Michael John Deangelis

US Patent:

52503534, Oct 5, 1993

Filed:

Jun 11, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/713662

Inventors:

Gene W. Bartholomew - Tuxedo Park NY
Mark D. Peterson - Central Valley NY
Morton S. Delozier - Claryville NY
Michael DeAngelis - Whippany NJ

Assignee:

International Paper Company - New York NY

International Classification:

B32B 516
C08L 300

US Classification:

428328

Abstract:

Paper and paperboard materials having enhanced biodegradability are produced by treatment of substrates with aqueous chemical solutions having properties which increase the decomposition of the substrates so treated. The chemical solutions consist of chemical nutrients which provide a source of alternate electron acceptors to enhance biodegradability through facultative anaerobic decomposition or chemical nutrients which, increase microbial growth on the paper or paperboard thereby enhancing decomposition of the paper or paperboard. The chemical solutions are absorbed and retained in the substrate or incorporated directly into a slurry of fibrous based material and formed into a paper product using paper making apparatus. In both instances, the methods enhance the biodegradability of the paper or paperboard so treated.