulant.
[00413] Aspect 150: The method of aspect 146, further comprising after
leaching to
remove the coagulant, beading a portion of the coating.
64
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00414] Aspect 151: The method of aspect 146, wherein the coagulant
comprises
calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, acetic acid, or a combination thereof
[00415] Aspect 152: The method of aspect 146, wherein the alkali
stabilizing agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00416] Aspect 153: The method of aspect 146, wherein the alkali stabilizer
comprises an alkali hydroxide.
[00417] Aspect 154: The method of aspect 146, wherein the alkali stabilizer
comprises potassium hydroxide.
[00418] Aspect 155: The method of aspect 146, wherein the alkali
stabilizing agent
comprises ammonia.
[00419] Aspect 156: The method of aspect 146, wherein the composition has a
pH of
from about 8.5 to about 10.5.
[00420] Aspect 157: The method of aspect 146, wherein the acrylonitrile
butadiene
based rubber is an acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex.
[00421] Aspect 158: The method of aspect 146, wherein the acrylonitrile
butadiene
based rubber is a carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex.
[00422] Aspect 159: The method of aspect 146, wherein the metal oxide
crosslinking
agent is present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 5.0 parts per
100 dry parts of
the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00423] Aspect 160: The method of aspect 146, wherein the metal oxide
crosslinking
agent comprises zinc oxide or magnesium oxide.
[00424] Aspect 161: The method of aspect 146, wherein the composition
further
comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a heat
sensitizer,
surfactant, vulcanizing agent, inorganic filler, antioxidant, pigment, and
odorant, or a
combination thereof
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00425] Aspect 162: The method of aspect 146, wherein the composition
comprises
an inorganic filler present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0
parts per 100 dry
parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00426] Aspect 163: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradation
agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00427] Aspect 164: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a carboxylic acid compound.
[00428] Aspect 165: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a chemo attractant compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a
carboxylic acid
compound with chain length from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00429] Aspect 166: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a microbe capable of digesting the acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber.
[00430] Aspect 167: The method of aspect 146, wherein said polymer
comprised in
the biodegradation agent is selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl
benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6,
polycarbonate,
polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber and any
copolymers of said
polymers.
[00431] Aspect 168: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00432] Aspect 169: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a carrier resin.
[00433] Aspect 170: The method of aspect 169, wherein said carrier resin is
selected
from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymers, maleic
anhydride, acrylic acid with polyolefins.
[00434] Aspect 171: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract microbes.
66
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00435] Aspect 172: The method of aspect 146, wherein the chemo taxis agent
comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00436] Aspect 173: The method of aspect 146, wherein the curing step e)
provides a
vulcanized elastomeric glove material.
[00437] Aspect 174: The method of aspect 146, wherein composition further
comprises a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and a compound including a
divalent or
trivalent metal, wherein the carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a
level of carboxyl
groups sufficient to crosslink with the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00438] Aspect 175: The method of aspect 174, wherein the carboxylic acid
is
ethylene acrylic acid.
[00439] Aspect 176: The method according to aspect 146, wherein the
biodegradation
agent comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising polylactic acid,
poly(lactic-co-glycolic
acid), polypolypropylene carbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate,
chitosan,
gluten, and one or more aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as polybutylene
succinate,
polybutylene succinate-adipate, polybutylene succinate-sebacate, or
polybutylene
terephthalate-coadipate, or a mixture thereof
[00440] Aspect 177: The method according to aspect 146, wherein the
biodegradation agent comprises polybutylene succinate.
[00441] Aspect 178: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material is biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
[00442] Aspect 179: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material is biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.
[00443] Aspect 180: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days at least 200%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after 30
days.
67
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00444] Aspect 181: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days at least 300%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after 65
days.
[00445] Aspect 182: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days at least 500%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after
120 days.
[00446] Aspect 183: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days at least 700%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after
160 days.
[00447] Aspect 184: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days of at least at
least about 3%
[00448] Aspect 185: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days of at least at
least about 4%.
[00449] Aspect 186: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days of at least at
least about
10%.
[00450] Aspect 187: The method of aspect 146, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days of at least at
least about
15%.
68
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00451] Aspect 188: A method for producing a biodegradable elastomeric
glove,
comprising:
a. providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape and being at
least partially lined with a support material;
b. contacting at least a portion of the support material of step a)
with a
composition comprising
i. an acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber;
ii. an alkali stabilizing agent;
iii. a metal oxide crosslinking agent; and
iv. a biodegradation agent,
to provide a first coating of the composition on the support material;
c. allowing the first coating to at least partially set;
d. repeating steps b) and c) in sequence "n" times; wherein "n" is an integer
equal to or greater than 1 to provide a supported elastomeric glove material
that exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference
elastomeric glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00452] Aspect 189: The method of aspect 188, further comprising removing
the
supported elastomeric glove material from the glove former.
[00453] Aspect 190: The method of aspect 188, further comprising leaching
after step
d).
[00454] Aspect 191: The method of aspect 188, further comprising after step
d) curing
the composition.
