JP5297702B2 - Chopsticks containing paper powder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a chopstick containing paper powder which can overcome the disadvantages of chopsticks made of plastic materials and can be repeatedly used. <P>SOLUTION: The chopstick 10 containing paper powder is produced by: heating and kneading a pellet-like mixture to thereby produce a molten mixture; and injecting the molten mixture into a chopstick mold to thereby mold the molten mixture into the shape of a chopstick in the mold, wherein the pellet-like mixture is produced by mixing 30 to 50 wt.% of polypropylene, 40 to 60 wt.% of paper powder having a particle diameter of 30 to 100 &mu;m and not containing fluorescent substance, heavy metals and ink components, 5 to 10 wt.% of zeolite powder having a particle diameter of 5 to 50 &mu;m, and 5 to 10 wt.% of silver powder having a particle diameter of 1 to 10 &mu;m. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to chopsticks containing paper powder.

There is a chopstick in which a linking portion for connecting the chopstick bodies is formed at the center of two chopstick bodies arranged in parallel to each other, and the chopstick bodies and the linking portion are integrally made of a plastic material (Patent Document). 1). Since the chopstick body and the connecting portion are made of a plastic material, this chopstick has good cleaning properties and can be used hygienically. There is a chopstick made of a plastic material having a flexural modulus of 1 GPa or more and a deflection temperature under load of 190 ° C. or more (see Patent Document 2). This chopstick has a minimum diameter in the range of 1.0 to 3.8 mm within a range of 1 to 10 mm from the front end. Since this chopstick has no paint film and has a high heat resistance temperature, it can be washed at a high temperature using a dishwasher and can be used repeatedly.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-216088 JP 2006-158811 A

The chopsticks disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are made of a plastic material, so that not only does the user feel cool when using them, but the surface is slippery and the chopsticks are used. You may slip out of your hand. In addition, when the chopsticks are washed with an automatic dishwasher, the tapered front end may be cracked and may not be used repeatedly. In addition, when chopsticks are heated in a microwave oven, the chopsticks may be irregularly deformed, and impurities such as plastic additives may ooze out on the surface. The chopsticks disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 may not only cause smoke during the incineration process and cause air pollution, but also emit a large amount of CO ₂ during the incineration process. Cause. Furthermore, the calories burned is high and cannot be burned completely unless the incineration temperature is high.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a paper powder-containing chopsticks that can solve the above-mentioned problems associated with chopsticks made of a plastic material and can be used repeatedly.

  The paper powder-containing chopsticks according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems are free from polypropylene of 30% by weight or more and less than 50% by weight, fluorescent substances, heavy metals, and ink components, and have an average particle diameter of 30 to 200 μm. A pellet mixture obtained by kneading 40% by weight or more and 60% by weight or less of a paper powder, and the pellet mixture is heated and the kneaded molten mixture is poured into a chopstick molding die, and the molten mixture is injected into the chopsticks It is made by molding into the shape of chopsticks in a molding die.

  As an example of the present invention, the pellet-like mixture includes 5 wt% or more and 10 wt% or less of zeolite powder having a particle size of 5 to 50 μm.

  As another example of the present invention, the pellet-like mixture contains 5% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less of silver powder having a particle size of 1 to 10 μm.

  As another example of the present invention, the paper powder-containing chopsticks have a heat resistance temperature in the range of 130 ° C. or higher and 190 ° C. or lower because the paper powder contains paper powder, and the bending elastic modulus in the range of 4000 MPa or higher and 6000 MPa or lower. is there.

  As another example of the present invention, polypropylene has a flexural modulus of 1500 MPa to 2000 MPa and a melt flow rate (MFR) (230 ° C., 2,16 kg, 1φ orifice) of 50 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min. Grades are used.

  As another example of the present invention, only polypropylene having a thickness of 10 to 50 μm is applied to the entire surface in the range of at least 20 to 35% from the front end to the rear end of the chopstick when the total length of the chopstick is 100%. A layer is formed.

