A breathable plastic flowerpot and a manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to a breathable plastic flowerpot and a manufacturing method thereof, and the manufacturing method comprises the following steps: fully mixing plastic particles and mixed plant fibers according to a weight ratio of 5-7:3-5 to obtain a mixture, wherein the mixed plant fibers comprise modified plant fibers and unmodified plant fibers; injecting the mixture into a flowerpot mold through an extruder to obtain a flowerpot embryo after cooling; polishing the upper part of the inner and outer sidewalls of the flowerpot embryo to expose the mixed plant fibers. By adding the mixed plant fibers, the modified plant fibers are used to improve the mechanical properties of the plastic flowerpot due to good compatibility with the plastic and tight connection; the unmodified plant fibers are used to further improve the air permeability of the plastic flowerpot due to poor compatibility with the plastic and cavities at the connection position, which increases air gaps in the flowerpot body; and the boss arranged at the bottom of the flowerpot body and combined with the waterproof layer can form a water storage position at the bottom of the flowerpot body, so that the frequency of watering is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of plastic flower pot technology, and in particular to a breathable plastic flower pot and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] With societal progress, numerous flowers and plants are placed in homes and offices, and their growth depends on flowerpots. Based on their material, flowerpots can be categorized into ceramic, wooden, and plastic. Plastic flowerpots, due to their lightweight, ease of processing, and variety of colors, have gained widespread use.

[0003] However, because plastic flower pots are not breathable, they hinder root respiration, easily causing waterlogging and root rot, which affects the growth of plants. Most existing plastic flower pots improve their breathability by adding ventilation holes to the side walls, but these holes can cause muddy water to leak out during watering, polluting the external environment and affecting the pot's appearance.

[0004] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this application proposes a breathable plastic flower pot and a method for manufacturing the same. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a breathable plastic flowerpot and its manufacturing method to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A breathable plastic flowerpot includes a flowerpot body made of plastic, with plant fibers mixed inside the flowerpot body, forming breathable channels between the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body; a waterproof layer is provided on the outer surface of the flowerpot body, covering the bottom and lower sides of the flowerpot body.

[0007] Furthermore, a protrusion is provided at the bottom of the flowerpot body, and the height of the protrusion is greater than the height of the waterproof layer on the side of the flowerpot body.

[0008] Furthermore, the boss is a ring-shaped boss, and several ring-shaped bosses are coaxially arranged at the bottom of the flowerpot body.

[0009] Furthermore, a mesh panel is placed on the protrusion.

[0010] A method for manufacturing any of the above-mentioned breathable plastic flower pots includes the following steps:

[0011] Step S1: Mix plastic granules and mixed plant fibers thoroughly at a weight ratio of 5-7:3-5 to obtain a mixture. The mixed plant fibers include modified plant fibers and unmodified plant fibers.

[0012] Step S2: The mixture is injected into the flowerpot mold through an extruder and cooled to obtain the flowerpot body;

[0013] Step S3: Grind the upper part of the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body to expose the mixed plant fibers at the grinding location.

[0014] Furthermore, the method for preparing the modified plant fiber in step S1 includes:

[0015] Step S11: Soak the unmodified plant fiber in a 3% sodium hydroxide solution for 24 hours;

[0016] Step S12: Take out the soaked unmodified plant fibers and wash them until the pH of the water after washing is 7-8;

[0017] Step S13: Dry the cleaned unmodified plant fibers at 120-160℃ for 18 hours to obtain modified plant fibers.

[0018] Furthermore, the extrusion temperature of the extruder is 170-190℃.

[0019] Furthermore, the plastic granules are one of PE granules, PP granules, PVC granules, or ABS granules.

[0020] Furthermore, the unmodified plant fiber is a type of bamboo fiber, wood fiber, or hemp fiber.

[0021] Furthermore, unmodified plant fibers account for 30%-50% of the mixed plant fibers.

[0022] The technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0023] 1. By mixing plant fibers into plastic granules and exposing the plant fibers on the inner and outer surfaces of the flowerpot body through grinding after molding, a three-dimensional plant fiber network connected to the inner and outer surfaces of the flowerpot body is formed in the flowerpot body, thereby improving the air permeability of the plastic flowerpot.

