Granulate of only natural constitutions; granulate for the manufacture of composable products and method for manufacturing the granulate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic products, including bioplastics, are not easily recyclable or compostable, leading to significant environmental issues such as microplastic pollution and ecological damage, necessitating a sustainable and biodegradable alternative for everyday items and packaging.
Innovation Solution
Development of biodegradable and compostable granules made from natural, plant-based components like vegetable starch, thickening agents, and optional additives such as glycerin and vegetable fibers, which can be processed into various products using injection molding or extrusion, offering a fully recyclable and compostable solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional plastic granules are used to manufacture products, then the products have good mechanical properties and durability, but the products are not biodegradable and cause environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the granulate by using plant starch (40-60%), thickening agents (40-60%), and optional natural additives (0-20%), replacing conventional plastic materials. This parameter change enables the granulate to be biodegradable while maintaining usable product properties through controlled composition ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining multiple plant-based components: starch as the base material, thickening agents for structural properties, and optional additives like fibers, waxes, and natural rubber for enhanced functionality. This composite approach allows the material to achieve both biodegradability and adequate mechanical performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bioplastics like PLA are used to manufacture products, then the products are partially biodegradable, but they cannot be proven to be completely degradable and are banned in single-use products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the composition parameters to achieve complete biodegradability, with starch (40-60%) and thickening agents (40-60%) as the core biodegradable components. The controlled parameter ranges ensure the material meets composting standards while maintaining versatility for various product applications.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional plastic granules are produced and processed, then the products are durable and functional, but the granules escape into the environment and form microplastics in water bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of granulate escape into a benefit by using inherently biodegradable plant-based materials. Instead of trying to prevent escape, the material is designed to safely decompose in the environment, turning the risk of pollution into an environmental benefit through natural decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameters to plant-based starch and thickening agents that are biodegradable, maintaining ease of manufacture through similar processing methods while eliminating microplastic pollution risks.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If natural plant-based components are used to manufacture granules, then the granules are biodegradable and compostable, but the mechanical properties and stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where plant starch (40-60%) provides biodegradability, thickening agents (40-60%) contribute structural strength and stability, and optional natural additives (0-20%) such as fibers, waxes, and natural rubber enhance mechanical properties. This composite structure achieves both compostability and adequate strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the composition parameters within specific ranges: starch 40-60%, thickening agents 40-60%, and optional additives 0-20%. These parameter controls balance biodegradability with mechanical strength, ensuring the granulate is both compostable and sufficiently strong for manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The granules and resulting products are completely biodegradable, compostable within a short timeframe, and safe for human and animal consumption, reducing environmental impact while providing a practical alternative to conventional plastics.
Implementation Method 1
comprising plant starch and plant-based thickeners and/or gelling agents
Implementation Method 2
comprising plant starch and plant-based thickeners and/or gelling agents
Implementation Method 3
The granules according to the invention and the products made from them are not only easy to recycle or compost
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The present invention relates to biodegradable and compostable granulates consisting of natural ingredients comprising starch and thickening and gelling agents and does not comprise a biosynthetic material. According to the invention, the granulate is used for producing biodegradable and preferably compostable products and articles of daily use. The present invention also relates to methods for producing the granulate according to the invention, as well as methods for producing different products by using the granulate according to the invention.