According to the chopsticks containing paper powder according to the present invention, it contains 40% by weight or more and 60% by weight or less of paper powder having a particle size of 30 to 200 μm, so it is used in comparison with chopsticks made only from plastic materials. Not only does it give a feeling of coolness to the user, but also the paper component becomes a resistance element, is difficult to slip when held in the hand, and can be less slid from the hand during use. Chopsticks containing paper powder are highly resistant to alkaline detergents because they contain paper powder, and even if the chopsticks are washed with an automatic dishwasher, there is no cracking at the tapered front end. It can be used and there is no waste of resources as it is disposable. Further, even when the chopsticks are heated in a microwave oven, they are not irregularly deformed, and impurities such as plastic additives do not ooze out to the surface. The chopsticks containing paper powder have an average particle size of paper powder in the range of 30 to 200 μm, and the paper powder is almost uniformly dispersed in the mixture. It wo n’t break inadvertently. This paper powder-containing chopsticks are made from a mixture of polypropylene mixed with paper powder, so there is no smoke generation during the chopsticks incineration process, and it does not pollute the air during the incineration process. By including the powder, the amount of CO ₂ emission during the incineration process can be extremely reduced as compared with chopsticks made only from a plastic material. Furthermore, compared with chopsticks made only from plastic materials, its calorie burn is low, and it can be burned completely at a low incineration temperature.

Paper powder-containing chopsticks in which the pellet-like mixture contains 5% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less of zeolite powder having an average particle diameter of 5 to 50 μm in addition to polypropylene and paper powder, Therefore, no odor is generated from the chopsticks, and no discomfort due to the odor is given to the user while using the chopsticks. Even if the paper powder contains moisture, the paper powder containing chopsticks can maintain the dry state of the paper powder because the zeolite powder absorbs the moisture of the paper powder. Weakness can be prevented and the strength of chopsticks can be kept constant. Chopsticks containing paper powder are made from a mixture of polypropylene mixed with paper powder and zeolite powder, so there is no generation of smoke during the chopsticks incineration process, and it does not pollute the atmosphere during the incineration process. By including paper powder and zeolite powder, the amount of CO ₂ emitted during the incineration process can be extremely reduced compared to chopsticks made only from plastic materials.

Paper powder containing chopsticks in which the pellet-like mixture contains 5% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less of silver powder having an average particle diameter of 1 to 10 μm in addition to polypropylene and paper powder, Bacteria and other bacteria attached to the chopsticks can be removed, and mold generation and propagation in the chopsticks can be prevented, so that the chopsticks can always be used in a sanitary manner. Chopsticks containing paper powder are made from a mixture of polypropylene mixed with paper powder and silver powder, so there is no generation of smoke during the chopsticks incineration process, and it does not pollute the atmosphere during the incineration process. By including paper powder and silver powder, the amount of CO ₂ emitted during the incineration process can be extremely reduced as compared with chopsticks made only from plastic materials.

  Paper powder-containing chopsticks with a heat-resistant temperature in the range of 100 ° C. to 190 ° C. and a flexural modulus in the range of 4000 MPa to 6000 MPa are cracked at the tapered front end even if the chopsticks are washed with an automatic dishwasher Can be used repeatedly, and there is no waste of resources unlike disposable use. Furthermore, even if the chopsticks are heated in a microwave oven, they do not deform irregularly and impurities such as plastic additives do not ooze out to the surface. This paper powder-containing chopsticks contain paper powder and therefore have a higher flexural modulus than when they are made only from plastic materials, and there are no chopsticks at the middle and rear end when using chopsticks. There is no need to flex, and the force to pinch objects can be reliably transmitted from the finger to the front end of the chopsticks. With this paper powder-containing chopsticks, the force for pinching the object is not dispersed between the intermediate part and the rear end part, and the object can be reliably pinched when used.

  A paper powder using a polypropylene having a flexural modulus of 1500 MPa to 2000 MPa and a melt flow rate (MFR) (230 ° C., 2,16 kg, 1φ orifice) of 50 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min. The chopsticks contained are mixed with polypropylene with the above-mentioned bending elastic modulus to improve the bending elastic modulus of the chopsticks, so that the chopsticks will not bend inadvertently between the middle part and the rear end part when using the chopsticks. The force to pinch objects can be reliably transmitted from the finger to the front end of the chopsticks. With this paper powder-containing chopsticks, the force for pinching the object is not dispersed between the intermediate part and the rear end part, and the object can be reliably pinched when used. Also, since the melt flow rate of polypropylene is in the above range, the fluidity of the mixture of paper powder mixed with polypropylene does not decrease, the mixture does not cause short molding in the chopstick molding mold, and chopstick molding Chopsticks can be made reliably using a mold.

