BIO-degradable tubes for several industrial applications and the method for making thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the development of bio-degradable tubes for applications in food handling, dentistry, cosmetics, stationery, and other industrial applications. It also relates to bio degradable tubes made by a novel method of obtaining the cuticle layer of select plants leaves and stem and a novel method of processing the cuticle to reinforce its water resistant properties and a novel method of making tubes of required lengths, diameters and thickness of tube walls. It particularly relates to the development of tubes made from peeled and processed cuticle of plant leaf and stem for use in food handling, dentistry, toiletries, stationery, cosmetics and the method of peeling and processing the cuticle and the method of making the tubes from the processed cuticle. It also pertains to the development of suitable method for making the bio- degradable tubes for several industrial applications.

Description

[0001] BIO DEGRADABLE TUBES FOR SEVERAL INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS AND THE METHOD FOR MAKING THEREOF

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the development of bio-degradable tubes for applications in food handling, dentistry, cosmetics, stationery, and other industrial applications. It also relates to bio degradable tubes made by a novel method of obtaining the cuticle layer of select plants leaves and stem and a novel method of processing the cuticle to reinforce its water resistant properties and a novel method of making tubes of required lengths, diameters and thickness of tube walls. It particularly relates to the development of tubes made from peeled and processed cuticle of plant leaf and stem for use in food handling, dentistry, toiletries, stationery, cosmetics and the method of peeling and processing the cuticle and the method of making the tubes from the processed cuticle. It also pertains to the development of suitable method for making the bio- degradable food handling device.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Generally, a drinking straw is an elongated tube that allows a user to draw fluid from tender coconuts, fluid containers and the like to consume drinkables. Typically, drinking straws are made of a plastic material, which incurs less cost to manufacture. However, use of the plastic material account for a significant amount of un-recycled plastic waste and contribute to plastic pollution in the eco-system. Some drinking straws are made of paper.

[0006] Though paper straws are bio-degradable, the manufacturing of paper straws incurs high cost. In some cases, drinking straws are made of single layer of leaf strip which is rolled longitudinally and the glue is applied along a longitudinal portion of the leaf strip to join the longitudinal portion with corresponding portion of the leaf strip to maintain the leaf strip in the rolled position. Though, such drinking straws are bio -degradable, the joining of longitudinal portion of the leaf strip with corresponding portion of the leaf strip would result in glue being spread onto an inner portion and / or an outer portion of the straw and the glue may come in direct contact with the drinkable which is undesirable.

[0007] Further, the inner portion of the single layered bio-degradable straw is an abaxial portion of the leaf which has negligible wax on it and the inner portion of the straw is prone to fungal attack under humid conditions which is harmful to the user and also reduces the shelf life of the straws. Furthermore, the inner portion of the straw which is the abaxial portion of the leaf is home to several insects and spiders and is also subjected to accumulation of dirt and other foreign particles and the chances of such leaf not getting completely cleaned is very high thereby posing hygiene issues in the straws.

[0008] In view of the above, there is a need for a bio-degradable food handling device, which overcomes the aforementioned limitations, while providing additional technical advantages.

