WO1992010246A1

WO1992010246A1 - Moldable composition of matter

Info

Publication number: WO1992010246A1
Application number: PCT/US1991/009272
Authority: WO
Inventors: Casey V. Golden; Ronald L. Turner; John A. Elverum; Ray L. Hauser
Original assignee: Bio Dynamics, Ltd.
Priority date: 1990-12-10
Filing date: 1991-12-10
Publication date: 1992-06-25
Also published as: AU9156391A

Abstract

A composition of matter comprising at least 2 % by weight of a fibrous material and at least 30 % by weight of a binding material such that the composition can be melt-molded into articles which have mechanical strength sufficient for their intended uses and which are biodegradable. The binding material is formed of natural substance and may also include up to 30 % by weight synthetic, water-soluble polymer. The fibrous material may be cellulose and/or mineral fibers which provide the attributes of reinforcement and degradability. The composition may further include up to 20 % by weight liquid or solid plasticizer which serves to lower melt viscosity and add toughness to the composite material.

Description

MOLDABLE COMPOSITION OF MATTER

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to melt-moldable compositions of matter and, more particularly, to such compositions which can be shaped into useful articles which have sufficient strength in a dry environment and which rapidly disintegrate and degrade in a wet environment.

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Serial No. 07/624,849, filed December 10, 1990.

Background of the Invention

Many different plastic and composite materials have been used for molding useful articles. Most commercial plastics are intentionally insoluble in water and slow to biodegrade. Water-soluble plastics have been used for many years in special applications. Some natural water-soluble gums such as gum arabic, xanthan and tragacanth gums have been used in food products to give a soft consistency. Some synthetic water-soluble polymers have been used as binders and as films. Polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide and alkyl celluloses are examples of such materials. These polymers may be fully water-soluble, but they are slow to dissolve.

Fibrous materials with a high ratio of length to diameter have been used for reinforcing composites, and the fibers are most effective if they are strong in the long direction. Mineral fibers, such as glass and asbestos, have been used for many composites, but they are not biodegradable. Natural cellulose fibers, such, as fibers from wood, cotton, sisal, and linen, provide the attributes of reinforcement and degradability. Viscose rayon is a synthesized cellulose fiber that provides these same attributes. Cellulose is known to be a biodegradable material, weakened but not dissolved by water, decomposed by ultraviolet light and attacked by microorganisms in the air and soil. Cellulosic fibers are particularly susceptible to such degradation by virtue of a large surface area per volume.

Golf tees are conventionally made of wood or a moldable plastic. Tees made of such materials must be removed from the driving tee areas of golf courses, where they are often allowed to lie after the golfer has completed a drive. Tees of wood and plastic, when broken during the drive, are unsightly, are a hazard during mowing when struck by a mower blade and can damage the blades.

The tees, being effectively water insoluble, must be physically picked up. Other products which are conventionally made of wood such as golf pencils and tongue depressors also present some disposal problems and thus requiring relatively short life-spans in the presence of moisture.

Efforts have been made to develop golf tees which are water soluble or degradable, and in some instances, are also beneficial to the turf. Such tees have been made of water-degradable and biodegradable materials, and often incorporate grass seed and fertilizers. A number of patents disclose such tees. U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,438, issued November 21, 1978, to J. Bruno et al., discloses a disintegradable golf tee comprised of clay, grass seed and a soil conditioner, such as a fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, or larvacide. Humus may be added to the composition as an optional ingredient. The tee thus produced can be shattered upon impact with a club head or it can be impressed into the ground. In either event, it decomposes upon contact with moisture to impart beneficial properties to the grass and soil.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,541, issued March 29, 1977, to A. Desmarais, discloses a golf tee composed of a water-soluble thermoplastic material having a fertilizer dispersed therein. The golf tee is produced by injection molding.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,479 issued May 20, 1975 to A. Gordos, discloses a golf tee which will shatter or disintegrat when struck by the driver employed by the player. The golf tee has a ball support section formed of a plastic material and a shank formed from grass seed and a water solubl binder. The shank is provided with a centrally locate elongated rigid reinforcing member. U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,508, issued March 20, 1990, to P. Franshan et al., discloses a golf tee made from peat moss admixed with water soluble lignosulphonate binder in an amoun sufficient to bond the peat moss together in a coherent an rigid body by cold or hot pressure forming.

The principal object of the present invention is t provide a melt-moldable composition of matter which can b shaped into useful articles which are biodegradable. Mor specifically, it is an object of the invention to provid a composition which gives an article molded thereof mechanical strength and rigidity sufficient for it intended use and allows said article to disintegrate an decompose after it is broken.