[00455] Aspect 192: The method of aspect 188, wherein the alkali
stabilizing agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00456] Aspect 193: The method of aspect 188, wherein the alkali stabilizer
comprises an alkali hydroxide.
69
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00457] Aspect 194: The method of aspect 188, wherein the alkali stabilizer
comprises potassium hydroxide.
[00458] Aspect 195: The method of aspect 188, wherein the alkali
stabilizing agent
comprises ammonia.
[00459] Aspect 196: The method of aspect 188, wherein the composition has a
pH of
from about 8.5 to about 10.5.
[00460] Aspect 197: The method of aspect 188, wherein the acrylonitrile
butadiene
based rubber is an acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex.
[00461] Aspect 198: The method of aspect 188, wherein the acrylonitrile
butadiene
based rubber is a carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex.
[00462] Aspect 199: The method of aspect 188, wherein the metal oxide
crosslinking
agent is present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 5.0 parts per
100 dry parts of
the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00463] Aspect 200: The method of aspect 188, wherein the metal oxide
crosslinking
agent comprises zinc oxide or magnesium oxide.
[00464] Aspect 201: The method of aspect 188, wherein the composition
further
comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a heat
sensitizer,
surfactant, vulcanizing agent, inorganic filler, antioxidant, pigment,
thickener and odorant, or
a combination thereof
[00465] Aspect 202: The method of aspect 188, wherein the composition
comprises
an inorganic filler present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0
parts per 100 dry
parts of the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00466] Aspect 203: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradation
agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
[00467] Aspect 204: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a carboxylic acid compound.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00468] Aspect 205: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a chemo attractant compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a
carboxylic acid
compound with chain length from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00469] Aspect 206: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a microbe capable of digesting the acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber.
[00470] Aspect 207: The method of aspect 188, wherein said polymer
comprised in
the biodegradation agent is selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl
benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6,
polycarbonate,
polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any
copolymers of
said polymers.
[00471] Aspect 208: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00472] Aspect 209: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a carrier resin.
[00473] Aspect 210: The method of aspect 209, wherein said carrier resin is
selected
from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymers, maleic
anhydride, and acrylic acid with polyolefins, or a combination thereof
[00474] Aspect 211: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract microbes.
[00475] Aspect 212: The method of aspect 188, wherein the chemo taxis agent
comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00476] Aspect 213: The method of aspect 188, wherein the curing step e)
provides a
vulcanized elastomeric glove material.
[00477] Aspect 214: The method of aspect 177, wherein composition further
comprises a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and a compound including a
divalent or
trivalent metal, wherein the carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a
level of carboxyl
groups sufficient to crosslink with the acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber.
71
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00478] Aspect 215: The method of aspect 214, wherein the carboxylic acid
is
ethylene acrylic acid.
[00479] Aspect 216: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-
glycolic acid),
polypolypropylene carbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan,
gluten, and
one or more aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as polybutylene succinate,
polybutylene
succinate-adipate, polybutylene succinate-sebacate, or polybutylene
terephthalate-coadipate,
or a mixture thereof
[00480] Aspect 217: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises polybutylene succinate.
[00481] Aspect 218: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material is biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
[00482] Aspect 219: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material is biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.
[00483] Aspect 220: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days at least 200%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after 30
days.
[00484] Aspect 221: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days at least 300%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after 65
days.
[00485] Aspect 222: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days at least 500%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after
120 days.
72
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00486] Aspect 223: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days at least 700%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after
160 days.
[00487] Aspect 224: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days of at least at
least about 3%
[00488] Aspect 225: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days of at least at
least about 4%.
[00489] Aspect 226: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days of at least at
least about
10%.
[00490] Aspect 227: The method of aspect 188, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days of at least at
least about
15%.
[00491] Aspect 228: The method of aspect 188, wherein the support material
is
selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled
polyethylene
tcrephthalate (pET), acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass,
meta and para-
aramids (Kevlartk), Twarong, Nomext), or ultra-bigh-molecular-weight-
polyethylene, or a
combination thereof.
[00492] Aspect 229: A method for producing a biodegradable elastomeric
glove,
comprising:
a. providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape;
73
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
b. contacting at least a surface portion of the glove former with a
coagulant to
provide at least a partial coagulant coating on the surface portion of the
glove
former;
c. drying the coagulant coating;
d. coating the glove former having the dried at least partial coagulant
coating on
the surface thereof with a composition comprising
i. a halogen containing elastomeric polymer comprising
polychloroprene, and
ii. a biodegradation agent,
e. curing the coating of step d) to provide an elastomeric glove
material that
exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference
elastomeric glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00493] Aspect 230: The method of aspect 229, wherein the halogen
containing
elastomeric polymer is polychloroprene.
[00494] Aspect 231: The method of aspect 229, further comprising before
step e)
beading a portion of the coating.
[00495] Aspect 232: The method of aspect 229, further comprising removing
the
elastomeric glove material from the glove former.
[00496] Aspect 233: The method of aspect 229, further comprising before
and/or after
step e) the step of leaching to remove coagulant.