[0024] 2. By adding mixed plant fibers, the mechanical properties of the plastic flowerpot are enhanced by the good compatibility and tight connection between the modified plant fibers and plastic; the poor compatibility and voids at the joints of the unmodified plant fibers increase the air gaps in the flowerpot body, further improving the air permeability of the plastic flowerpot.

[0025] 3. By polishing only the upper part of the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body, the bottom and lower part of the flowerpot body are still wrapped in plastic to form a waterproof layer, thereby preventing water from seeping out along the plant fibers in the plastic flowerpot and ensuring the cleanliness and appearance of the plastic flowerpot exterior.

[0026] 4. By setting a protrusion at the bottom of the flowerpot body and combining it with a waterproof layer, a water storage position can be formed at the bottom of the flowerpot body, thereby reducing the frequency of watering. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the plastic flowerpot according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a plastic flowerpot according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Attached reference numerals: 1. Flowerpot body; 11. Waterproof layer; 12. Annular boss; 2. Mesh panel. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 The illustrated breathable plastic flowerpot includes a flowerpot body 1, which is a cylindrical or square-shaped container formed by plastic injection molding with an open top. Plant fibers are mixed into the plastic of the flowerpot body 1, forming a three-dimensional network that communicates with the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body 1. This creates air-permeable channels between the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body 1, thereby improving the breathability of the plastic flowerpot.

[0034] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, a waterproof layer 11 is provided on the outer surface of the flowerpot body 1, covering the bottom and lower part of the sides of the flowerpot body 1. Two annular protrusions 12 are integrally formed on the bottom of the flowerpot body 1, concentrically arranged with the center of the bottom of the flowerpot body 1, and the height of the annular protrusions 12 is greater than the height of the waterproof layer 11 on the sides of the flowerpot body 1. Under the action of the waterproof layer 11, water storage spaces can be formed between the annular protrusions 12 and between the annular protrusions 12 and the inner wall of the flowerpot body 1, thereby reducing the frequency of watering the plants. Because the annular protrusions 12 are higher than the waterproof layer 11, excess water can slowly seep out through the plant fiber network, thus preventing water accumulation inside the plastic flowerpot and root rot. Preferably, a mesh plate 2 is placed on the annular protrusions 12 to prevent the roots of the plants from extending into the water storage space.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] A method for manufacturing a breathable plastic flowerpot according to Embodiment 1 includes the following steps:

[0037] Step S1: Plastic granules and mixed plant fibers are thoroughly mixed in a mixer at a weight ratio of 5-7:3-5 to obtain a mixture. The plastic granules are one of PE, PP, PVC, or ABS granules. The mixed plant fibers include modified and unmodified plant fibers. Modified plant fibers are obtained by modifying unmodified plant fibers. Unmodified plant fibers are one of bamboo, wood, or hemp fibers, and account for 30-50% of the mixed plant fibers. By adjusting the ratio of mixed plant fibers to plastic granules and the proportion of unmodified plant fibers in the mixed plant fibers, the porosity of the plastic flowerpot can be adjusted. The higher the proportion of mixed plant fibers in the plastic granules and the higher the proportion of unmodified plant fibers in the mixed plant fibers, the higher the porosity of the plastic flowerpot and the better its air permeability, but the lower its structural strength. Preferably, the ratio of plastic granules to mixed plant fibers is 6:4, and the unmodified plant fibers account for 40% of the mixed plant fibers.

[0038] Methods for preparing modified plant fibers include:

[0039] Step S11: Soak the unmodified plant fiber in a 3% sodium hydroxide solution for 24 hours;

[0040] Step S12: Take out the soaked unmodified plant fiber and rinse it with clean water until the pH of the water after rinsing is 7-8;

[0041] Step S13: Place the cleaned unmodified plant fibers into an oven and dry them at 120-160℃ for 18 hours to obtain modified plant fibers.

[0042] Modified plant fibers treated with sodium hydroxide have impurities such as pectin and hemicellulose removed, resulting in higher thermal stability. Simultaneously, the removal of impurities increases the fiber's porous structure, enhancing its specific surface area, improving its bonding with the plastic matrix, and improving its mechanical properties. In contrast, unmodified plant fibers have poor compatibility with the plastic matrix, creating a clear boundary between the fiber and the plastic body, resulting in more cavities and increasing the air gaps in the plastic flowerpot, further improving its breathability.