[0009] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0010] Single use plastic tubes are used in food handling as straws, chopsticks and stirrers, in dentistry for purpose of suction, in cosmetics as body for lip balms, in stationery for making body for pens, markers, glue stick. These single use plastic tubes are then disposed off in landfills which end up polluting land and oceans with catastrophic consequences. There is a need to find a biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to these single use plastic tubes. There are a few alternatives like bamboo tubes, bagasse tube, com starch tubes. The inventor has also developed single and multi-layered drinking straws from naturally dried and fallen coconut leaves. (Patent application nos. 201841032438 & 201941016219). While the single and multi-layered straws made from coconut leaves offers a biodegradable alternative to single use plastic and paper straws, the present invention is an improvement over the straws made from coconut leaves and has the following distinct advantages over the previous invention of single and multi-layered drinking straws made from coconut leaves. i. The entire tissue and fibre matter is shaved away from the abaxial region of the select plant leaves and stem and only the cuticle layer is obtained and processed to roll them into tubes. This makes the tube light weight and flexible, with better elasticity which prevents it from cracking if pressed as it retains it original shape. ii. The tubes made from the cuticle layer enhances the overall look, feel, finesse and efficiency of the tubes making it suitable to be used for a wide range of applications replacing plastic and paper tubes. iii. The removal of all tissue material from the cuticle and the processed cuticle layer which is rolled into tubes ensures the removal of all dirt, detritus of insects and spiders which usually house on the abaxial surface of leaves. iv. The tubes made with the processed cuticle of select plant leaves and stem enhances its shelf life. v. The removal of all tissue material from the cuticle layer and processing of cuticle makes it less susceptible to fungal attack as the processed cuticle does not provide any hospitable conditions for fungi to sustain. vi. The cuticle layer obtained after shaving off the entire fibre and tissue mass, is a thing layer in the range of 0.3mm to 0.4 mm in thickness. This improves the efficiency of gluing of cuticle layers over one another and the time required for the curing of the glue which are key aspects in the process involved in making the tubes. In comparison, the earlier invention in which the leaf strips which are only partially scraped require more time for the curing of the glue necessitating the need for more efficient rolling systems and heating elements in the straw making process which increase the cost of production and the resultant tube with the glued layers has a tendency to open up faster when immersed in beverages.

[0011] The efficient and faster gluing and curing properties of the cuticle strips increases productivity and brings down cost of production which is a crucial aspect in industrial application and commercialization. vii. The tubes made in the earlier invention with partially scraped leaves in which the leaf strips still had substantial fibre and tissue mass left an organic odour and also tended to alter the flavor of the beverage after one hour which is a repulsive aspect for customers. The tubes made from the cuticle eliminates organic odour and does not alter the flavor of the beverage even if the straw remains in the beverage for prolonged hours. viii. One of the major shortcomings of the available organic straws in the market is that they are straight straws which do not have a bended portion at the sipping end which facilitates easy sipping of beverages without having to tilt the container which could lead to spilling of beverages particularly when used by children. The present invention of straws made from cuticle of select plant leaves and stem are flexible with sufficient elastic properties such that a ribbed portion is provided towards the sipping portion of the straw such that a bended portion can be made which enables the user to bend the sipping portion of the tube at the desired angle to sip the beverage without necessitating the user to tilt the container and thus, prevent the risk of spilling the beverage. This is a distinct advantage particularly for children and bed patients who need to consume liquids and beverages. ix. The tubes made from cuticle of leaves hold steady in the beverage without disintegrating for more than 100 hours. The tubes made for cuticle straws have smooth outer and inner walls with no hospitable condition for fungal growth and are easy to clean, dried and stored to be used multiple time. This makes the straw reusable making it a cost effective biodegradable device for consumers. The bio-degradable multi-layered tubes made from cuticle can be a cost effective alternative to plastic tubes used in dentistry, toiletries, stationery, cosmetics etc. x. This invention widens the ambit of the raw material beyond coconut leaves as cuticle of select plant leaves from other plant families can also be used to make the tubes and this ensures meeting the increasingly growing demand for such tubes which are eco- friendly, as alternative to plastic and paper tubes in wide range of applications. xi. The tubes made from cuticle layers can stay in hot liquids of upto 70 degree Celsius without disintegrating and can be a cost effective and efficient straw that can be used for consumption of hot beverages.

[0012] The above stated distinct advantages of tubes made from the cuticle of select plant leaves and stems motivated the present invention.

[0013] OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The primary object of the present invention is to the development of bio-degradable tube for applications in food handling, dentistry, cosmetics, stationery, and other industrial applications.

[0015] The particular object of the present invention is to develop a bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications which is drinking straw.