  Chopsticks containing paper powder in which a polypropylene-only layer having a thickness of 10 to 50 μm is formed on the entire surface in the range of at least 20 to 35% from the front end to the rear end of the chopsticks when the total length of the chopsticks is 100%. Paper powder is not exposed on the surface of the chopsticks in the portion of 20 to 35% from the front end to the rear end of the chopsticks, and it is difficult for moisture and oil to permeate into that portion, and moisture and oil permeate into that portion. We can prevent weakness of chopsticks. Moreover, paper powder does not adhere to food in a portion of 20 to 35% from the front end to the rear end of the chopsticks, and the paper powder is not taken into the body.

  The details of the paper powder-containing chopsticks according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paper powder-containing chopstick 10A shown as an example, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 3 is an end view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a view of the concave portion 15 formed in the rear end portion 14 as viewed from above. In FIG. 1, the length direction is indicated by an arrow L1, and the horizontal direction is indicated by an arrow L2. Although only one chopstick 10A is shown in FIG. 1, it is sold as a pair with another chopstick of the same shape and size as the chopstick 10A shown. Moreover, FIG. 1 is used as a perspective view of another example of the paper powder-containing chopsticks 10B described later.

  The paper powder-containing chopsticks 10A is a mixture 11 in which polypropylene 20, paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23 are mixed, and is formed by molding a pellet-like mixture 25 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) by an injection molding method. It has been. In the chopsticks 10 </ b> A, paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23 are dispersed substantially uniformly in polypropylene 20. The chopsticks 10A have a front end portion 12 for pinching an object, a rear end portion 14 on which a user puts a finger, and an intermediate position between the front and rear end portions 12 and 14 when the length dimension is divided into three equal parts. And section 13. A flat recess 15 is formed in the rear end portion 14 of the chopstick 10A. The flat recess 15 is recessed inward in the circumferential direction from the peripheral surface of the chopstick 10A. In the recess 15, an advertising display 16 such as a store name, a dish name, and a logo mark is engraved.

  In the chopsticks 10A, the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 have a rectangular column shape that is long in the length direction, and the front end portion 12 has a column shape or a rectangular column shape that is long in the length direction. The chopsticks 10 </ b> A are tapered so that the thickness gradually decreases from the substantially central portion of the intermediate portion 13 toward the front end 17 of the front end portion 12. The shape of the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A is not limited to a cylindrical shape or a quadrangular prism shape, but may be a triangular prism shape or a polygonal prism shape in addition to the cylindrical shape or the quadrangular prism shape. Further, the shape of the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 of the chopsticks 10A is not limited to a quadrangular prism shape, but may be a cylindrical shape, a triangular prism shape, or a polygonal prism shape in addition to the quadrangular prism shape.

In chopsticks 10A, it is the same thickness from its rear end 14 to a substantially central portion of the intermediate section 13, ranging cross-sectional area of the lateral direction is 65～80Mm ^2, preferably in the range of 55~65mm ^2. The chopsticks 10 </ b> A have the same thickness in the range of 65 to 85% from the rear end 18 to the front end 17 when the total length in the length direction is 100%, and taper toward the front end 17 from there. (In this case, a range of 15 to 35% from the front end 17 toward the rear end 18 is defined as the front end portion 12, and the remaining portion is equally divided into the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14).

The thickness of the chopsticks 10A from the rear end portion 14 to the substantially central portion of the intermediate portion 13 is the same, or when the total length in the length direction is taken as 100%, the chopsticks 10A move from the rear end 18 to the front end 17 65. Since the thickness in the range of ˜85% is the same and the thickness in the range is in the range of 55 to 80 mm ² , the rigidity of the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 is high, and from the rear end portion 14 Compared to the case where the taper 10A is tapered toward the intermediate portion 13, the rigidity of the chopsticks 10 </ b> A does not gradually decrease from the rear end portion 14 toward the intermediate portion 13. When the chopsticks 10A are used, the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 are not carelessly bent, and the force for pinching the object can be reliably transmitted from the finger to the front end portion 12. The chopsticks 10 </ b> A does not disperse the force for pinching the object at the intermediate portion 13 or the rear end portion 14, and can reliably pinch the object when used.