[00497] Aspect 234: The method of aspect 229, wherein the coagulant
comprises
calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, acetic acid, or a combination thereof
[00498] Aspect 235: The method of aspect 229, wherein the alkali
stabilizing agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00499] Aspect 236: The method of aspect 229, wherein the alkali stabilizer
comprises an alkali hydroxide.
74
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00500] Aspect 237: The method of aspect 229, wherein the composition
further
comprises a metal oxide crosslinking agent and wherein the metal oxide
crosslinking agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 10.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00501] Aspect 238: The method of aspect 237, wherein the metal oxide
crosslinking
agent comprises zinc oxide or magnesium oxide.
[00502] Aspect 239: The method of aspect 229, wherein the composition
further
comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a heat
sensitizer,
surfactant, vulcanizing agent, inorganic filler, antioxidant, pigment, and
odorant, or a
combination thereof
[00503] Aspect 240: The method of aspect 229, wherein the composition
comprises
an inorganic filler present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0
parts per 100 dry
parts of the halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00504] Aspect 241: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradation
agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00505] Aspect 242: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a carboxylic acid compound.
[00506] Aspect 243: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a chemo attractant compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a
carboxylic acid
compound with chain length from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00507] Aspect 244: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a microbe capable of digesting the acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber.
[00508] Aspect 245: The method of aspect 229, wherein said polymer
comprised in
the biodegradation agent is selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl
benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6,
polycarbonate,
polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any
copolymers of
said polymers.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00509] Aspect 246: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00510] Aspect 247: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a carrier resin.
[00511] Aspect 248: The method of aspect 247, wherein said carrier resin is
selected
from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymers, maleic
anhydride, acrylic acid with polyolefins.
[00512] Aspect 249: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract microbes.
[00513] Aspect 250: The method of aspect 229, wherein the chemo taxis agent
comprises a sugar, a coumarin or a furanone.
[00514] Aspect 251: The method of aspect 229, wherein the curing step e)
provides a
vulcanized elastomeric glove material.
[00515] Aspect 252: The method of aspect 229, wherein composition further
comprises a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and a compound including a
divalent or
trivalent metal, wherein the carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a
level of carboxyl
groups sufficient to crosslink with the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
[00516] Aspect 253: The method of aspect 252, wherein the carboxylic acid
is
ethylene acrylic acid.
[00517] Aspect 254: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-
glycolic acid),
polypolypropylene carbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan,
gluten, and
one or more aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as polybutylene succinate,
polybutylene
succinate-adipate, polybutylene succinate-sebacate, or polybutylene
terephthalate-coadipate,
or a mixture thereof
[00518] Aspect 255: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises polybutylene succinate.
76
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00519] Aspect 256: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material is biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
[00520] Aspect 257: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material is biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.
[00521] Aspect 258: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days at least 200%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after 30
days.
[00522] Aspect 259: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days at least 300%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after 65
days.
[00523] Aspect 260: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days at least 500%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after
120 days.
[00524] Aspect 261: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days at least 700%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after
160 days.
[00525] Aspect 262: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days of at least at
least about 3%
77
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00526] Aspect 263: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days of at least at
least about 4%.
[00527] Aspect 264: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days of at least at
least about
10%.
[00528] Aspect 265: The method of aspect 229, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days of at least at
least about
15%.
[00529] Aspect 266: A method for producing a biodegradable elastomeric
glove,
comprising:
a. providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape and being at
least partially lined with a support material;
b. contacting at least a portion of the support material of step a)
with a
composition comprising
i. halogen containing elastomeric polymer comprising polychloroprene;
and
ii. a biodegradation agent,
to provide a first coating of the composition on the support material;
c. allowing the first coating to at least partially set; and
d. repeating steps b) and c) in sequence "n" times; wherein "n" is an integer
equal to or greater than 1 to provide a supported elastomeric glove material
that exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference
elastomeric glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00530] Aspect 267: The method of aspect 266, further comprising at least
partially
coating a coagulant on the first coating.
78
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00531] Aspect 268: The method of aspect 266, wherein the halogen
containing
elastomeric polymer is polychloroprene.
[00532] Aspect 269: The method of aspect 266, further comprising after step
d) curing
the coating.
[00533] Aspect 270: The method of aspect 269, further comprising removing
the
supported elastomeric glove material from the glove former.
[00534] Aspect 271: The method of aspect 266, wherein the composition
comprises a
metal oxide crosslinking agent and wherein the metal oxide crosslinking agent
is present in
an amount of from greater than 0 to about 10.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the
halogen
containing elastomeric polymer.
[00535] Aspect 272: The method of aspect 271, wherein the metal oxide
crosslinking
agent comprises zinc oxide or magnesium oxide.
[00536] Aspect 273: The method of aspect 266, wherein the composition
further
comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a heat
sensitizer,
surfactant, vulcanizing agent, inorganic filler, antioxidant, pigment, and
odorant.
[00537] Aspect 274: The method of aspect 266, wherein the composition
comprises
an inorganic filler present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0
parts per 100 dry
parts of the halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00538] Aspect 275: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradation
agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing elastomeric polymer.
[00539] Aspect 276: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a carboxylic acid compound.
