BR-102024018090-A2 - MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR A FUNERAL URN MADE OF VEGETABLE FIBER AND RESIN

BR102024018090A2BR 102024018090 A2BR102024018090 A2BR 102024018090A2BR-102024018090-A2

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of sustainable materials that replace solid wood, more specifically to vegetable fiber panels intended for the furniture industry. In particular, it describes a manufacturing process for urns made of elephant grass and polypropylene. The innovation aims to develop a sustainable funeral urn (U), designed to serve both pets and humans. This project seeks to minimize environmental impact by using ecological materials and production methods that reduce harm to the environment.

Inventors

ANTHONY SOUZA BISPO

Assignees

ANTHONY SOUZA BISPO

Dates

Publication Date: 20260317
Application Date: 20240902

Claims (4)

1) Process for manufacturing a funerary urn made of vegetable fiber and resin characterized by comprising the following steps: (I) preparing elephant grass; (II) drying the elephant grass; (III) grinding the elephant grass; (IV) heating the resin; (V) mixing the elephant grass with the resin; (VI) molding the mixture and (VII) heating the mold.
2) Process for manufacturing a vegetable fiber and resin funerary urn, according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature of step (II) dries the elephant grass at a temperature preferably of 27° degrees, more preferably 300 degrees.
3) Manufacturing process for a vegetable fiber and resin funerary urn, according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature of step (IV) is approximately 140° to 190° degrees for 40 min.
4) Process for manufacturing a vegetable fiber and resin funerary urn according to claim 1, characterized by step (VII) heating the frame to a temperature preferably of 300 degrees for 30 min

Description

Field of invention [001] The present invention relates to the field of sustainable materials that replace solid wood, more specifically to vegetable fiber panels intended for the furniture industry. In particular, a manufacturing process for urns made of elephant grass and polypropylene is described. Fundamentals of innovation [002] Economic growth and global development have intensified the demand for processed forest products. Although global-scale fiber production systems are generally able to meet these demands, serious fiber shortages persist in local and regional areas, along with challenges in resource management. [003] Agricultural residues, such as wheat, rice and sunflower straw, are used as raw material for the production of particleboard and medium density fiberboard. [004] However, the main difficulty in using plant waste such as straw for composites is the low adhesion capacity. Therefore, the main object of the present invention relates to the process of forming sustainable funeral urns from elephant grass and polypropylene, intended for both pets and humans. The intention is to create a product that helps preserve the environment, minimizing its ecological impact. Description of the drawings [005] Figure 1 shows the steps in the manufacturing process of the Urn (U). [006] Figure 2 shows the manufacturing operation of the Urn (U) using an injection molding machine. [007] Figure 3 shows the manufacturing operation of the Urn (U) using an injection molding machine. [008] Figure 4 shows the manufacturing operation of the Urn (U) using an injection molding machine. Detailed description of the invention [009] The innovation aims to develop a sustainable funeral urn (U), designed to serve both pets and humans. This project seeks to minimize environmental impact by using ecological materials and production methods that reduce harm to the environment. The proposal is to develop a viable and ecologically sound alternative for sustainable urns, using elephant grass and polypropylene. Intended for both pets and humans, these urns aim to contribute to environmental preservation by minimizing ecological impact. [010] Polypropylene or PP is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the polymerization of propylene or propene gas. It is a type of plastic that can be molded when subjected to high temperatures, which is why it is classified as a thermoplastic. [011] Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is a plant with a high content of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which makes it interesting for uses in bioenergy, biomaterials, and composites. When combined with polymers at high temperatures, such as 165 degrees Celsius, some reactions and transformations can occur: i) Dehydration: The plant fibers lose water, which can improve adhesion to the polymer; ii) Thermal decomposition: Components such as hemicellulose and lignin can begin to decompose, releasing gases and volatile compounds; iii) Interaction with the polymer: The polymeric matrix can better infiltrate the fibers, resulting in a better interface between the two materials, improving mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength. [012] A temperature of 165 degrees Celsius is sufficient to induce these transformations, especially in processes such as injection molding or extrusion of polymer composites reinforced with natural fibers. The choice of the specific polymer and the treatment of the elephant grass fibers will significantly influence the final properties of the composite material. [013] Elephant grass, like other plants, does not have a single chemical formula due to its complex composition. However, we can identify its main components and their typical chemical formulas: [014] Cellulose: (CeH-ioOs^ - Main component of plant cell walls, it is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units. [015] Hemicellulose: Variable composition, but a general formula can be (CsHsOJn - Also a polysaccharide, but less structured than cellulose and composed of various sugars such as xylose, arabinose, mannose, galactose and glucose. [016] Lignin: Aromatic polymer complex with an approximate formula of C9H1OO2, C1OH12O3, C11H14O4 - Provides rigidity and resistance to decomposition. [017] In addition to these main components, elephant grass also contains small amounts of proteins, waxes, and mineral salts. Therefore, the chemical composition of elephant grass is best described in terms of its main constituents rather than a single chemical formula. [018] To balance the reaction between elephant grass and polypropylene, we need to specify the type of reaction. Generally, in the creation of elephant grass composites with polypropylene, a simple and direct chemical reaction such as combustion does not occur. Instead, a physical mixing and possible chemical modification at the interfaces due to heating takes place. [019] If we imagine a theoretical reaction in which the main components of elephant grass (cellulose) are incorporated into polypropylene, w