[0016] The specific object of present invention is to develop a suitable method for making the biodegradable tube for several industrial applications. It is another object of the present invention is to develop bio degradable tubes made by a novel method of obtaining the cuticle layer of select plants leaves and stem and a novel method of processing the cuticle to reinforce its water resistant properties and a novel method of making tubes of required lengths, diameters and thickness of tube walls.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention is to develop tubes made from peeled and processed cuticle of plant leaf and stem for use in food handling, dentistry, toiletries, stationery, cosmetics and the method of peeling and processing the cuticle and the method of making the tubes from the processed cuticle.

[0018] Yet another object is to provide an effective and a bio-degradable tube for applications in food handling, dentistry, cosmetics, stationery, and other industrial applications which is safe as it employs natural agents and hence the developed product is environmental friendly.

[0019] A further object is to provide a safe a bio-degradable tube for applications in food handling, dentistry, cosmetics, stationery, and other industrial applications that does not cause any adverse effects on people.

[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bio-degradable tube for applications in food handling, dentistry, cosmetics, stationery, and other industrial applications with a longer shelflife.

[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications which is cost effective.

[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications which is easy to use with little technical expertise. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications comprising:

[0024] (a)collecting the leaf or stem part of the selected plant for making of bio-degradable tube;

[0025] (b) then cutting of collected leaf or stem at step (a) into narrow strips of different sizes;

[0026] (c)then the fibre and tissue of the sized cut strips at step (b) are shaved off from the abaxial layer to obtain the adaxial cuticle layer;

[0027] (d) then the cuticle layer obtained at step (c) is hot steam pressed to reinforce its water resistant properties and give it a sheen on the upper surface while the under surface of the cuticle is rough;

[0028] (e) then the hot steam pressed cuticle layer of step (d) is rolled into to form the biodegradable tube; wherein optionally the leaf is dipped in hot water for 10 minutes to soften the tissue before step (c).

[0029] The leaf is selected from the family of Arecaceae, Pandanaceae, Bromeliaceae, and the stem from the family Musaceae and more particularly the leaves of Pandanus plant, Coconut plant, Pineapple plant or stem of Banana plant and preferably it is a coconut leaf.

[0030] The selected leaf is either a sustainably grown green leaf or naturally dried and fallen leaves. In case of naturally dried and fallen leaves or stem they are soaked in water until they are soft enough to be worked with. In case of Pandanus leaves and Pineapple leaves the cuticle on both the adaxial and abaxial layer peels out naturally and can be soaked until soft to work with.

[0031] The narrow strips having sizes of 15 mm to 25 mm width and 330mm length.

[0032] The narrow strip having size of 18 mm width and 330 mm of length is cut.

[0033] The formed tube is single layered spirally rolled tube. The formed tube is single layered longitudinally rolled tube.

[0034] The formed tube is multi-layered tube in which the inner layer is spirally rolled and the outer layer is longitudinally rolled.

[0035] The formed tube is multi-layered tube in which both the inner and outer layer are spirally rolled.

[0036] The formed tube is multi-layered tube in which the inner layer is spirally rolled and the outer layer is formed by a longitudinal overlap of two half cuticle strips.

[0037] The formed tube is either a multi-layered tube or a multi-layered tube with a ribbed portion towards one end of the tube which facilitates the bending of the tube.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS / FIGURES

[0039] The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of illustrative embodiment (s) when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pandanus leaf, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view o f a c o c o n ut leaf, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pineapple leaf, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a b an an a , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the leaf strips 5A and 5B of desired widths and lengths which are obtained from either of the select plant leaves or stem from which the cuticle layers will be obtained. Fig 5A shows a perspective view of the shiny surface of the cuticle and Fig 5B shows the rough surface of the cuticle.