[00540] Aspect 277: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a chemo attractant compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a
carboxylic acid
compound with chain length from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
79
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00541] Aspect 278: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a microbe capable of digesting the halogen containing
elastomeric
polymer.
[00542] Aspect 279: The method of aspect 266, wherein said polymer
comprised in
the biodegradation agent is selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl
benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6,
polycarbonate,
polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any
copolymers of
said polymers.
[00543] Aspect 280: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00544] Aspect 281: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a carrier resin.
[00545] Aspect 282: The method of aspect 281, wherein said carrier resin is
selected
from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymers, maleic
anhydride, acrylic acid with polyolefins.
[00546] Aspect 283: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract microbes.
[00547] Aspect 284: The method of aspect 266, wherein the chemo taxis agent
comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00548] Aspect 285: The method of aspect 266, wherein composition further
comprises a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and a compound including a
divalent or
trivalent metal, wherein the carboxylic acid or derivative thereof provides a
level of carboxyl
groups sufficient to crosslink with the halogen containing elastomeric
polymer.
[00549] Aspect 286: The method of aspect 285, wherein the carboxylic acid
is
ethylene acrylic acid.
[00550] Aspect 287: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-
glycolic acid),
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
polypolypropylene carbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan,
gluten, and
one or more aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as polybutylene succinate,
polybutylene
succinate-adipate, polybutylene succinate-sebacate, or polybutylene
terephthalate-coadipate,
or a mixture thereof
[00551] Aspect 288: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises polybutylene succinate.
[00552] Aspect 289: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material is biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
[00553] Aspect 290: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material is biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.
[00554] Aspect 291: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days at least 200%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after 30
days.
[00555] Aspect 292: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days at least 300%
greater than the
percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after 65
days.
[00556] Aspect 293: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days at least 500%
greater than
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after
120 days.
[00557] Aspect 294: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days at least 700%
greater than
81
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference elastomeric glove
material after
160 days.
[00558] Aspect 295: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days of at least at
least about 3%
[00559] Aspect 296: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days of at least at
least about 4%.
[00560] Aspect 297: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days of at least at
least about
10%.
[00561] Aspect 298: The method of aspect 266, wherein the biodegradable
elastomeric glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an ASTM
D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days of at least at
least about
15%.
[00562] Aspect 299: The method of aspect 266, wherein the support material
is
selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled
polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber; fiberglass,
meta and para-
aramids (Kevlart, Twarone, Nomext), or ultra-high-molecular-weight-
polyethylene; or a
combination thereof
[00563] Aspect 300: A biodegradable thermoplastic material, formed from a
composition comprising:
a) a halogen containing thermoplastic polymer comprising polyvinyl
chloride;
b) a biodegradation agent; and
c) a plasticizer,
wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material exhibits a biodegradation
rate as
measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than that
of a
substantially identical reference thermoplastic material in the absence of the
82
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
biodegradation agent.
[00564] Aspect 301: The biodegradable thermoplastic material of aspect 300,
wherein
the halogen containing polymer is polyvinyl chloride.
[00565] Aspect 302: The biodegradable thermoplastic material of aspect 300,
wherein
the plasticizer comprises to Di-isononyl Phthalate, 1-[2-(benzoyloxy)propoxy]
propan-2-y1
benzoate, or epoxidized soybean oil, or a combination thereof
[00566] Aspect 303: The biodegradable thermoplastic material of aspect 300,
wherein
the plasticizer is present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 160.0
parts per 100 dry
parts of the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer.
[00567] Aspect 304: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 305, wherein the composition further comprises at least one
additive
selected from the group consisting of an inorganic filler, and pigment.
[00568] Aspect 305: The biodegradable thermoplastic material of aspect 304,
wherein
the composition comprises an inorganic filler present in an amount of from
greater than 0 to
about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing thermoplastic
polymer.
[00569] Aspect 306: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 305, wherein the biodegradation agent is present in an
amount of from
greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing
thermoplastic
polymer.
[00570] Aspect 307: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 306, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a carboxylic
acid
compound.
[00571] Aspect 308: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 307, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a chemo
attractant
compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with
chain length
from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
83
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00572] Aspect 309: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
aspect
308, wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a microbe capable of
digesting the
halogen containing thermoplastic polymer.
[00573] Aspect 310: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
aspect
308, wherein said polymer comprised in the biodegradation agent is selected
from the group
consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride,
methacrylate,
nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber,
and any copolymers of said polymers.
[00574] Aspect 311: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
aspect
308, wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a compatibilizing
additive.
[00575] Aspect 312: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
aspect
308, wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a carrier resin.
[00576] Aspect 313: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
aspect
308, wherein said carrier resin is selected from the group consisting of:
polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid with
polyolefins.
[00577] Aspect 314: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
aspect
308, wherein biodegradation agent further comprises a chemotaxis agent to
attract microbes.
[00578] Aspect 315: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
aspect
308, wherein the chemo taxis agent comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a
furanone.
