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Abstract

Environmentally biodegradable compositions of poly(lactic acid) plasticized with lactic acid, D-lactide, L-lactide, meso D,L-lactide, racemic D,L-lactide, oligomers of lactic acid, oligomers of lactide, derivatives of oligomers of lactic acid, or various mixtures thereof; the compositions are suitable replacements of thermoplastic polymer compositions; the compositions are useful for pliable films and other packaging applications conventionally served by polyethylene and other nondegradable thermoplastics; homopolymers or copolymers of D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid, D-lactide, L-lactide, meso D,L-lactide, and/or racemic D,L-lactide having properties similar to other known polymers may be prepared by varying the ratios of monomer and polymerization conditions, the amount and type of plasticizer in the polymer and process conditions; additives and subsequent treatment are also used to modify properties.

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First Claim