Plastic composite material comprising coffee grounds, method for preparing same, product using same, and properties of product

Abstract

In a plastic composite material including coffee grounds according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a particle size distribution of coffee grounds may have coffee grounds particles of greater than 250 [mu] m and less than or equal to 850 [mu] m in a proportion of 94 wt% or more, and a chromatic value of the plastic composite material may be 4.4 or less. Various other embodiments may be possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to plastic composites, and more particularly, to plastic composites including coffee grounds, methods of making the same, products using the same, and properties of the products. Background Art

[0002] As the economy and industry develop, various materials or molded products made of plastic are being used. Although various molded products made of plastic exhibit excellent durability due to their resistance to oxidation and decomposition, they do not naturally decompose, thereby contributing to environmental pollution.

[0003] Therefore, eco-friendly plastic technology is emerging, and there is active research on plastics using biomass such as plant byproducts or plant-based organic materials. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical Solution

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plastic composite material includes coffee grounds, wherein the coffee grounds have a particle size (particle size) distribution of 94 wt% or more of coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm, and the plastic composite material has a chroma value of 4.4 or less.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds includes the following processes: preparing coffee grounds and biomass; drying the coffee grounds and the biomass; freeze-grinding the dried coffee grounds, wherein the coffee grounds formed by grinding the dried coffee grounds have the following particle size distribution: wherein coffee ground particles having a size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm are present in an amount of 94 wt % or greater; primary extruding a mixture of a polymer resin, ground coffee grounds, dried biomass, and a first additive; secondary extruding a mixture of the primary extrudate extruded in the primary extrusion process and the second additive; and drying the secondary extrudate extruded in the secondary extrusion process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for making a plastic composite material including coffee grounds according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2A and 2B is a diagram of a cylindrical drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 is a graph showing the particle size distribution of coffee grounds before and after freeze grinding according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4A is a diagram showing a plastic composite material according to a comparative example of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 is a graph showing the impact strength of plastic composite materials according to comparative examples or embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 6A is a diagram showing a plastic composite material according to a comparative example of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6B is a diagram illustrating a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6C is a diagram showing a plastic composite material according to a comparative example of the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig.6D is a diagram illustrating a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 7A are images showing plastic composite materials according to comparative examples of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7B are images showing plastic composite materials according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 8A and 8B are images showing plastic composite materials according to comparative examples of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8C are images showing plastic composite materials according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 9A and 9B is a diagram showing a cover member composed of a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.10 is a diagram showing a cover member composed of a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, and include various changes, equivalents or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments. With respect to the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to represent similar or related elements. The singular form of the noun corresponding to an entry may include one or more of the entry, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B or C" may each include all possible combinations of the entries listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, terms such as "first", "second", "the first" and "the second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding element from another element, and do not limit the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0024] Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for making a plastic composite material including coffee grounds according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A and 2B is a diagram of a cylindrical drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a graph showing the particle size distribution of coffee grounds before and after freeze grinding according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 , a method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds may include the following processes: preparing coffee grounds and biomass (P11); drying the coffee grounds and biomass (P13); freeze-grinding the dried coffee grounds (P15); primary extrusion of a first mixture obtained by mixing a polymer resin, ground coffee grounds, dried biomass, and a first additive (P17); secondary extrusion of a second mixture obtained by mixing the primary extrudate with a second additive (P19); drying the secondary extrudate using infrared (IR) irradiation (P21); and / or packaging the dried composite material (P23).

[0026] According to an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds may include a process (P11) of preparing coffee grounds and biomass. In an embodiment, the coffee grounds may be a byproduct or residue left after extracting coffee liquid from coffee beans. In an embodiment, the biomass may be a plant byproduct or plant waste. In an embodiment, the biomass may include at least one of wood powder (sawdust), rice straw (rice stalks), rice husks, rice bran, soybean husks (soybean skins), or wheat bran. In an embodiment, the biomass may include various plant byproducts or plant waste, without being limited to the above-mentioned components.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds may include a process of drying the coffee grounds and biomass (P13). In an embodiment, the process of drying the coffee grounds and biomass (P13) may be performed separately. In an embodiment, the process of drying the coffee grounds and biomass (P13) may include an infrared irradiation process or an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation process.