[00579] Aspect 316: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
308,
wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising
polylactic
acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polypolypropylene carbonate,
polycaprolactone,
polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan, gluten, and one or more aliphatic/aromatic
polyesters such
as polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate-adipate, polybutylene
succinate-sebacate,
or polybutylene terephthalate-coadipate, or a mixture thereof
[00580] Aspect 317: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
308,
wherein the biodegradation agent comprises polybutylene succinate.
84
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00581] Aspect 318: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material is
biodegradable
under aerobic conditions.
[00582] Aspect 319: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material is
biodegradable
under anaerobic conditions.
[00583] Aspect 320: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 30 days at least 200% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference thermoplastic material after 30 days.
[00584] Aspect 321: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days at least 300% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference thermoplastic material after 65 days.
[00585] Aspect 322: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 120 days at least 500% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference thermoplastic material after 120 days.
[00586] Aspect 323: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days at least 700% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference thermoplastic material after 160 days.
[00587] Aspect 324: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 30 days of at least at least about 3%
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00588] Aspect 325: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days of at least at least about 4%.
[00589] Aspect 326: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 120 days of at least at least about 10%.
[00590] Aspect 327: The biodegradable thermoplastic material according to
any one
of aspects 300 to 317, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days of at least at least about 15%.
[00591] Aspect 328: A method for producing a biodegradable thermoplastic
glove,
comprising:
a. providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape;
b. coating the glove former having the dried at least partial coagulant
coating on
the surface thereof with a composition comprising
i. a halogen containing thermoplastic polymer comprising polyvinyl
chloride, and
ii. a biodegradation agent,
c. curing the coating of step b) to provide an thermoplastic glove
material that
exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference
thermoplastic glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00592] Aspect 329: The method of aspect 328, the method can further
comprise
before step c) beading a portion of the coating.
[00593] Aspect 330: The method of aspect 328, the method can further
comprise
removing the thermoplastic glove material from the glove former.
86
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00594] Aspect 331: The method of aspect 328, wherein the halogen
containing
thermoplastic polymer is polyvinyl chloride.
[00595] Aspect 332: The method of aspect 328, wherein the composition
further
comprises a plasticizer.
[00596] Aspect 333: The method of aspect 328, wherein the composition
further
comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a
inorganic filler,
antioxidant, pigment, and odorant, or a combination thereof
[00597] Aspect 334: The method of aspect 328, wherein the composition
comprises
an inorganic filler present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0
parts per 100 dry
parts of the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer.
[00598] Aspect 335: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradation
agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing thermoplastic polymer.
[00599] Aspect 336: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a carboxylic acid compound.
[00600] Aspect 337: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a chemo attractant compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a
carboxylic acid
compound with chain length from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00601] Aspect 338: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a microbe capable of digesting the acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber.
[00602] Aspect 339: The method of aspect 328, wherein said polymer
comprised in
the biodegradation agent is selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl
benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6,
polycarbonate,
polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any
copolymers of
said polymers.
[00603] Aspect 340: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
87
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00604] Aspect 341: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a carrier resin.
[00605] Aspect 342: The method of aspect 341, wherein said carrier resin is
selected
from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymers, maleic
anhydride, acrylic acid with polyolefins.
[00606] Aspect 343: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract microbes.
[00607] Aspect 344: The method of aspect 328, wherein the chemo taxis agent
comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00608] Aspect 345: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-
glycolic acid),
polypolypropylene carbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan,
gluten, and
one or more aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as polybutylene succinate,
polybutylene
succinate-adipate, polybutylene succinate-sebacate, or polybutylene
terephthalate-coadipate,
or a mixture thereof
[00609] Aspect 346: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises polybutylene succinate.
[00610] Aspect 347: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material is biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
[00611] Aspect 348: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material is biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.
[00612] Aspect 349: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days at least
200% greater
than the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference thermoplastic
glove material
after 30 days.
[00613] Aspect 350: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
88
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days at least
300% greater
than the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference thermoplastic
glove material
after 65 days.
[00614] Aspect 351: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days at least
500% greater
than the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference thermoplastic
glove material
after 120 days.
[00615] Aspect 352: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days at least
700% greater
than the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference thermoplastic
glove material
after 160 days.
[00616] Aspect 353: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days of at least
at least
about 3%
[00617] Aspect 354: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days of at least
at least
about 4%.
[00618] Aspect 355: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days of at
least at least
about 10%.
[00619] Aspect 356: The method of aspect 328, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days of at
least at least
about 15%.
89
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00620] Aspect 357: A method for producing a biodegradable thermoplastic
glove,
comprising:
a. providing a glove former having a predetermined size and shape and being at
least partially lined with a support material;
b. contacting at least a portion of the support material of step a)
with a
composition comprising
i. halogen containing thermoplastic polymer comprising polyvinyl
chloride;
ii. a plasticizer; and
iii. a biodegradation agent,
to provide a first coating of the composition on the support material;
c. allowing the first coating to at least partially set; and
d. repeating steps b) and c) in sequence "n" times; wherein "n" is an integer
equal to or greater than 1 to provide a supported thermoplastic glove material
that exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511
testing standard that is greater than that of a substantially identical
reference
thermoplastic glove material in the absence of the biodegradation agent.