Another object of the present invention is to provid a composition of the foregoing character which gives a article molded thereof the look and feel of conventiona wooden or plastic products. A further object of th invention is to provide an article of the foregoin character which is also competitive in strength an economics with conventional wooden and plastic products.

Still a further object of the present invention is t provide a composition which comprises readily available non-polluting materials.

Other objects and advantages of the present inventio will become apparent as the following description proceeds

Summary of the Invention In accordance with the foregoing objects, the presen invention comprises a melt-moldable composition whic disintegrates in the presence of moisture and decomposes o degrades to produce components which are inert o beneficial to the ground. The composition embodying th present invention involves a binder which can be melted i the temperature range 120°C to 175°C, and fibers o cellulosic or mineral materials. The binder is preferabl formed of a natural substance selected from the grou consisting of sugar (e.g. , sucrose, dextrose or fructose) polydextrose; maltose; mannitol; gelatin; gluten hydroxymethyl cellulose; gum arabic; and starch. Water soluble, synthetic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol or a hydroxyalky celliilose may be used together with natural binders Chemical additives such as cross-linked sodiu carboxymethyl cellulose, cross-linked poly-viny pyrrolidone or sodium starch glycolate may also be include in the composition to accelerate the disintegration whe the products molded of such a composition become wet. Th moldable composition generally comprises 30 to 98% b weight binder and 2 to 50% by weight fiber. The binder ma also include up to 30% by weight synthetic, water-solubl polymer. The composition may include up to 20% by weigh liquid or solid plasticizer and up to 2% by weight cross linked additive. The components are mixed and molded into useful ^• articles which require moderate to high dry mechanical strengths coupled with short life-spans in the presence of moisture. The compositions have sufficient structural rigidity for their intended use at normal ambient temperatures below about 50°C. These articles include golf tees, golf pencils, fertilizer spikes, slow release soil treatment spikes for, e.g., fungicides, tongue depressors, sporting clays (clay pigeons) , shotgun shell wads, and the like, and may be coated with a lacquer or similar material to impart a desired surface feel and to prevent premature degradation. Thus, an article which is formed of the disclosed composition has sufficient strength and rigidity for its intended use and yet, after being used and broken, biodegrades in the presence of moisture.

Biodegradation includes loss of structural integrity and decomposition of most of the components of the mixture by biological, geochemical or photochemical means, in soils, landfills or other outdoor, natural environments.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The composition embodying the present invention comprises meltable, water-soluble binders and biodegradable reinforcing fibers. The preferred binders which can be melted in the temperature range of 120°C to 175°C include: sugar (e.g., sucrose, dextrose or fructose); polydextrose; maltose; mannitol; gelatin; gluten; hydroxymethyl cellulose; gum arabic; and starch. The binder phase may include water-soluble synthetic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol or a hydroxyalkyl cellulose. The preferred fibers include cellulosic materials from wood pulp, cotton, linen, viscose rayon- and sisal materials. Peat moss, a partially decomposed wood pulp, is also a suitable reinforcing fiber. Inorganic fibers, such as wollastonite and glass fiber can also be employed. Compositions of the present invention include from 30 to 98% by weight binder, preferably 58 to 87% by weight binder, and from 2 to 70% by weight fiber, preferably 11 to 42% by weight fiber. The compositions can include 0 to 30% by weight synthetic water-soluble polymer, preferably 1 to

12.1% by weight, as a component of the binder. The compositions can also contain 0 to 20% by weight liquid or solid plasticizer, preferably 6 to 9% by weight.

The fibers and binders are mixed together using a water solution. Alternatively, they can be pre-mixed without water, then further mixed when the binder is melted. Intimate mixing and uniform distribution of fibers is important to the efficiency of the composite system. If water is used to facilitate mixing, most of it must be cooked out of the system to provide a melt-moldable mixture.

Plasticizers of liquid or solid nature may be incorporated in the system. Propylene glycol is a useful material which serves to decrease melt viscosity and to add toughness to the composite material. Polyethylene-glycol and polypropylene glycol are useful for the same function. Polyethylene oxide and polyvinylpyrrolidone add some toughness to the product as a solid polymers.