[0028] In an embodiment, the infrared or ultraviolet irradiation process can be performed by a cylindrical drying device (e.g., Figure 2A and 2B The cylindrical drying device (100) is implemented in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] refer to Figure 2A and 2B The cylindrical drying device (100) may include a rotating shell (110), an inlet (120), an outlet (130), an infrared drying part (140), and / or an ultraviolet irradiation part.

[0030] In an embodiment, the rotating shell (110) may be a cylindrical shell having an internal space formed therein, and may be mounted on the support structure (150) such that a central axis of a circular cross-section of the rotating shell (110) is substantially parallel to a ground or floor surface. In an embodiment, the rotating shell (110) may be rotatably mounted relative to the support structure (150). In an embodiment, when the rotating shell (110) rotates around the central axis, the rotating shell (110) may stir coffee grounds or biomass introduced into its interior.

[0031] In an embodiment, the inlet (120) may be configured to be connected to the rotating shell (110) directly or indirectly via a separate member, thereby allowing coffee grounds or biomass to be introduced into the rotating shell (110).

[0032] In an embodiment, the outlet (130) may be configured to be connected to the rotating shell (110) directly or indirectly via a separate member, thereby allowing the coffee grounds or biomass to be discharged from the rotating shell (110).

[0033] In an embodiment, the infrared drying part (140) may be disposed inside the rotating housing (110). In an embodiment, the infrared drying part (140) may include a panel (141) and at least one infrared lamp (142) disposed on the panel (141). In an embodiment, the panel (141) may remain stationary when the rotating housing (110) rotates. In an embodiment, the panel (141) may remain fixed in position relative to the rotating housing (110) so as to rotate together with the rotating housing (110). In an embodiment, at least one infrared lamp (142) in the infrared drying part (140) may irradiate coffee grounds or biomass being stirred inside the rotating housing (110) with infrared rays. In an embodiment, the infrared irradiation process may dry the coffee grounds or biomass being stirred inside the rotating housing (110). The infrared drying process is not limited to being performed by at least one infrared lamp (142), and may be implemented using various devices capable of irradiating infrared rays.

[0034] In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation part (not shown) can irradiate ultraviolet rays onto the coffee grounds or biomass passing through the cylindrical drying device (100). In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation part may include at least one ultraviolet lamp (not shown). The at least one ultraviolet lamp can irradiate ultraviolet rays of various wavelength bands onto the coffee grounds or biomass. In an embodiment, the at least one ultraviolet lamp may include a first ultraviolet lamp, a second ultraviolet lamp, and / or a third ultraviolet lamp.

[0035] In an embodiment, the first ultraviolet lamp may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays in a first wavelength band. In an embodiment, the first wavelength band may be about 320nm to about 400nm, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first ultraviolet lamp may be a UV-A lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays in the first wavelength band, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] In an embodiment, the second ultraviolet lamp may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays in a second band different from the first band. In an embodiment, the second band may be about 290nm to about 320nm, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the second ultraviolet lamp may be a UV-B lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays in the second band, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] In an embodiment, the third ultraviolet lamp may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays in a third band different from the first and second bands. In an embodiment, the third band may be about 200nm to about 290nm, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the third ultraviolet lamp may be a UV-C lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays in the third band, but is not limited thereto.

[0038] In an embodiment, the first, second and third ultraviolet lamps may be installed in the inlet (120) and the outlet (130) to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the coffee grounds or biomass passing through the inlet (120) and the outlet (130). In an embodiment, the first, second and third ultraviolet lamps may be installed inside the cylindrical housing (110) to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the coffee grounds or biomass being stirred inside the cylindrical housing (110).

[0039] In an embodiment, the step of drying the coffee grounds may include both an infrared irradiation process and an ultraviolet irradiation process. In an embodiment, the infrared and ultraviolet irradiation processes for the coffee grounds may be performed simultaneously or at different times. In an embodiment, the coffee grounds may be stirred inside the rotating shell (110) by rotating the shell (110) and may be dried by infrared radiation from an infrared lamp (142). In an embodiment, the infrared irradiation process may be performed until the moisture content of the coffee grounds is reduced to about 0.4% or less.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the infrared irradiation process for coffee grounds may be defined and interpreted as a process for drying the coffee grounds by infrared radiant heat. In an embodiment, the infrared irradiation process for coffee grounds may be implemented within the rotating housing (110) at a temperature range of about 90°C to about 95°C for a duration of about 30 minutes.

