Algae-blended compositions without plasticizers
A thermoplastic composition includes at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition, and a polymer that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition, wherein the composition is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer. An injection molded article is formed from a material including at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition, and a polymer that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition, wherein the material is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer.
1. A thermoplastic composition comprising:
a) at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition; and
b) a polymer component that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition; wherein the polymer component comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, the thermoplastic elastomer constituting at least 10 wt. % to ≤48 wt. % of the composition, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is ethylene vinyl acetate and the thermoplastic composition further comprises a compatibilizer, the compatibilizer comprising an ethylene acrylate terpolymer, and wherein the composition is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer.
2. The thermoplastic composition of claim 1 , wherein the algae is blue-green algae.
3. The thermoplastic composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymer component further comprises linear low density polyethylene.
4. The thermoplastic composition of claim 1 , wherein the polymer component further comprises polylactic acid.
5. The thermoplastic composition of claim 1 , wherein the algae is a bleached algae with reduced color ranging from light yellow to off-white.
6. An injection molded article formed from a material comprising:
a) at least one kind of algae that constitutes from about 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the composition; and
b) a polymer component that constitutes from about 45 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composition; wherein the polymer component comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, the thermoplastic elastomer constituting at least 10 wt. % to ≤48 wt. % of the composition, and wherein the material is free of plasticizer and free of plant polymer.
7. The injection molded article of claim 6 , wherein the algae is blue-green algae.
8. The injection molded article of claim 6 , wherein the polymer component further comprises linear low density polyethylene.
9. The injection molded article of claim 6 , wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.
10. The injection molded article of claim 6 , wherein the polymer component further comprises polylactic acid.
11. The injection molded article of claim 6 , further comprising an additive, wherein the additive includes one or more of an odor inhibitor, a moisture scavenger, and a compatibilizer.
12. The injection molded article of claim 6 , wherein the algae is a bleached algae with reduced color ranging from light yellow to off-white.
13. The thermoplastic composition of claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic elastomer constitutes at least 30 wt. % of the composition.