[0044] Figure 6 shows the perspective view which illustrates the scaling off of the tissue and fibre mass from the abaxial layer of the select plant leaf or stem and the cuticle layer obtained by scaling off and separating the fibre and tissue mass 6B to obtain the cuticle layer of the adaxial layer 6A.

[0045] Figure 7 shows the perspective view of a processed cuticle strip 7A which will be rolled spirally over a core to make a single layered tube. A food grade glue is applied along the margin 7D on the rough surface of the cuticle along its length and spirally rolled along a metal core such that the glue applied along the margin along the length on one side overlaps and sticks along the margin on the complementary side along the margin. Two clips 7G, 71, hold the either ends of the tube to prevent uncoiling of the spiral tube until the glue is cured. After the glue is cured the clips are removed and the spirally made tube is pulled out of the core 7F resulting in a single layered spirally rolled tube 7J.

[0046] Fig 8 shows the perspective of a processed cuticle 8A which will be rolled longitudinally along a metal core to make a single layered longitudinally rolled tube. A food grade glue 8D is applied along the margin along the length on the cuticle on one side along the length and longitudinally rolled over a metal core such that the complementary margin of the cuticle strip 8C sticks over the glued margin 8D. Two clips 8F, 8H hold the tube in place till the glue is cured. After the glue is cured, the clips are removed and the tube is pulled out of the metal core resulting in a longitudinally rolled single layered tube 8G.

[0047] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a multi-layered bio-degradable food handling device obtained through spiral rolling of multiple cuticle strip onto a metal core, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in which 9A, 9B are two processed cuticle strips which are rolled on a metal core as illustrated. 9C is the metal core on which the first processed cuticle strip 9D is rolled spirally such that the shiny surface of the cuticle forms the inner wall of the tube and the rough surface layer of the cuticle is the outer surface layer. Two clips 9F and 9G are clipped at either ends of the metal core over the ends of the spirally rolled cuticle strip. A food grade glue is applied on this rough outer surface layer and the second cuticle layer 9E is stuck longitudinally on the spirally rolled layer such that the rough surface of the second cuticle 9E is glued over the rough surface of the spirally rolled layer such that the shiny layer of the second cuticle forms the outer wall of the resultant tube 91 over the metal core 9H. The extra portions of this cuticle strip extending on either side of the spirally rolled strip are sliced off so that this cuticle strip laps over one half of the spirally rolled strip along the length between the two clips. The clips are removed after the glue is cured and the multi-layered tube is pulled out of the core 9H resulting in a multi-layered tube 9J.

[0048] Fig 10 shows a perspective view of two cuticle strips 10A and 10 B which forms a multilayered spirally rolled inner and outer layer on a metal core 10C. 10 D is the first cuticle layer 10D which is spirally rolled on a metal core such that the shiny surface of the cuticle forms the inner layer and the outer surface is the rough surface layer. Two clips 10E and 10F are clipped at either ends of the spirally rolled strip to prevent uncoiling of the spirally rolled cuticle strip. A food grade glue is applied over the rough outer surface of first spirally rolled cuticle strip and the second cuticle strip 10G is spirally rolled over the first spirally rolled cuticle strip such that the rough surface of the second cuticle 10G laps over the rough surface of the first spirally rolled cuticle strip. After the glue is cured, the clips are removed and the multi-layered spirally layered straw is pulled out from the metal core 10 H resulting in a multi-layered straw in which both the outer and inner cuticle strips are spirally rolled.

[0049] Fig 11 shows the perspective views of three cuticle strips 11A, 1 IB, 11C of which 11A forms the inner spirally rolled cuticle strip and 11B and 11C form the two halves of the outer longitudinally rolled cuticle strips. The width of the two halves 11B, 11C are maintained such that second outer half cuticle strip overlaps the first outer half along the margin along the length on the inner spirally rolled strip. The first cuticle strip HE is rolled spirally rolled over the metal core such that the shiny surface forms the inner wall of the tube and the rough surface forms the outer surface. Two clips 11G, 11H, hold either ends of the spirally rolled strip to prevent uncoiling. Glue is applied on the rough outer surface of the spirally rolled strip HE and the cuticle strip 11F1 is laid over one half of the spirally rolled cuticle strip along its length such that the rough surface of the cuticle strip 11F1 is glued over the rough surface of the spirally rolled cuticle strip HE. The extra portions of this cuticle strip extending on either side of the spirally rolled strip are sliced off so that this cuticle strip laps over one half of the spirally rolled strip along the length between the two clips.