[0041] In an embodiment, the coffee grounds may be irradiated with ultraviolet light by a first ultraviolet lamp, a second ultraviolet lamp, and a third ultraviolet lamp, resulting in discoloration (or bleaching). In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation process for the coffee grounds may be performed for about 10 minutes.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the process of drying the biomass may include an infrared irradiation process and an ultraviolet irradiation process. In an embodiment, the infrared and ultraviolet irradiation processes for the biomass may be performed substantially simultaneously or at different times. In an embodiment, the biomass may be stirred inside the rotating shell (110) by rotating the shell (110), and may be dried by infrared radiation from an infrared lamp (142). In an embodiment, the infrared irradiation process for the biomass may be performed until the moisture content of the biomass is reduced to about 0.4% or less. In an embodiment, the biomass may be irradiated with ultraviolet light by a first ultraviolet lamp, a second ultraviolet lamp, and a third ultraviolet lamp, resulting in discoloration (or bleaching). In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation process for the biomass may be performed for about 10 minutes.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the infrared irradiation process for biomass may be defined and interpreted as a process for drying biomass by infrared radiation heat. In an embodiment, the infrared irradiation process for biomass may be implemented within the rotating shell (110) at a temperature range of about 60°C to about 65°C for a duration of about 30 minutes.

[0044] In an embodiment, the coffee grounds may be irradiated with ultraviolet light by a first ultraviolet lamp, a second ultraviolet lamp, and a third ultraviolet lamp, resulting in discoloration (or bleaching). In an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation process for the coffee grounds may be performed for about 10 minutes.

[0045] According to an embodiment, due to the difference in material and moisture content of the coffee grounds and the biomass, the drying process (P13) for the coffee grounds and the drying process (P13) for the biomass may be performed separately.

[0046] According to embodiments, a plastic composite material made using coffee grounds and biomass that have undergone a UV irradiation process may exhibit a relatively low degree of discoloration upon UV exposure compared to a plastic composite material made using coffee grounds and biomass that have not undergone a UV irradiation process. A more detailed description will be provided later.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 , the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds may include a process of freeze-grinding the dried coffee grounds (P15). In an embodiment, the process of freeze-grinding the dried coffee grounds may include a freezing process or a grinding process.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the freezing process for the coffee grounds may be implemented by freezing the dried coffee grounds using nitrogen. In an embodiment, the freezing process for the coffee grounds may be defined and explained as a process of freezing the dried coffee grounds using nitrogen at a temperature of about -195°C.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the grinding process for coffee grounds can be implemented by grinding frozen coffee grounds. When the coffee grounds are ground after the freezing process, they can be ground more smoothly than when the coffee grounds are ground without the freezing process.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the coffee grounds subjected to the freeze grinding process (P15) may have a particle size distribution in which a proportion of coffee ground particles having a particle size of about 250 μm to about 850 μm (micrometers) is about 94 wt % or more.

[0051] Figure 3 is a graph showing the particle size distribution of coffee grounds before and after freeze grinding according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Table 1 below summarizes the particle size distribution of coffee grounds before and after freeze grinding according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Table 1

[0054]

[0055] refer to Figure 3and Table 1, before freeze grinding, the coffee grounds may have a particle size distribution in which the proportion of particles is about 0.0% by weight for particles having a size of less than or equal to about 150 μm, about 0.2% by weight for particles having a size of greater than about 150 μm and less than or equal to about 180 μm, about 0.8% by weight for particles having a size of greater than about 180 μm and less than or equal to about 250 μm, about 19.7% by weight for particles having a size of greater than about 250 μm and less than or equal to about 425 μm, about 67.9% by weight for particles having a size of greater than about 425 μm and less than or equal to about 850 μm, and about 11.4% by weight for particles having a size of greater than about 850 μm. Figure 3 and Table 1, after freeze grinding, the coffee grounds can have a particle size distribution: wherein for particles having a size of less than or equal to about 150 μm, the proportion of particles is about 0.0 weight %, for particles having a size greater than about 150 μm and less than or equal to about 180 μm, the proportion of particles is about 0.1 weight %, for particles having a size greater than about 180 μm and less than or equal to about 250 μm, the proportion of particles is about 1.7 weight %, for particles having a size greater than about 250 μm and less than or equal to about 425 μm, the proportion of particles is about 48.6 weight %, for particles having a size greater than about 425 μm and less than or equal to about 850 μm, the proportion of particles is about 46.2 weight %, and for particles having a size greater than 850 μm, the proportion of particles is about 3.4 weight %.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the coffee grounds subjected to the freeze grinding process (P15) may have a particle size distribution in which the proportion of coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than about 250 μm and less than or equal to about 850 μm is about 95 wt %.

