Monolithic polymer composition having a releasing material
View Patent ↗The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a releasing material is blended into the polymer so that the releasing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the releasing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.
1. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components: a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure; a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinvlpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, nematocides, fungicides and rodenticides;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
2. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
3. The article of manufacture of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
4. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components: a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure; a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance flavor and perfume sources;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
5. The article of manufacture of claim 4 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
6. The article of manufacture of claim 4 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
7. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components: a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure; a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial, corrosion inhibitors, ripening and antiripening agents; wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
8. The article of manufacture of claim 7 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
9. The article of manufacture of claim 7 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
10. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components: a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure; a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition; and a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, nematocides, fungicides and rodenticides;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and having interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
11. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
12. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
13. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components: a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure; a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressures and is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition; and a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance, flavor and perfume sources;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and having interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
14. The article of manufacture of claim 13 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
15. The article of manufacture of claim 13 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
16. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components: a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure; a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition; and a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial, corrosion inhibitors ripening and antiripening agents;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and having interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
17. The article of manufacture of claim 16 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
18. The article of manufacture of claim 16 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
19. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:
(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure;
(b) a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and
(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, nematocides, fungicides and rodenticides;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
20. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
21. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
22. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components: (a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure;
(b) a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and
(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance, flavor and perfume sources;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
23. The article of manufacture of claim 22 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
24. The article of manufacture of claim 22 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
25. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:
(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure;
(b) a hydrophilic agent is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition and is selected from the group consisting of polyglycols, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds, glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolized starch and mixtures thereof; and
(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial, corrosion inhibitors, ripening and anti-ripening agents;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
26. The article of manufacture of claim 25 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
27. The article of manufacture of claim 25 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
28. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:
(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure;
(b) a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25° c. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition; and
(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, nematocides, fungicides and rodenticides;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
29. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
30. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
31. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:
(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure;
(b) a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition; and
(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of fragrance, flavor and perfume sources;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
32. The article of manufacture of claim 31 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
33. The article of manufacture of claim 31 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
34. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:
(a) a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure;
(b) a hydrophilic agent having a solubility in water above about 1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure and is at least about 10% 5 % by weight of the polymer composition; and
(c) a releasing agent selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial, corrosion inhibitors ripening and anti-ripening agents;
wherein the composition comprises at least three phases and has interconnecting channels with the releasing agent in or adjacent to these channels.
35. The article of manufacture of claim 34 wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic.
36. The article of manufacture of claim 34 wherein the hydrophilic agent is a polyglycol.
37. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components:
a water - insoluble polymer;
a releasing material selected from the group consisting of antimicrobials, wherein the releasing material is composed of a particle and the particle is at least about 5 % by weight of the composition;
an agent that controls the transmission between an exterior of the polymer and the interiorly located releasing material and wherein the agent is hydrophilic, wherein an affinity between the agent and the releasing material is greater than between the polymer and the releasing material; and
wherein the composition comprises an interconnecting channel composed of the agent.
38. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components:
a water - insoluble polymer;
a releasing material selected from the group consisting of aromatic medicines, wherein the releasing material is composed of a particle and the particle is at least about 5 % by weight of the composition;
an agent that controls the transmission between an exterior of the polymer and the interiorly located releasing material, wherein an affinity between the agent and the releasing material is greater than between the polymer and the releasing material; and
wherein the composition comprises an interconnecting channel composed of the agent and wherein the agent is hydrophilic.
39. The article of manufacture of claim 1 , wherein the releasing agent is least about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
40. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the polymer is about 35 % by weight of the polymer composition.
41. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the polymer is about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
42. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the polymer is about 35 % to about 68 % by weight of the polymer mixture.
43. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic agent is about 12 % of the polymer composition.
44. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
45. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the releasing agent is about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
46. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % to about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
47. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the releasing agent is about 53 % by weight of the polymer composition.
48. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the releasing agent is least about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
49. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the polymer is about 35 % by weight of the polymer composition.
50. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the polymer is about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
51. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the polymer is about 35 % to about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
52. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the hydrophilic agent is about 12 % of the polymer composition.
53. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
54. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the releasing agent is about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
55. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % to about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
56. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the releasing agent is about 53 % by weight of the polymer composition.
57. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the releasing agent is least about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
58. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the polymer is about 35 % by weight of the polymer composition.
59. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the polymer is about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
60. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the polymer is about 35 % to about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
61. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the hydrophilie agent is about 12 % of the polymer composition.
62. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
63. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the releasing agent is about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
64. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % to about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
65. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the releasing agent is about 53 % by weight of the polymer composition.
66. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the releasing agent is least about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
67. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the polymer is about 35 % by weight of the polymer composition.
68. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the polymer is about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
69. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the polymer is about 35 % to about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
70. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the hydrophilic agent is about 12 % of the polymer composition.
71. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
72. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the releasing agent is about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
73. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % to about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
74. The article of manufacture of claim 28 wherein the releasing agent is about 53 % by weight of the polymer composition.
75. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:
a water - insoluble polymer;
a releasing material selected from the group consisting of biologically active ingredients, wherein the releasing material is composed of a particle and the particle is at least about 5 % by weight of the composition;
an agent that acts as a transmission bridge between an exterior of the polymer and the interiorly located releasing material and wherein the agent is hydrophilic, wherein the affinity between the agent and the releasing material is greater than between the polymer and the releasing material; and
wherein the composition comprises an interconnecting channel composed of the agent.
76. The article of manufacture of claim 75 , wherein the releasing agent is least about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
77. The article of manufacture of claim 75 wherein the polymer is about 35 % by weight of the polymer composition.
78. The article of manufacture of claim 75 wherein the polymer is about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
79. The article of manufacture of claim 75 wherein the polymer is about 35 % to about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
80. The article of manufacture of claim 75 wherein the hydrophilic agent is about 12 % of the polymer composition.
81. The article of manufacture of claim 75 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
82. The article of manufacture of claim 75 wherein the releasing agent is about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
83. The article of manufacture of claim 75 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % to about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
84. The article of manufacture of claim 75 wherein the releasing agent is about 53 % by weight of the polymer composition.
85. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:
a water - insoluble polymer;
a releasing material selected from the group consisting of antimicrobials, wherein the releasing material is composed of a particle and the particle is at least about 5 % by weight of the composition;
an agent that acts as a transmission bridge between an exterior of the polymer and the interiorly located releasing material and wherein the agent is hydrophilic, wherein the affinity between the agent and the releasing material is greater than between the polymer and the releasing material; and
wherein the composition comprises an interconnecting channel composed of the agent.
86. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition comprising at least the following components:
a water - insoluble polymer;
a releasing material selected from the group consisting of aromatic medicines, wherein the releasing material is composed of a particle and the particle is at least about 5 % by weight of the composition;
an agent that acts as a transmission bridge between an exterior of the polymer and the interiorly located releasing material and wherein the agent is hydrophilic, wherein an affinity between the agent and the releasing material is greater than between the polymer and the releasing material; and
wherein the composition comprises an interconnecting channel composed of the agent.
87. An article of manufacture comprising a monolithic composition formed by combining at least the following components:
a water - insoluble polymer;
a releasing material selected from the group consisting of biologically active ingredients, wherein the releasing material is composed of a particle and the particle is at least about 5 % by weight of the composition;
an agent that controls the transmission between an exterior of the polymer and the interiorly located releasing material and wherein the agent is hydrophilic, wherein an affinity between the agent and the releasing material is greater than between the polymer and the releasing material; and
wherein the composition comprises an interconnecting channel composed of the agent.
88. The article of manufacture of claim 87 wherein the releasing agent is least about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
89. The article of manufacture of claim 87 wherein the polymer is about 35 % by weight of the polymer composition.
90. The article of manufacture of claim 87 wherein the polymer is about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
91. The article of manufacture of claim 87 wherein the polymer is about 35 % to about 68 % by weight of the polymer composition.
92. The article of manufacture of claim 87 wherein the hydrophilic agent is about 12 % of the polymer composition.
93. The article of manufacture of claim 87 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % by weight of the polymer composition.
94. The article of manufacture of claim 87 wherein the releasing agent is about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
95. The article of manufacture of claim 87 wherein the releasing agent is about 40 % to about 60 % by weight of the polymer composition.
96. The article of manufacture of claim 87 wherein the releasing agent is about 53 % by weight of the polymer composition.