[0050] Glue is applied on the cuticle strip 11F2 and it is laid longitudinally over the other half of the spirally rolled strip 1 IE such that the rough surface of the cuticle strip 11F2 is glued over the rough surface of the spirally rolled cuticle strip 1 IE. The cuticle strip 11F2 overlaps and glues over the cuticle strip 11F1 along the margin along its length. The extra portions of this cuticle strip extending on either side of the spirally rolled strip are sliced off so that this cuticle strip laps over one half of the spirally rolled strip along the length between the two clips After the glue is cured the clips are removed and the multi-layered straw 11 J is pulled out from the metal core 111 and a multi-layered straw 11 H is formed in which the inner layer is a spirally rolled strip and the outer layer is made of two cuticle strips each of which overlaps one half of the spirally rolled cuticle strip along the length of the inner spirally rolled cuticle strip.

[0051] Fig 12 presents a perspective view of the a straw made from leaf cuticle which is either a single layered straw or a multi-layered straw made in any of the methods described in wherein a ribbed portion 12A is provided towards one of the ends which facilitates the bending of the upper portion of the tube. The process of making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed 1 or 2 wherein the leaf from which the cuticle is peeled and processed is either a green leaf, or a naturally dried leaf. In case of a fully dried pineapple leaf and pandanus leaf the cuticle of both the adaxial layer and the abaxial layer can be peeled and used to make them into tubes wherein the said dried leaf is soaked in water until they are soft enough to work with.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] Flow chart of processes involved in peeling and processing of cuticle of select plant leaves and stem to roll them into singe and multi-layered tubes:

[0054] The leaves / stem are cut into narrow strips of desired widths and lengths

[0055] The strips of is optional)

[0056] The fibre and tissue of the the adaxial cuticle layer.

[0057] This processed leaf strips, thus obtained are used to make single / multi-layered tu obtain tubes of varying thickness and lengths based on the required applications Examples:

[0058] A working example is described below to illustrate the process involved in making straws either single or multi-layered from the cuticle of select plant leaves and stem.

[0059] Step 1 : A coconut leaflet is obtained after removing the midrib from the coconut leaf.

[0060] Step 2: The leaflet is cleaned in water at room temperature manually or using a power operated leaf cleaning machine.

[0061] Step 3: The leaflet is rendered into a strip of uniform width along the length of the leaf by passing it through a width cutting device such that a leaf strip of a uniform width of 18 mm and length 330 mm is obtained.

[0062] Step 4: The leaf strip of 18 mm width and length 330 mm is soaked in hot water in a container in which the temperature of water is maintained between 80-100 degrees Celsius for 10 mins.

[0063] Step 5 : The said leaf strip is taken out from the hot water and the abaxial (under side of the leaf) is peeled / scraped / scaled off using a knife or by passing it through a manually / power operated leaf slitting / peeling device such that the fibre and tissue mass is peeled / scraped / scaled off and the cuticle on of the adaxial (upper) layer is obtained.

[0064] Step 6: This cuticle strip that is obtained with a width of 18 mm and length 330 mm is washed and the remaining fibre and tissue mass is cleaned off from the under side of the cuticle.

[0065] Step 7: The said cuticle strip is then sun dried or dried in a power operated dryer.

