P&G Biodegradable Material "surfaces"

U.S. Procter & Gamble Company will begin commercial production of biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester Nodax in 2004. The company is currently mass-producing samples for evaluation and application for development.

Disposable absorbent products and single-use surgical gowns and surgical curtains are expected to be the main application areas for the biodegradable materials of the Nodex - this product line is protected by over 30 separate patents.

P&G's efforts to develop the work focused on obtaining a low-cost fermentation production process to bring this polymer to a predetermined specification. The company is developing globally with commercial companies and research institutes.

The Nodex family is based on polyhydroxyalkanoates. This type of polymer is degradable both in anaerobic and aerobic conditions, it also has alkali cooking properties and good surface printability. Their mechanical properties such as elasticity, softness, hardness, and stiffness can be tailored to the needs of the user, and their high miscibility indicates that they can combine with other resins to produce more performance.

P&G plans to obtain licenses for each production and application of Nodax. In addition to non-woven materials, Nodax also has potential applications in fibers, foams, synthetic papers, films, injection molding and blow molding products.

For feminine hygiene products, the flushability of this polymer gives the user great convenience, while its mechanical and surface properties yield some improved advantages, such as the resilience of disposable and durable nonwoven products, Wicking, feel, and disposable.