  A layer 19 is formed on the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A so as to cover the surface thereof. The layer 19 is formed only from the polypropylene 20 and has a thickness in the range of 10 μm to 50 μm, preferably in the range of 20 μm to 30 μm. If the thickness of the layer 19 is less than 10 μm, the layer 19 is easily peeled off when the chopsticks 10A are used, and the paper powder 21 is exposed on the surface at the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A, so that moisture and oil can easily penetrate into the front end portion 12. End up. Since this chopstick 10A has a layer 19 made only of polypropylene 20 at its front end portion 12, it is possible to prevent the chopsticks 10A from being weakened by containing moisture or oil. Further, the paper powder 21, the zeolite powder 22, and the silver powder 23 do not adhere to food at the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A, and the paper powder 21, the zeolite powder 22, and the silver powder 23 are not taken into the body. Note that the layer 19 may be formed in a range of at least 20 to 35% from the front end 17 to the rear end 18 of the chopstick 10A when the total length of the chopstick 10A is 100%. The layer 19 may be formed not only on the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A but also on the entire chopsticks 10A. Further, the layer 19 may not be formed on the chopsticks 10A.

  As the polypropylene 20, any one of block polymerized polypropylene, random polypropylene, homopolymerized polypropylene, metallocene catalyst polypropylene, and modified polypropylene, or polypropylene obtained by mixing them in a predetermined ratio can be used. As the polypropylene 20, modified polypropylene obtained by reacting linear polypropylene, isoprene and a radical polymerization initiator can also be used. As the linear polypropylene, at least one of a polypropylene homopolymer, a coaggregate, a block copolymer, and a random copolymer can be used. As the radical polymerization initiator, a peroxide or an azo compound can be used.

  The paper powder 21 can be made by pulverizing paper (virgin paper) using a pulverizer such as a ball mill, a stirring mill, or a roller mill. The paper powder 21 can be made by finely pulverizing broken paper and broken paper generated when paper is produced, and can also be made by finely pulverizing pulp. Moreover, food paper tableware such as used paper cups, food paper trays, and milk cartons can be finely pulverized. The paper powder 21 is placed in a plastic bag and stored in a storage place with a dehumidifying function so that it does not contain moisture, so that its moisture absorption is 3% or more and 15% or less. Preferably, it is controlled to 3% or more and 10% or less.

  In addition to virgin paper, used paper can be used as paper. As the used paper, used newspapers, used magazines, used printing paper, used packaging paper, used corrugated paper, used OA paper, and the like can be used. As the pulp, any one of mechanical pulp, chemical mechanical pulp, semi-chemical pulp, chemical pulp, or pulp obtained by mixing them in a predetermined ratio can be used. As the pulp, wood pulp is preferably used, but pulp obtained by mixing wood pulp with at least one of rag pulp, stalk cane pulp, and bast pulp can also be used. Paper, pulp, and food paper tableware that does not contain fluorescent materials, heavy metals, and ink are used. When the paper or pulp contains chlorine or a fluorescent bleaching agent, the chlorine and the fluorescent bleaching agent are excluded by applying a dechlorination treatment or a defluorescent bleaching treatment. Therefore, the fluorescent material, heavy metal, and ink are not included in the paper powder 21 made from them.

  The paper powder 21 can be replaced with paper or pulp, or other fiber components can be used together with paper or pulp. As the fiber component, any one of hemp, cotton, bamboo, kenaf and other plant fibers formed from cellulose, rayon, or a fiber obtained by mixing them at a predetermined ratio can be used. By adding the fiber component, the strength of the chopsticks 10A can be improved, and inadvertent breakage of the chopsticks 10A can be prevented.

Artificial zeolite can be used for the zeolite powder 22. Artificial zeolite is made by subjecting coal ash, which is an anhydride, to alkaline hydrothermal treatment. The zeolite powder 22 using artificial zeolite has a pore diameter in the range of 5 to 19 A, a specific surface area in the range of 100 to 150 m ² / gr, a moisture absorption capacity in the range of 20 to 50%, and an oil absorption capacity of 1.3 to. It is in the range of 1.5 times. The zeolite powder 22 formed from the artificial zeolite has an excellent deodorizing function because the pore diameter and the specific surface area are in the above ranges, and further has an excellent moisture absorbing function and an oil absorbing ability in the above ranges. Has an oil absorption function.