[0066] Step 8: The said cuticle strip is then moistened and given a hot press or given a steam hot press roll to obtain a cuticle strip which has a smooth shiny finish on its upper surface and a comparatively rougher under surface and the said cuticle strip has reinforced water resistant properties. Step 9: The cuticle strip thus obtained of width 18 mm and length 330mm is then ready to be rolled into a single layered straw.

[0067] Step 10: Food grade glue is applied along the margin of the cuticle leaf strip along the length on the underside which is a slightly rough surface.

[0068] Step 11: A food grade metal core preferably a 304 grade steel rod of 7mm diameter and length 400 mm is taken and the cuticle strip on which a food grade glue is applied along the margin along the length is spirally rolled along the metal rod such that the margin on which the glue is applied overlaps the complementary margin of the cuticle leaf strip along the length to form a spirally rolled tube. Two clips are clipped at either ends of the spirally rolled cuticle tube to prevent uncoiling of the strip until the glue is cured.

[0069] Step 12: The two clips are removed after the glue is cured and the spirally rolled tube is pulled out of the metal core.

[0070] Step 13: This tube is given a finished cut at either ends resulting is a spirally rolled tube of 7 mm and length 203.2 mm

[0071] Another working example is described below to illustrate the process involved in making a straw which is multi-layered made from the cuticle of select plant leaves and stem.

[0072] Step 1 : Three coconut leaflets are obtained after removing the midrib from the coconut leaf.

[0073] Step 2: The leaflets cleaned in water at room temperature manually or using a power operated leaf cleaning machine.

[0074] Step 3: The leaflets are rendered into strips of uniform width along the length of each leaf by passing it through a width cutting device such that a leaf strip of a uniform width of 18 mm and length 330 mm is obtained.

[0075] Step 4: The leaf strips of 18 mm width and length 330mm is soaked in hot water in a container in which the temperature of water is maintained between 80-100 degrees Celsius for 10 mins

[0076] Step 5 : Each of the said leaf strips are taken out from the hot water and the abaxial (under side of the leaf) is peeled / scraped / scaled off using a knife or by passing it through a manually / power operated leaf slitting / peeling device such that the fibre and tissue mass is peeled / scraped / scaled off and the cuticle on of the adaxial (upper) layer is obtained from each of the two leaflets.

[0077] Step 6: Each of the said cuticle strips that are obtained has width of 18 mm and length 330 mm is washed and the remaining fibre and tissue mass is cleaned off from the underside of each of the cuticle strips

[0078] Step 7: The said cuticle strips are then sun dried or dried in a power operated dryer.

[0079] Step 8: The cuticle strips are then moistened and given a hot press or given a steam hot press roll to obtain cuticle strips which have a smooth shiny finish on their upper surface and a comparatively rougher under surface and the said cuticle strips have reinforced water resistant properties.

[0080] Step 9: The cuticle strip thus obtained are of width 18 mm and length 330mm and are ready to be rolled into a multi-layered straw.

[0081] Step 10: A food grade metal core preferably a 304 grade steel rod of 7mm diameter and length 400 m is taken. One of the said cuticle strips of width 18 mm is taken and rolled spirally along the metal rod such that the shiny adaxial surface forms the inner wall of the spirally rolled tube and the rough under surface of the cuticle strip is the outer exposed surface of the rolled tube. This strip can be rolled with or without the marginal overlaps of the two margins of the cuticle strip along the length. Two clips are clipped at the two ends of the spirally rolled tube to prevent uncoiling from the metal core.

[0082] Step 12: The second cuticle strip of width 18 mm and length 330 mm is taken and a food grade glue is applied on the rough under surface and glued over the rough exposed surface of the spirally rolled cuticle strip such that the shiny adaxial layer of the second cuticle strip forms the outer wall surface of the resultant tube. The extra portions of this cuticle strip extending on either side of the spirally rolled strip are sliced off so that this cuticle strip laps over one half of the spirally rolled strip along the length between the two clips

[0083] Step 12: The third cuticle strip of width 18 mm and length 330mm is taken and a food grade glue is applied on the rough under surface of the cuticle strip and glued over the first spirally rolled cuticle strip and second longitudinally rolled cuticle strip surface in a way that the central longitudinal line of this third cuticle strips aligns with the longitudinal distal margins of the second cuticle strip which is longitudinally rolled over the spirally rolled cuticle strip.