[00621] Aspect 358: The method of aspect 357, wherein the composition
further
comprises a plasticizer.
[00622] Aspect 359: The method of aspect 357, wherein the halogen
containing
thermoplastic polymer is polyvinyl chloride.
[00623] Aspect 360: The method of aspect 357, further comprising after step
d) curing
the coating.
[00624] Aspect 361: The method of aspect 357, further comprising removing
the
supported thermoplastic glove material from the glove former.
[00625] Aspect 362: The method of aspect 357, wherein the composition
further
comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an
inorganic filler, and
pigment.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00626] Aspect 363: The method of aspect 357, wherein the composition
comprises
an inorganic filler present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 20.0
parts per 100 dry
parts of the halogen containing thermoplastic polymer.
[00627] Aspect 364: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradation
agent is
present in an amount of from greater than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry
parts of the
halogen containing thermoplastic polymer.
[00628] Aspect 365: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a carboxylic acid compound.
[00629] Aspect 366: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a chemo attractant compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a
carboxylic acid
compound with chain length from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
[00630] Aspect 367: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a microbe capable of digesting the halogen containing
thermoplastic
polymer.
[00631] Aspect 368: The method of aspect 357, wherein said polymer
comprised in
the biodegradation agent is selected from the group consisting of: polydivinyl
benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate, nylon 6,
polycarbonate,
polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene based rubber, and any
copolymers of
said polymers.
[00632] Aspect 369: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00633] Aspect 370: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a carrier resin.
[00634] Aspect 371: The method of aspect 370, wherein said carrier resin is
selected
from the group consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymers, maleic
anhydride, acrylic acid with polyolefins.
91
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00635] Aspect 372: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradation
agent
further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract microbes.
[00636] Aspect 373: The method of aspect 357, wherein the chemotaxis agent
comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00637] Aspect 374: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-
glycolic acid),
polypolypropylene carbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan,
gluten, and
one or more aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as polybutylene succinate,
polybutylene
succinate-adipate, polybutylene succinate-sebacate, or polybutylene
terephthalate-coadipate,
or a mixture thereof
[00638] Aspect 375: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises polybutylene succinate.
[00639] Aspect 376: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material is biodegradable under aerobic conditions.
[00640] Aspect 377: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material is biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.
[00641] Aspect 378: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days at least
200% greater
than the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference thermoplastic
glove material
after 30 days.
[00642] Aspect 379: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days at least
300% greater
than the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference thermoplastic
glove material
after 65 days.
[00643] Aspect 380: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days at least
500% greater
92
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
than the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference thermoplastic
glove material
after 120 days.
[00644] Aspect 381: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days at least
700% greater
than the percent biodegradation of the corresponding reference thermoplastic
glove material
after 160 days.
[00645] Aspect 382: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 30 days of at least
at least
about 3%
[00646] Aspect 383: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 65 days of at least
at least
about 4%.
[00647] Aspect 384: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 120 days of at
least at least
about 10%.
[00648] Aspect 385: The method of aspect 357, wherein the biodegradable
thermoplastic glove material exhibits a biodegradation rate as measured
according to an
ASTM D5511 characterized by a percent biodegradation after 160 days of at
least at least
about 15%.
[00649] Aspect 386: The method of aspect 357, wherein the support material
is
selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, polyester, recycled
polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), acrylic, lycra, bamboo, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass,
meta and para-
aramids (Kevlarg, Twarone, Nomexg), or ultra.-high-molecular-weight-
polyethylene, or a
combination thereof.
93
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00650] Aspect 387: A biodegradable thermoplastic glove, comprising a
biodegradable thermoplastic glove material formed from a composition
comprising:
a) a halogen containing thermoplastic polymer comprising polyvinyl
chloride;
and
b) a biodegradation agent,
wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material exhibits a
biodegradation rate
as measured according to an ASTM D5511 testing standard that is greater than
that of
a substantially identical reference thermoplastic glove material in the
absence of the
biodegradation agent.
[00651] Aspect 388: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove of aspect 387,
wherein
the composition further comprises a plasticizer.
[00652] Aspect 389: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove of aspect 387,
wherein
the halogen containing polymer is polyvinyl chloride.
[00653] Aspect 390: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 389, wherein the composition further comprises at least one
additive selected
from the group consisting of a inorganic filler, and pigment.
[00654] Aspect 391: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove of aspect 390,
wherein
the composition comprises an inorganic filler present in an amount of from
greater than 0 to
about 20.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing thermoplastic
polymer.
[00655] Aspect 392: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 391, wherein the biodegradation agent is present in an amount
of from greater
than 0 to about 2.0 parts per 100 dry parts of the halogen containing
thermoplastic polymer.
[00656] Aspect 393: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 392, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a carboxylic
acid compound.
[00657] Aspect 394: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 393, wherein the biodegradation agent comprises a chemo
attractant
compound; a glutaric acid or its derivative; a carboxylic acid compound with
chain length
from 5-18 carbons; a polymer; and a swelling agent.
94
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00658] Aspect 395: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to
aspect 394,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a microbe capable of
digesting the
halogen containing thermoplastic polymer.