[0057] According to embodiments, a weight proportion of a first particle size range (eg, greater than about 250 μm and less than or equal to about 850 μm) in the coffee grounds subjected to the freeze grinding process (P15) may be greater than weight proportions of other particle size ranges.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the plastic composite material comprising coffee grounds subjected to a freeze grinding process (P15) may present a uniform distribution of coffee grounds in terms of the appearance of a molded article made of the plastic composite material due to the higher weight proportion of the first particle size range compared to other particle size ranges.

[0059] refer to Figure 1, the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds may include a process of primarily extruding a first mixture obtained by mixing a polymer resin, coffee grounds, dried biomass, and a first additive (P17).

[0060] According to an embodiment, the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds may include a process of secondarily extruding a second mixture obtained by mixing a primary extrudate with a second additive (P19).

[0061] According to an embodiment, the primary extrusion process (P17) and / or the secondary extrusion process (P19) may be performed using an extruder, which may be a twin-screw extruder. In an embodiment, the primary extrusion process (P17) may be performed by extruding a first mixture obtained by mixing a polymer resin, ground coffee grounds, dried biomass, and a first additive to form a first extrudate (or primary extrudate). In an embodiment, the secondary extrusion process (P19) may be performed by extruding a second mixture obtained by mixing the first extrudate with a second additive to form a second extrudate (or secondary extrudate).

[0062] Table 2 below shows weight ratios of additives added in the primary extrusion process (P17) and the secondary extrusion process (P19) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Table 2

[0064]

[0065] According to an embodiment, the primary extrusion process (P17) may be performed as follows: a first mixture obtained by mixing ground coffee grounds, dried biomass and a first additive with a polymer (resin) is initially extruded to form a first extrudate. In an embodiment, the first additive may include at least one of an antioxidant, a compatibilizer or an impact modifier. In an embodiment, the primary extrusion process (P17) may include: feeding a first mixture including a polymer resin (or polymer), ground coffee grounds, dried biomass, and a first additive into an extruder through a main feeder and a sub-feeder, and extruding the fed material to form a first extrudate. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the materials fed through the main feeder and the sub-feeder may be about 80:20. In an embodiment, the primary extrusion process (P17) may be performed in a twin-screw extruder using a diameter of about 32 or more. The extruder screw operates at a temperature range of about 170°C to about 180°C.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the materials fed in the primary extrusion process (P17) may be about 3 to about 30 parts by weight of ground coffee grounds, about 3 to about 10 parts by weight of dried biomass, and about 3.4 to about 37 parts by weight of the first additive, based on about 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin (or polymer).

[0067] In an embodiment, the polymer resin may include at least one selected from a polypropylene-based polymer resin, a polyethylene-based polymer resin, a polystyrene-based polymer resin, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer-based polymer resin, a polyoxymethylene-based polymer resin, a polyketone-based polymer resin, a thermoplastic elastomer-based resin, and a biodegradable polymer resin.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the first additive may include at least one of an antioxidant, a compatibilizer, or an impact modifier.

[0069] In an embodiment, the antioxidant may include at least one selected from a phenol-based primary antioxidant or a phosphorus-based secondary antioxidant. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the antioxidant added in the primary extrusion process (P17) may be about 0.1 to about 2 parts by weight, based on about 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin (or polymer).

[0070] According to an embodiment, the compatibilizer may include at least one selected from a polyolefin-based compatibilizer or a polypropylene compatibilizer used for polyethylene. In an embodiment, the weight proportion of the compatibilizer added in the primary extrusion process (P17) may be about 3 to about 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin (or polymer).

[0071] In an embodiment, the impact modifier may include at least one selected from an olefin-based impact modifier, a silicon-based impact modifier, an ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)-based impact modifier, or a polyester-based elastomeric impact modifier. In an embodiment, the weight proportion of the impact modifier added in the primary extrusion process (P17) may be about 8 to about 35 parts by weight, based on about 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin (or polymer).