  In addition to artificial zeolite, natural zeolite can also be used for the zeolite powder 22. Natural zeolites include Yugawara zeolite, chabazite, calcite, chabazite, clinoptilolite, pyroxenite, soda zeolite, mordenite, turbidite, asphaltite, heavy zeolitite, Thomsonite, Thomsonite, mesolite, scholesite, Any one of exfoliate, levite, coulusite, polxite, or zeolite obtained by mixing them in a predetermined ratio can be used. The zeolite powder 22 formed from natural zeolite can be made by pulverizing natural zeolite using a pulverizer. The silver powder 23 is made by pulverizing silver using a pulverizer.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram when the pellet-like mixture 25 is made using the extruder 24, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram when the chopsticks 10 </ b> A are made using the injection molding machine 27. FIG. 7 is a schematic view when a layer 19 made of only polypropylene 20 is formed on the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A. In FIG. 5, illustration of a die (die) and a cutter is omitted. An example of the production of the paper powder-containing chopsticks 10A will be described as follows by taking an injection molding method as an example. The manufacturing process of the chopsticks 10A includes a pellet forming process for forming the pellet mixture 25 using the extruder 24, a chopstick forming process for forming the pellet mixture 25 into the chopsticks 10A using the injection molding machine 28, and a chopstick 19 And a layer forming step of forming a layer 19 on the front end portion 12 of the substrate.

  In the pellet forming step, a pellet-like mixture 25 is manufactured using an extruder 24, a die (die), and a cutter. In the pellet forming step, bead-shaped polypropylene 20, paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23 are prepared. In the pellet forming step, bead-shaped polypropylene 20, paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23 are charged into the hopper 26 of the extruder 24. Inside the extruder 24, the polypropylene 20, the paper powder 21, the zeolite powder 22, and the silver powder 23 are heated by a heater, and they are kneaded by a screw. The polypropylene 20 is heated to the melting temperature or higher and becomes a high-temperature molten polypropylene. The paper powder 21, the zeolite powder 22, and the silver powder 23 are kneaded together with the polypropylene 20 by the screw of the extruder 24, so that the paper powder 21, the zeolite powder 22, and the silver powder 23 are almost uniformly dispersed and mixed in the molten polypropylene. The polypropylene 20, paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23 become a molten mixture inside the extruder 24.

  The molten mixture gradually moves toward the tip portion 27 of the extruder 24 by the rotation of the screw. A die (mold) that molds the molten mixture into a noodle shape and a cutter that cuts the noodle-shaped molten mixture into a predetermined length are attached to the tip portion 27 of the extruder 24. The molten mixture extruded from the front end portion 27 of the extruder 24 is formed into a plurality of noodles through a die, and immediately after the mixture formed into a noodle is discharged from the die, it is cut into a predetermined length by a cutter. , Molded into pellets. The pellet-like mixture 25 is cooled and solidified to maintain its form.

  In the pellet-like mixture 25, paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23 are dispersed substantially uniformly in polypropylene 20. The paper powder 21 has a moisture absorption of 3% or more and 15% or less, preferably 3% or more and 10% or less. If the moisture absorption exceeds 15%, the paper powder 21 contains more moisture than necessary, and when mixed with the polypropylene 20, the temperature of the polypropylene 20 is lowered. Therefore, the paper powder 21 is uniformly dispersed and mixed in the polypropylene 20. I can't let you. In addition, the pellet-like mixture 25 is stored in a storage place having a dehumidifying function in which a plurality of them are put in a plastic bag so that the paper powder 21 contained therein does not contain moisture. The moisture absorption amount in the mixture 25 is controlled to 5% or less, preferably 3% or less.

  In the chopstick molding process, the pellet-like mixture 25 produced in the pellet molding process is put into the hopper 29 of the injection molding machine 28. Inside the injection molding machine 28, the pellet-like mixture 25 is kneaded by a screw, while the pellet-like mixture 25 is heated by a heater, and the polypropylene 20 in the pellet-like mixture 26 is heated to a melting temperature or higher to melt and melt. Become a mixture. The molten mixture gradually moves toward the tip 30 of the injection molding machine 28 by the rotation of the screw. A chopstick molding die 31 is attached to the tip 30 of the injection molding machine 28. The chopstick molding die 31 is formed of a first die 32 and a second die 33 that overlap each other.

