Patent ID: 7384993

Claim:
A process for forming a biodegradable polymer product comprising the steps of: a) forming a mixture of starch, a starch modified to include a hydroxyalkyl C 2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a carboxylic acid, a water soluble polymer or copolymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol or a mixture thereof, up to 20% of added water, a polyol plasticizer and 0.4% to 1.5% by weight of a C 12-22 fatty acid or C 12-22 fatty acid salt; b) working the mixture and forming a melt within the temperature range of 130° C. to 160° C.; c) reducing the temperature and further working the mixture; and d) extruding the mixture or injecting the mixture into a mold at a temperature of 85° C. to 105° C. without the need to remove water.