[0072] According to an embodiment, the secondary extrusion process (P19) may be performed by secondary extruding a second mixture obtained by mixing the first extrudate with the second additive to form a second extrudate.

[0073] In an embodiment, the secondary extrusion process (P19) may include feeding a second mixture including the first extrudate and the second additive into an extruder through a main feeder and extruding the fed material to form a second extrudate.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the second additive added in the secondary extrusion process (P19) may be about 0.2 to about 20 parts by weight based on about 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin added in the primary extrusion process (P17).

[0075] In an embodiment, the second additive may include at least one of a UV stabilizer or a pigment.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the UV stabilizer may include at least one selected from absorber-type UV stabilizers, HALS (hindered amine light stabilizers) UV stabilizers, peroxide decomposer UV stabilizers, free radical inhibitor UV stabilizers, or quencher UV stabilizers. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the UV stabilizer added in the secondary extrusion process (P19) may be about 0.1 to about 18 parts by weight based on about 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin (or polymer) added in the primary extrusion process (P17).

[0077] In an embodiment, the pigment may include at least one selected from an organic pigment or an inorganic pigment. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the pigment added in the secondary extrusion process (P19) may be about 0.1 to about 2 parts by weight based on about 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin (or polymer) added in the primary extrusion process (P17).

[0078] According to an embodiment, the secondary extrusion process (P19) may be performed in a twin-screw extruder using a diameter of about 32 or more. The extruder screw operates at a temperature range of about 110°C to about 160°C.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds may include a process (P21) of infrared drying the second extrudate. In an embodiment, the process (P21) of infrared drying the second extrudate may be performed inside the rotating shell (110) at a temperature range of about 85° C. to about 90° C. for a duration of about 30 minutes. In an embodiment, a dried plastic composite material may be formed from the second extrudate through the infrared drying process.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds may include a process of packaging the dried composite material (P23).

[0081] Figure 4A is a diagram showing a plastic composite material according to a comparative example of the present disclosure. Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 4A and 4B The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3The embodiment combination shown in .

[0083] Figure 4A The comparative examples in the table represent Figure 1 The plastic composite material produced by adding a UV stabilizer without UV irradiating the dried coffee grounds in the method for producing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in Figure 4B The implementation method in the embodiment represents Figure 1 The plastic composite material is produced by UV irradiating dried coffee grounds and adding a UV stabilizer in the method for producing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in .

[0084] refer to Figure 4B , it can be confirmed that Figure 4A In comparison, plastic composites have a lower rate of discoloration.

[0085] The chromaticity value, ie, degree of color change (ΔE) of the plastic composite material that has not undergone a UV irradiation process may be about 5.35 for UV-A and about 3.95 for UV-B.

[0086] The chromaticity value, ie, degree of color change (ΔE), of the plastic composite material that has undergone the UV irradiation process may be about 4.4 for UV-A and about 3.0 for UV-B.

[0087] According to embodiments, a plastic composite material that has undergone a UV irradiation process may exhibit a lower degree of discoloration upon long-term UV exposure compared to a plastic composite material that has not undergone a UV irradiation process.

[0088] Figure 5 is a graph showing the impact strength of plastic composite materials according to comparative examples or embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0089] Figure 5 The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4B The embodiment combination shown in .

[0090] Table 3 below summarizes the physical property values ​​of plastic composites according to comparative examples or embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] Table 3

[0092] Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2 Example 1 Impact strength (J / m) 123.4 148.4 156.9 Tensile strength(MPa) 14.5 15.2 15.3 Tensile modulus (MPa) 1,303 1,291 1,426 Flexural strength(MPa) 19.3 19.7 20.2 Flexural modulus (MPa) 997 955 1,045

[0093] The plastic composite material of Comparative Example 1 can be Figure 1The plastic composite material produced without using biomass using undried coffee grounds in the method for producing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in . The plastic composite material of Comparative Example 2 may be a plastic composite material produced using biomass and using undried biomass and coffee grounds. The plastic composite material of Example 1 may be a plastic composite material produced using biomass and using dried biomass and coffee grounds. It can be confirmed that the plastic composite material (Example 1) produced using biomass and using dried biomass and coffee grounds has improved impact strength, tensile strength, Young's modulus, flexural strength or flexural modulus compared to Comparative Example 1 or Comparative Example 2.