[0084] The third cuticle layer is glued over the first spirally rolled cuticle strip and the second longitudinally rolled cuticle strip in such a way that the shiny adaxial surface forms the outer wall surface of the resultant tube. The extra portions of this cuticle strip extending on either side of the spirally rolled strip are sliced off so that this cuticle strip laps over one half of the spirally rolled strip along the length between the two clips.

[0085] Step 13: The clips are removed after the glue is cured and the tube is pulled out of the metal core.

[0086] Step 14: The end portions of the tube is given a finished cut and the tube is cleaned and uv sterilized.

[0087] Thus a tube of 7mm diameter and length 203.2 mm is obtained from three cuticle strips.

Claims

aim,1. A process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications comprising:(a) collecting the leaf or stem part of the selected plant for making of bio-degradable tube;(b) then cutting of collected leaf or stem at step (a) into narrow strips of different sizes;(c) then the fibre and tissue of the sized cut strips at step (b) are shaved off from the abaxial layer to obtain the adaxial cuticle layer;(d) then the cuticle layer obtained at step (c) is hot steam pressed to reinforce its water resistant properties and give it a sheen on the upper surface while the under surface of the cuticle is rough;(e) then the hot steam pressed cuticle layer of step (d) is rolled into to form the biodegradable tube; wherein optionally the leaf is dipped in hot water for 10 minutes to soften the tissue before step (c).

2. The process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plant (leaf) is selected from Pandanus, Coconut, Pineapple or stem in case of Banana.

3. The process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the leaf selected is the leaf of Coconut.

4. The process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 1 wherein the narrow strips having sizes of 15mm -to 25mm width and 330 mm length.

5. The process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 1 wherein the narrow strip having size of 18 mm width and 330 mm of length is cut.

6. The process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 1 wherein the formed tube is single layered spirally rolled tube.

7. The process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 1 wherein the formed tube is single layered longitudinally rolled tube.

8. The process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 1 wherein the formed tube is multi-layered tube in which the inner layer is spirally rolled and the outer layer is longitudinally rolled.

9. The process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 1 wherein the formed tube is multi-layered tube in which both the inner and outer layer are spirally rolled.

10. The process for making of bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 1 wherein the formed tube is multi-layered tube in which the inner layer is spirally rolled and the outer layer is formed by a longitudinal overlap of two half cuticle strips.

11. A bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications obtained by the process as claimed in claim 1.

12. A bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 11 wherein tube is single layered spirally rolled tube.

13. A bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 11 wherein tube is single layered longitudinally rolled tube.

14. A bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 11 wherein tube is multi-layered tube in which the inner layer is spirally rolled and the outer layer is longitudinally rolled.

15. A bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 11 wherein tube is multi-layered tube in which both the inner and outer layer are spirally rolled.

16. A bio-degradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 11 wherein the said tube is multi-layered tube in which the inner layer is spirally rolled and the outer layer is formed by a longitudinal overlap of two half cuticle strips.

17. A bio-degradable tube for several industrial application as claimed in claim 11 wherein the said tube is either a single layered straw or a mutli-layered straw in which the said tube is provided a ribbed portion towards one end of the tube which facilitates the bending of the upper portion of the tube.

18. A biodegradable tube for several industrial applications as claimed in claim 11, wherein the thickness of the walls of the tube can be increased by adding on a multiplicity of layers which may be a add on of spirally rolled or longitudinally rolled cuticle layers and the length of the said tube can be increased or decreased as required for the specific application by taking a cuticle strip of required length.

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