Heating the mixture not only accomplishes melting and water removal, but also appears to induce chemical reactions that serve to strengthen the final product. Accordingly, the molten composition is held at the desired temperature for % hour to 2% hours, using longer times for larger batches to insure complete heat transfer throughout the batch. When the mixture is first blended in water, it can be heated in an oil bath to bring the mixture to a boil at about 100°C until the water is removed. The temperature then rises to the desired range of 120°C to 175°C, preferably 130°C to 175°C, and most preferably about 165°C. At temperatures above about 175°C, excessive carmelization, charring and decomposition occur. When the components are dry-mixed (mixed in absence of water) , the components can be melt-mixed in the desired temperature range. The latter process lends itself to continuous, rather than batch-wise, production, by first melt-mixing the components, then dispensing the molten mixture onto a continuous sheet passing through an oven at the desired temperature for the desired time. The molten product can be poured or injected into molds at once or allowed to cool and harden, broken into fragments or ground into particles as desired, then re-melted prior to being molded into the desired shape.

A chemical additive can also be included in the moldable composition to accelerate the disintegration of the product when it becomes wet. The preferred additives include cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cross- linked poly-vinyl pyrrolidone and sodium starch glycolate. Such an additive may be desirable in products used where biodegradation occurs in low humidity conditions, for example, arid soils.

In short, the composition of the present invention is capable of providing a wide range of applications which require moderate to high mechanical strengths coupled with relatively short life-spans in the presence of moisture.

The following examples illustrate the present invention. Example l

A mixture of peat moss, cooked applesauce and grass seed was prepared using approximately the ^' following formula: peat moss 75% by weight cooked applesauce 8% by weight lawn fertilizer 5% by weight grass seed 2% by weight biodegradable water/flour < 10% by weight

This mixture was hand-formed into the shape of a golf tee and dried in a microwave oven. The product was hard and strong, and useful as a golf tee.

Examples 2-10 The following compositions were prepared by mixing fibrous reinforcements in water solutions of the binders made of sugars, heating to dry the admixture, then injection molding into the shape of conventional golf tees. The elements of each composition are expressed in "parts by weight" as well as "percent by weight." Please note that water is excluded from the calculation of percent by weight of the elements.

Example 4 :

Component Parts bv Weight Percent bv Weight Sugar Solution B 100 70 Polymer A 8 6 Cotton Fiber 35 24 Water 30

Exam le 8

Sucrose 62 52

Sugar Solution B 13 10

Polymer A 8 7

Polymer C 2 2

Viscose Rayon Fiber 35 29

Water 80

Examples 11-25

Unless indicated otherwise, the following compositions were prepared by mixing fibrous reinforcements with binders melted in the temperature range of 130°C to 175°C then injection molding into the shape of conventional golf tees.

ar oxyme y e u ose

♦Metalaxyl is an agricultural fungicide.

The sugar solution, polymers and metalaxyl were melted and heated at 160°C for almost one hour. The wood pulp was blended into the molten syrup mixtures and the resulting mix was baked for about one hour at 150°C to 160°c

Prepared as described in Example 16.

All ingredients were mixed, then baked 1.25 hours a

165°C.

Prepared as described in Example 22

All ingredients were mixed, then baked 9 hours a

120°C.

Heated in hot oil bath at about 160°C for about 1 hour, then baked in oven 1.25 hours at 160°C.

Characteristics of the sugar solutions in these examples, and suitable commercial products are as set forth in Table I.

71 52 42 Biosweet 42, Coors

BioTec Products Compan

77 41 55 Biosweet 55, Coors

BioTech Products Compa

Characteristics of the polymers in these examples are as set forth in Table II.

TABLE II

Molecular Polymer Chemistry Weight Trade Name

A polyvinylpyrrolidone 40,000 PVP K-30, GAF

Corp.

B hydroxypropyl cellulose 95,000 Klucel LF,

AquaIon Co. C polyethylene oxide 600,000 Polyox WSR204,

Union Carbide Corporation

D polyvinyl alcohol 31,000-50,000 Vinol 107,Air

Products Co.

The fibrous reinforcements used in these examples have the characteristics set forth in Table III.

TABLE III

Trade Name

NYAD

Sisal 310, Int.'l Filler

Fibrolex 1392 Geo. Herma

D260 Cotton, Int.'l Fill

Rayon C-15 Vertipile Inc

recycled paper Ponderosa P

The melted binder and fiber mixtures were injection molded at melt temperatures ranging from 130 to 175°C into a mold shaped like a conventional wooden golf tee, having dimensions of 0.18 inch diameter through the shank, 2.25 inches long, and a 0.45 inch diameter head. Other configurations and dimensions may be utilized.