[0094] Fig. 6A is a diagram showing a plastic composite material according to a comparative example of the present disclosure. Figure 6B is a diagram illustrating a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6C is a diagram showing a plastic composite material according to a comparative example of the present disclosure. Fig.6D is a diagram illustrating a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Figures 6A to 6D The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 The embodiment combination shown in .

[0096] Fig. 6A The plastic composite material in the extruder is extruded by using a twin screw extruder (with an extrusion screw diameter of 32 ) Figure 1 The plastic composite material manufactured by performing only the primary extrusion process (P17) without performing the secondary extrusion process (P19) in the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in . The plastic composite material can be confirmed to have an impact strength of 152 (J / m). Figure 6B The plastic composite material in the extruder is extruded by using a twin screw extruder (with an extrusion screw diameter of 32 ) Figure 1 The plastic composite material manufactured by both the primary extrusion process (P17) and the secondary extrusion process (P19) in the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in was found to have an impact strength of 180 (J / m).

[0097] Figure 6C The plastic composite material in the extruder is extruded by using a twin screw extruder (with an extrusion screw diameter of 75 ) Figure 1 The plastic composite material manufactured by the primary extrusion process (P17) without the secondary extrusion process (P19) in the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in was found to have an impact strength of about 152 (J / m). Fig.6D The plastic composite material in the extruder is extruded by using a twin screw extruder (with an extrusion screw diameter of 75 ) Figure 1 The plastic composite material manufactured by both the primary extrusion process (P17) and the secondary extrusion process (P19) in the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in was found to have an impact strength of 180 (J / m).

[0098] and Fig. 6A or the cross section of the plastic composite material in 6C, Figure 6B The cross section of the plastic composite material in 6D can be verified to have a relatively uniform surface (or appearance).

[0099] and Fig. 6A or plastic composites in 6C, Figure 6B or Fig.6D The plastic composites in the present invention can be demonstrated to have relatively improved impact strength.

[0100] Fig. 7A are images showing plastic composite materials according to comparative examples of the present disclosure. Figure 7B are images showing plastic composite materials according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] Fig. 7A and 7B The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6D The embodiment combination shown in .

[0102] Fig. 7A The plastic composite material may be Figure 1 A plastic composite material produced without the freeze grinding process (P15) in the method for producing a plastic composite material comprising coffee grounds shown in FIG. Figure 7B The plastic composite material (1000) may be formed by Figure 1 The plastic composite material is produced by performing a grinding process (P15) in the method for producing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in FIG.

[0103] and Fig. 7A Compared with plastic composite materials, Figure 7B The plastic composite material (1000) may be verified to have a surface (or appearance) having a relatively uniform particle size distribution.

[0104] Fig. 8A and 8B are images showing plastic composite materials according to comparative examples of the present disclosure. Figure 8C are images showing plastic composite materials according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0105] Figures 8A to 8C The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7B The embodiment combination shown in .

[0106] Fig. 8A The plastic composite material may be Figure 1 The plastic composite material is manufactured without performing the freeze grinding process (P15) and the secondary extrusion process (P19) in the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in FIG. Figure 8B The plastic composite material may be Figure 1 The method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in does not perform a freeze grinding process (P15) but performs a secondary extrusion process (P19) to manufacture a plastic composite material. Figure 8C The plastic composite material (1000) may be formed by Figure 1 The plastic composite material is manufactured by performing both a freeze grinding process (P15) and a secondary extrusion process (P19) in the method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds shown in FIG.

[0107] and Fig. 8A Compared with plastic composite materials, Figure 8C The plastic composite material (1000) in the embodiment can be confirmed to have a relatively uniform surface (or appearance) without a dent occurring at one end (or end) of the plastic composite material.

[0108] and Figure 8B Compared with plastic composite materials, Figure 8C The plastic composite material (1000) in can be verified to have a relatively uniform surface (or appearance).

[0109] Fig. 9A and 9B is a diagram showing a cover member composed of a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 is a diagram showing a cover member composed of a plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Figures 9A to 10 The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8B The embodiment combination shown in .

[0111] refer to Figures 9A to 10 The cover member (210) may include a first cover (211) and a second cover (212). In an embodiment, the first cover (211) and the second cover (212) may each be a cover member molded from a plastic composite material, wherein the plastic composite material is formed by Figure 1 The method for producing a plastic composite material comprising coffee grounds is shown in .