[00659] Aspect 396: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to
aspect 394,
wherein said polymer comprised in the biodegradation agent is selected from
the group
consisting of: polydivinyl benzene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyterephthalate, polyesters, polyvinyl chloride,
methacrylate,
nylon 6, polycarbonate, polyamide, polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene
based rubber,
and any copolymers of said polymers.
[00660] Aspect 397: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to
aspect 394,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a compatibilizing additive.
[00661] Aspect 398: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to
aspect 394,
wherein the biodegradation agent further comprises a carrier resin.
[00662] Aspect 399: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to
aspect 394,
wherein said carrier resin is selected from the group consisting of:
polydivinyl benzene,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid with
polyolefins.
[00663] Aspect 400: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to
aspect 394,
wherein biodegradation agent further comprises a chemotaxis agent to attract
microbes.
[00664] Aspect 401: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to
aspect 394,
wherein the chemotaxis agent comprises a sugar, a coumarin, or a furanone.
[00665] Aspect 402: The method of aspect 394, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises a biodegradable polymer comprising polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-
glycolic acid),
polypolypropylene carbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan,
gluten, and
one or more aliphatic/aromatic polyesters such as polybutylene succinate,
polybutylene
succinate-adipate, polybutylene succinate-sebacate, or polybutylene
terephthalate-coadipate,
or a mixture thereof
[00666] Aspect 403: The method of aspect 394, wherein the biodegradation
agent
comprises polybutylene succinate.
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00667] Aspect 404: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material is
biodegradable
under aerobic conditions.
[00668] Aspect 405: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material is
biodegradable
under anaerobic conditions.
[00669] Aspect 406: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 30 days at least 200% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference thermoplastic glove material after 30 days.
[00670] Aspect 407: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days at least 300% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference thermoplastic glove material after 65 days.
[00671] Aspect 408: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 120 days at least 500% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference thermoplastic glove material after 120 days.
[00672] Aspect 409: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days at least 700% greater than the percent
biodegradation of the
corresponding reference thermoplastic glove material after 160 days.
[00673] Aspect 410: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 30 days of at least at least about 3%
96
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
[00674] Aspect 411: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 65 days of at least at least about 4%.
[00675] Aspect 412: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 120 days of at least at least about 10%.
[00676] Aspect 413: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 403, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove material
exhibits a
biodegradation rate as measured according to an ASTM D5511 characterized by a
percent
biodegradation after 160 days of at least at least about 15%.
[00677] Aspect 414: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 413, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove is
unsupported.
[00678] Aspect 415: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to any
one of
aspects 387 to 413, wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove is
supported.
[00679] Aspect 416: The biodegradable thermoplastic glove according to
aspect 415,
wherein the biodegradable thermoplastic glove is supported by a material
comprising cotton,
nylon, polyester, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylic, lyera,
bamboo, steel,
carbon fiber, fiberglass, meta and para-aramids (Kevlarg, Twarong, Nomex0), or
ultra-
high-molecular-weight-polyethylene, or a combination thereof.
C. EXAMPLES
[00680] The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of
ordinary skill in the art
with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, compositions,
articles,
devices and/or methods claimed herein are made and evaluated, and are intended
to be purely
exemplary of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the
inventors
regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with
respect to numbers
(e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be
accounted for.
97
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in C or
is at ambient
temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.
EXAMPLE 1 ¨ COMPOSITIONS, MATERIALS AND GLOVES
NITRILE EXAMINATION GLOVE
[00681] An exemplary glove produced by the methods described herein can
comprise the
composition as described in Table 1
TABLE 1
Chemical Function Dry Parts
Carboxylated Acrylonitrile
Butadiene latex Polymer 100
Polyether modified polysiloxane Heat sensitizer 0.23
Potassium Hydroxide Alkali stabilizer 1.39
Zinc Oxide Cross-linker 1.4
Ethylene Acrylic Acid Crosslinker 0.5
Carnauba/Paraffin wax emulsion Release aid 2.45
Carbon black Black Pigment 2.3
Cherry Flavoring Reodorant 0.003
Benzoisothiazolinone Biocide 0.02
SR5300 by ENSO Plastics Biodegradation agent 1.13
[00682] For example, a glove made from the compositions described herein can
be made by
following the order of the steps is Table 2
TABLE 2
Clean formers using chemical or physical means (eg dilute acid, alkali and/or
bleach)
Formers heated (either by process residual heat or preheat)
Dip into calcium nitrate or calcium chloride coagulant
Dry coagulant
Dip into the compositions described herein (for example, the composition of
Table 1)
Leach to remove residual coagulant and surfactant
Bead gloves mechanically (roll down upper cuff)
Optional coating in donnability coating or slip coat
Dry and cure
Optional coating in powder wash or chlorinate gloves in lieu of donnability
coating
Strip and pack (optional post production wash and dry and/or chlorination)
98
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
EXAMPLE 2 - BIODEGRADATION
[00683] The biodegradation of the biodegradable gloves described in Example 1
was
measured after various time intervals. Table 3 shows the degradation data
after 30 days of
degradation process. Figure lA and 1B show a plot of the degradation data
which shows that
materials and gloves with the degradation agent degrade faster than a material
or glove
without the degradation agent.