The molded golf tees were tested for flexural strength, compressive strength and impact strength. Flexural strength tests involved placing the shank on a span of one inch and loading the center of the span in the manner prescribed by ASTM D790-86, using a crosshead rate of 0.1 inch per minute. The maximum force was identified as flexural strength. Compressive strength was measured on some of the formulations, using a golf ball on top of a tee, with the tip constrained in an epoxy casting at the base. Maximum compressive force was measured in the manner of ASTM D695-89, using a crosshead rate of 0.1 inch per minute. The maximum force was identified as compressive strength. Impact strength was measured using an Izod impact testing machine as described in ASTM D256-88. The tee was tested without notching, with the head one inch above the vise of the testing machine. Energy was measured in inch-pounds.

Strength of the above examples are listed in Table IV:

The sugar solution of the formula representing Example 10 above was melted and 25 strands of rayon fiber, 300 denier, were pulled through the melted sugars. When the material had cooled, the impregnated and coated fibers were tested for compression and impact strength, with results as noted in Table IV.

Several of the strengths shown in Table VI compare favorably with natural wood tees having flexural strength in the range of 38 to 60 pounds, compressive strength in the range of 120 to 200 pounds, and impact strength in the range of 2.1 to 4.8 inch-pounds.

Nonetheless, formulas having relatively low flexural strengths such as those representing Examples 2, 3, 9, 19 and 20 can be used for molding products which require moderate strength including golf pencils, fertilizer spikes and tongue depressors. Of course, for applications such as golf pencils and tongue depressors, the composition must comprise elements selected from non-toxic binders and fibrous material.

Products molded of some of these formulas were placed in beakers of water and the time required for dissolving was measured. Results are shown in Table V:

Insecticides can be added to avoid attracting ants to products. The molded products can be coated with lacquer or other moisture resistant coatings to reduce surface stickiness and sensitivity to high humidity conditions. The lacquer used in example 5, Table V, was an acrylic thermoplastic lacquer, one illustrative product being sold under the trade name "Krylon" spray. Other coatings which may be used to provide water barrier and non-sticky surface can include shellac, varnishes, alkyd enamels, urethane, epoxy, acrylic and optically cured coating materials. Flaky pigments such as mica and talc can be included in the coating to further decrease moisture effects on the tees prior to use. These lacquer coatings effectively retard degradation unless the molded article is broken or lies in the open for a sufficient period of time to allow photo- degradation of the exterior lacquer coating to take place.

Further variations can include incorporation of blowing agents to make a dense foam which will quicken the rate of dissolution in water. Colorants can provide suitable decorative enhancement of the molded article. Swelling agents such as starch or bentonite can hasten the breakdown and the rate of dissolution, as can addition of soluble salts or fibers, e.g., potassium sulfate or ammonium sulfate. Fertilizers can also be added. Other useful compounds not inactivated by the melt temperature can be added, as desired.

A natural fibrous sugar material, such as raw sugar cane, might serve as a non-toxic raw material for this composite. Other ingredients of value may include nutshell flour, chopped or milled glass fiber and other mineral fibers.

While certain illustrative examples of the present invention have been described in detail in the specification, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form and embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternatives, equivalents and uses falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A golf tee having an elongated rigid shaft, said shaft having a concaved ball support first end and a pointed second end; said tee being formed of a moldable composition comprising a fibrous material and a binder, said composition having a dry mechanical strength sufficient to allow said tee to be inserted into the ground and to support a golf ball, and said composition being readily degradable upon exposure to moisture.

2. A moldable composition of matter comprising at least 2% by weight of a fibrous material and at least 30% by weight of a binding material such that said composition can be melt-molded into an article having mechanical strength sufficient for the intended use thereof, said article being biodegradable.

3. The composition of Claim 2 wherein said binding material comprises a natural binder selected from the group consisting of sugar, polydextrose, maltose, mannitol, gelatin, gluten, hydroxymethyl cellulose, gum arabic, and starch.

4. The composition of Claim 3 wherein said sugar comprises a mixture of dextrose and fructose.

5. The composition of Claim 2 wherein said fibrous -material comprises a fiber selected from the group consisting of sisal, linen, cotton, viscose rayon and wood.

6. The composition of Claim 2 which further comprises a chemical additive whereby said additive serves to accelerate the degradation of said composition.

7. The composition of Claim 2 which further comprises 1 to 12.1% by weight synthetic, water-soluble polymer as a component of the binder.

8. The composition of Claim 2 which further comprises 1 to 12.1% by weight synthetic, water-soluble polymer as a component of the binder and 6 to 9% by weight liquid or solid plasticizer.

9. A golf tee molded from the composition of claim 2.

10. A golf tee molded from the composition of claim 8.