[0112] refer to Fig. 9A and 9B The cover member (210) can be used as a cover member for an electronic device (220) configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded (e.g., a foldable smartphone).

[0113] refer to Fig.10 , the cover member (210) can be used as a cover member for an earphone type electronic device (eg, a wireless Bluetooth earphone).

[0114] The plastic composite material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to use as a cover member for electronic equipment, and can also be used for various members including exterior parts for vehicles.

[0115] Technology related to plastic composites using coffee grounds (residues left after coffee is extracted from coffee beans) is being proposed. Although the related art proposes plastic composites including coffee grounds, they only include the coffee grounds without showing the additional process necessary when the coffee grounds are added.

[0116] In the plastic composites including coffee grounds in the related art, the particle size of the coffee grounds is not uniform, resulting in an uneven surface on the plastic composite, which reduces product quality. In addition, the uneven particle size of the coffee grounds in these related arts causes the additives to be unevenly mixed during manufacturing, resulting in lower physical property values ​​in the plastic composite.

[0117] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plastic composite material including coffee grounds having a smooth surface (or appearance), a method of manufacturing the same, a product using the same, and properties of the product may be provided.

[0118] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plastic composite material including coffee grounds having improved physical properties and a method of manufacturing the same may be provided.

[0119] However, the problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above and may be variously defined without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a plastic composite material may have an aesthetically pleasing product surface by including coffee grounds having a uniform particle size distribution.

[0121] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, plastic composites may have reduced discoloration due to ultraviolet light.

[0122] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the plastic composite material can maintain its physical properties even when coffee grounds are included.

[0123] Effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood from the following description by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0124] According to examples of the present disclosure, plastic composite materials (e.g., Figure 7B or Figure 8C The plastic composite material (1000) in the embodiment of the present invention may include coffee grounds. The coffee grounds may have a particle size distribution of 94% by weight or more of coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm. The color value of the plastic composite material may be 4.0 or less.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the coffee grounds may have a particle size distribution of 48.6% by weight or more for coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 425 μm (inclusive). The coffee grounds may have a particle size distribution of 46.2% by weight or more for coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than 425 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the weight proportion of coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm may be at least 52 times the weight proportion of coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than 180 μm and less than or equal to 250 μm.

[0127] According to an example, the weight proportion of coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than 850 μm may be 3.4 weight % or less.

[0128] According to an example, the chromaticity value of the plastic composite material may be 4.4 or less for UV-A. In an example, the chromaticity value of the plastic composite material may be 3.0 or less for UV-B.

[0129] According to an example, the impact strength of the plastic composite material may be 123.4 (J / m) to 190.4 (J / m).

[0130] According to an example, the tensile strength of the plastic composite material may be 14.5 MPa to 16.1 MPa.

[0131] According to an example, the Young's modulus of the plastic composite material may be 1,291 MPa to 1,561 MPa.

[0132] According to an example, the flexural strength of the plastic composite material may be 19.3 MPa to 21.1 MPa.

[0133] According to an example, the flexural modulus of the plastic composite material may be 955 MPa to 1,135 MPa.

[0134] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a plastic composite material including coffee grounds may include the following process: preparing coffee grounds and biomass (e.g., Figure 1 process P11 in the above); drying the coffee grounds and biomass (e.g., Figure 1 Process P13 in the above); freeze-grinding the dried coffee grounds (e.g., Figure 1 The method comprises the steps of: preparing a first mixture (e.g., a first mixture of a polymer resin, a first additive, and a coffee grounds mixture) and mixing the first mixture with the first additive to obtain a first mixture of the first coffee grounds; wherein the coffee grounds formed by grinding the dried coffee grounds have a particle size distribution in which coffee grounds particles having a particle size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm are present in an amount of 94 wt % or more; and initially extruding a first mixture (e.g., Figure 1 Process P17 in the secondary extrusion); a second mixture obtained by mixing the first extrudate extruded in the primary extrusion process with the second additive (e.g., Figure 1 process P19); and in a secondary extrusion process (e.g., Figure 1 The second extrudate extruded in process P21) is dried.