[0043] Step S2: The mixture is injected into the flowerpot mold through an extruder and cooled to obtain the flowerpot blank; wherein, the extrusion temperature of the extruder is 180℃, at which temperature the plastic flowerpot has the best impact resistance and tensile strength, and the mixed plant fibers will not carbonize.

[0044] Step S3: Grind the upper part of the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body to expose the mixed plant fibers at the grinding location.

[0045] During injection molding, the difference in flow and solidification speed between plant fibers and the plastic matrix results in a surface layer of plastic flowerpot entirely composed of the plastic matrix, while the plant fibers are encased within it. By sanding the upper part of the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body, the mixed plant fibers within the plastic matrix are exposed, thus opening gas channels between the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot. Retaining the lower sides and bottom of the plastic flowerpot allows it to act as a waterproof layer and retain water. Furthermore, the sanding creates steps on the outer wall of the flowerpot, preventing water from flowing directly onto the surface where the flowerpot is placed, thus keeping the surface clean.

[0046] The technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0047] 1. By mixing plant fibers into plastic granules and exposing the plant fibers on the inner and outer surfaces of the flowerpot body through grinding after molding, a three-dimensional plant fiber network connected to the inner and outer surfaces of the flowerpot body is formed in the flowerpot body, thereby improving the air permeability of the plastic flowerpot.

[0048] 2. By adding mixed plant fibers, the mechanical properties of the plastic flowerpot are enhanced by the good compatibility and tight connection between the modified plant fibers and plastic; the poor compatibility and voids at the joints of the unmodified plant fibers increase the air gaps in the flowerpot body, further improving the air permeability of the plastic flowerpot.

[0049] 3. By polishing only the upper part of the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body, the bottom and lower part of the flowerpot body are still wrapped in plastic to form a waterproof layer, thereby preventing water from seeping out along the plant fibers in the plastic flowerpot and ensuring the cleanliness and appearance of the plastic flowerpot exterior.

[0050] 4. By setting a protrusion at the bottom of the flowerpot body and combining it with a waterproof layer, a water storage position can be formed at the bottom of the flowerpot body, thereby reducing the frequency of watering.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A breathable plastic flowerpot, characterized in that, The device includes a flowerpot body made of plastic, with plant fibers mixed inside, forming a breathable channel between the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body. A waterproof layer is provided on the outer surface of the flowerpot body, covering the bottom and lower sides of the flowerpot body. A protrusion is provided at the bottom of the flowerpot body, the height of which is greater than the height of the waterproof layer on the sides of the flowerpot body, and a mesh plate is placed on the protrusion. Its preparation method includes the following steps: Step S1: Mix plastic granules and mixed plant fibers thoroughly at a weight ratio of 5-7:3-5 to obtain a mixture. The mixed plant fibers include modified plant fibers and unmodified plant fibers, with the unmodified plant fibers accounting for 30%-50% of the mixed plant fibers. Step S2: The mixture is injected into a flowerpot mold through an extruder and cooled to obtain a flowerpot blank; Step S3: Grind the upper part of the inner and outer walls of the flowerpot body to expose the mixed plant fibers at the grinding position. The method for preparing the modified plant fiber in step S1 includes: Step S11: Soak the unmodified plant fiber in a 3% sodium hydroxide solution for 24 hours.

2. The breathable plastic flowerpot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The boss is an annular boss, and several of the annular bosses are coaxially arranged at the bottom of the flowerpot body.

3. The breathable plastic flowerpot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method for preparing modified plant fibers in step S1 further includes: Step S12: Take out the soaked unmodified plant fibers and wash them until the pH of the water after washing is 7-8; Step S13: Dry the cleaned unmodified plant fibers at 120-160℃ for 18 hours to obtain modified plant fibers.

4. A breathable plastic flowerpot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion temperature of the extruder is 170-190℃.

5. A breathable plastic flowerpot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic granules are one of PE granules, PP granules, PVC granules or ABS granules.

6. A breathable plastic flowerpot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unmodified plant fiber is one of bamboo fiber, wood fiber, or hemp fiber.

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