TABLE 3
241A- 242A -
Untreated Treated
Inculum Negative Positive Gloves Gloves
Cumulative Gas Volume (mL) 2134.7 1798.5 9843.8 2745.5
3725.0
Percent CH4 (%) 40.8 45.9 39.8 29.6 24.2
Volume CH4 (mL) 871.8 825.2 3913.8 811.9 901.2
Mass CH4 (g) 0.62 0.59 2.80 0.58 0.64
Percent CO2 (%) 43.5 38.7 42.1 48.9 46.6
Volume CO2 (mL) 928.6 695.9 4143.8 1342.6
1737.2
Mass CO2 (g) 1.82 1.37 8.14 2.64 3.41
Sample Mass (g) 1,000 10 10 20.0 20.0
Theoretical Sample Mass (g) 0.0 8.6 4.4 17.1 17.1
Biodegraded Mass (g) 0.96 0.81 4.32 1.15 1.41
Percent Biodegraded (%) -1.7 75.8 1.1 2.6
Adjusted Percent Biodegraded -2.3 100.0 1.5 3.5
(%)
[00684] Table 4 shows the degradation data after 65 days of degradation
process. Figure 2A
and 2B show a plot of the degradation data which shows that materials and
gloves with the
degradation agent degrade faster than a material or glove without the
degradation agent.
TABLE 4
241A- 242A -
Untreated Treated
Inculum Negative Positive Gloves Gloves
Cumulative Gas Volume
(mL) 2761.0 2480.2 10604.2 3035.5 5199.6
99
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
Percent CH4 (%) 46.7 49.7 44.0 34.5 33.3
Volume CH4 (mL) 1290.1 1232.8 4661.8 1047.8 1730.6
Mass CH4 (g) 0.92 0.88 3.33 0.75 1.24
Percent CO2 (%) 40.6 37.7 39.9 48.6 43.0
Volume CO2 (mL) 1121.9 934.6 4229.4 1474.8 2235.4
Mass CO2 (g) 2.20 1.84 8.31 2.90 4.39
Sample Mass (g) 1,000 10 10 20.0 20.0
Theoretical Sample Mass (g) 0.0 8.6 4.4 17.1 17.1
Biodegraded Mass (g) 1.29 1.16 4.76 1.35 2.12
Percent Biodegraded (%) -1.5 78.5 0.3 4.9
[00685] Table 5 shows the degradation data after 120 days of degradation
process. Figure 3A
and 3B show a plot of the degradation data which shows that materials and
gloves with the
degradation agent degrade faster than a material or glove without the
degradation agent.
TABLE 5
241A- 242A -
Untreated Treated
Inculum Negative Positive Gloves Gloves
Cumulative Gas Volume (mL) 3413.4 3220.6 12108.1 4396.7
8060.8
Percent CH4 (%) 48.0 50.8 45.1 38.4 40.9
Volume CH4 (mL) 1638.9 1636.3 5461.2 1687.7
3293.2
Mass CH4 (g) 1.17 1.17 3.90 1.21 2.35
Percent CO2 (%) 38.9 36.3 38.8 43.1 39.1
Volume CO2 (mL) 1329.1 1168.6 4697.5 1895.0
3152.4
Mass CO2 (g) 2.61 2.30 9.23 3.72 6.19
Sample Mass (g) 1,000 10 10 20.0 20.0
Theoretical Sample Mass (g) 0.0 8.6 4.4 17.1 17.1
Biodegraded Mass (g) 1.59 1.50 5.44 1.92 3.45
Percent Biodegraded (%) -1.0 87.2 1.9 10.9
* Adjusted Percent Biodegraded
(%) -1.2 100.0 2.2 12.5
[00686] Table 6 shows the degradation data after 160 days of degradation
process. Figure 4A
and 4B show a plot of the degradation data which shows that materials and
gloves with the
degradation agent degrade faster than a material or glove without the
degradation agent.
TABLE 6
241A- 242A -
Untreated Treated
Inculum Negative Positive Gloves Gloves
100
CA 02882754 2015-02-20
WO 2014/036279
PCT/US2013/057316
Cumulative Gas Volume (mL) 3899.3 3487.4 12634.1 4966.6
10298.8
Percent CH4 (%) 49.8 52.6 46.3 41.2 45.5
Volume CH4 (mL) 1941.8 1835.9 5853.9 2047.2
4690.5
Mass CH4 (g) 1.39 1.31 4.18 1.46 3.35
Percent CO2 (%) 38.8 36.9 39.1 42.9 38.4
Volume CO2 (mL) 1512.9 1285.8 4936.9 2132.9
3954.0
Mass CO2 (g) 2.97 2.53 9.70 4.19 7.77
Sample Mass (g) 1,000 10 10 20.0 20.0
Theoretical Sample Mass (g) 0.0 8.6 4.4 17.1 17.1
Biodegraded Mass (g) 1.85 1.67 5.78 2.24 4.63
Percent Biodegraded (%) -2.1 88.9 2.3 16.2
* Adjusted Percent Biodegraded -2.3 100.0 2.6 18.2
(%)
101