[0135] Depending on the implementation, the drying process may include separately drying the coffee grounds and the biomass.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the drying process may include an infrared irradiation process and an ultraviolet irradiation process.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation process may include irradiating at least one of UV-A, UV-B, or UV-C onto the coffee grounds or biomass.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the infrared irradiation process may be performed until the moisture content of the coffee grounds or biomass is reduced to 4% or less.

[0139] According to an example, the biomass may include at least one selected from wood meal, straw, rice husk, rice bran, soybean husk, or wheat bran.

[0140] According to an example, the polymer resin may include at least one selected from the following: a polypropylene-based polymer resin, a polyethylene-based polymer resin, a polystyrene-based polymer resin, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer-based resin, a polyoxymethylene-based polymer resin, a polyketone-based polymer resin, a thermoplastic elastomer-based resin, or a biodegradable polymer resin.

[0141] According to an example, the first additive may include at least one of an antioxidant, a compatibilizer, or an impact modifier.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the second additive may include at least one of a UV stabilizer or a pigment.

[0143] According to an example, the weight proportion of the ground coffee grounds added during the primary extrusion process may be 3 to 30 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin. The weight proportion of the dried biomass added during the primary extrusion process may be 3 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin. The weight proportion of the first additive added during the primary extrusion process may be 3.4 to 37 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin added during the primary extrusion process. The weight proportion of the second additive added during the secondary extrusion process may be 0.2 to 20 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer resin added during the primary extrusion process.

[0144] Although specific embodiments have been described in detail in this document, various modifications are possible within the scope of this disclosure and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A plastic composite material comprising coffee grounds (e.g., the plastic composite material (1000) in FIG. 7B or FIG. 8C), wherein the coffee grounds have a particle size distribution of 94% by weight or more of coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm, and The plastic composite material has a chromaticity value of 4.4 or less.

2. The plastic composite material according to claim 1, wherein the coffee grounds have a particle size distribution of 48.6% by weight or more for coffee grounds particles having a particle size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 425 μm, and 46.2% by weight or more for coffee grounds particles having a particle size greater than 425 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm.

3. A plastic composite material according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the weight proportion of coffee grounds particles having a particle size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm is at least 52 times greater than the weight proportion of coffee grounds particles having a particle size greater than 180 μm and less than or equal to 250 μm.

4. The plastic composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coffee ground particles having a particle size of more than 850 μm are present in a weight proportion of 3.4% by weight or less.

5. The plastic composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plastic composite material has a chromaticity value of 4.4 or less for UV-A and 3.0 or less for UV-B. 6 . The plastic composite material according to claim 1 , wherein the plastic composite material has an impact strength of 123.4 (J / m) to 190.4 (J / m).

7. The plastic composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plastic composite material has a tensile strength of 14.5 MPa to 16.1 MPa.

8. The plastic composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plastic composite material has a Young's modulus of 1,291 MPa to 1,561 MPa.

9. The plastic composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plastic composite material has a flexural strength of 19.3 MPa to 21.1 MPa.

10. The plastic composite material according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plastic composite material has a flexural modulus of 955 MPa to 1,135 MPa.

11. A method for making a plastic composite material comprising coffee grounds, the method comprising: preparing coffee grounds and biomass (e.g., process P11 in FIG. 1 ); Drying the coffee grounds and the biomass (e.g., process P13 in FIG. 1 ); freeze grinding the dried coffee grounds (e.g., process P15 in FIG. 1 ), wherein the coffee grounds formed by grinding the dried coffee grounds have a particle size distribution as follows: 94% by weight or more of coffee ground particles having a particle size greater than 250 μm and less than or equal to 850 μm; Initially extruding a first mixture obtained by mixing a polymer resin, ground coffee grounds, dried biomass, and a first additive (e.g., step P17 in FIG. 1 ); Secondary extrusion of a second mixture obtained by mixing the first extrudate extruded in the primary extrusion process with the second additive (eg, step P19 in FIG. 1 ); and The second extrudate extruded in the secondary extrusion process is dried (eg, process P21 of FIG. 1 ).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the drying process is a process of drying the coffee grounds and the biomass separately.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the drying process comprises an infrared irradiation process and an ultraviolet irradiation process.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the ultraviolet irradiation process is a process of irradiating at least one of UV-A, UV-B or UV-C onto the coffee grounds or the biomass.

15. The method according to any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the infrared irradiation process is performed until the coffee grounds or the biomass has a moisture content of 4% or less.

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