  Although not shown, the first and second molds 32 and 33 are formed with a communication path through which the molten mixture passes and a chopstick forming groove formed in the shape of a chopstick. The chopstick forming groove is formed between the front end (corresponding to the front end 12 of the chopstick 10A) and the rear end (corresponding to the rear end 14 of the chopstick 10A) and the front and rear ends (intermediate part of the chopstick 10A). 13). From the substantially central part of the intermediate part to the rear end part, the width dimension is the same, and it has a quadrangular prism shape and extends straight. At the rear end portion, a deboss pattern of the advertisement display 16 stamped on the chopsticks 10A is formed. The front end portion has a columnar shape or a quadrangular prism shape, and is formed to be tapered so that the width dimension gradually decreases from the substantially central portion of the intermediate portion toward the front end of the front end portion.

  When injecting the molten mixture into the chopstick forming mold 31, as shown in FIG. 6, the molds 32 and 33 are overlapped so that one surface of the first and second molds 32 and 33 is in contact with each other. The overlapping and separation of the first and second molds 32 and 33 are performed by hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or motor drive. The molten mixture injected from the injection molding machine 28 flows into the mold 31 through the inlet of the chopstick molding mold 31 from the gate of the injection molding machine 28, and flows into the chopstick molding groove through the communication path. In the chopstick forming groove, the molten mixture gradually flows from the rear end portion of the groove through the intermediate portion toward the front end portion. In the chopstick molding die 31, the molten mixture flowing into the chopstick molding groove is cooled and solidified in the groove, whereby the chopstick 10 A shown in FIG. 1 is made.

  The chopstick molding die 31 is formed with a plurality of chopstick molds (chopstick molding grooves), and a plurality of chopsticks 10A are formed at a time. In order to take out the formed chopstick 10A from the chopstick forming die 31, the first die 32 and the second die 33 are separated from each other, and the formed chopstick 10A is taken out from the chopstick forming groove. In injection molding, since the molten mixture is injected into the chopstick molding die 31 without touching the outside air at a high temperature, even if various bacteria and viruses are mixed in the pellet-like mixture 25, they can be surely killed. Yes, hygienic chopsticks 10A can be made. Moreover, even if mold fungus is mixed in the pellet-like mixture 25, the mold fungus can be surely killed, and the occurrence of mold in the chopsticks 10A can be prevented.

  In the layer forming step, a layer 19 made of only polypropylene 20 is formed on the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A using the resin container 34. The resin container 34 is heated to a predetermined temperature. Polypropylene 20 is accommodated in the resin container 34, and the polypropylene 20 is heated and in a molten state. In the layer forming process, the chopsticks 10A made in the chopstick forming process are conveyed above the resin container 34, the chopsticks 10A positioned above the container 34 are lowered as indicated by an arrow L3, and the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A is moved. After being immersed in the molten polypropylene 20, the chopsticks 10A are pulled up above the container 34 indicated by the arrow L4. When the chopsticks 10A are pulled up above the container 34, the molten polypropylene 20 is cooled and solidified, and a layer 19 formed only of the polypropylene 20 is formed on the surface of the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A. The polypropylene 20 that forms the layer 19 is the same as that that forms the pellet-like mixture 25.

  The portion immersed in the molten polypropylene 20 is the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A, but the entire chopsticks 10A may be immersed in the polypropylene 20 to form the layer 19 on the entire surface of the chopsticks 10A. When the layer 19 is not formed on the chopsticks 10A, the chopsticks 10A are made from the pellet forming process and the chopstick forming process, and the layer forming process is omitted.

  The molding conditions in the pellet molding process and the chopstick molding process are that the molding temperature is 160 ° C. or higher and 195 ° C. or lower, and the temperature of the chopstick molding die 30 is 50 ° C. or higher and 95 ° C. or lower. When the molding temperature exceeds 195 ° C. and the temperature of the chopstick molding die 30 exceeds 95 ° C., the paper powder 21 is carbonized and the strength of the chopstick 10A is reduced, and the paper powder 21 is yellowed and the chopstick 10A is discolored. There is a case.

  The pellet-like mixture 25 has a moisture absorption amount of 5% or less, preferably 3% or less. If the moisture absorption of the pellet-like mixture 25 exceeds 5%, the mixture 25 is unlikely to become a molten mixture in the injection molding machine 28, and the molding temperature must be higher than 195 ° C. in order to make the mixture 25 into a molten mixture. There is a case. However, when the molding temperature is higher than 195 ° C., the paper powder 21 is carbonized or the paper powder 21 is yellowed. In this manufacturing method, since the moisture absorption of the pellet-like mixture 25 is 5% or less, the pellet-like mixture 25 is reliably melted at the molding temperature to prevent carbonization of the paper powder 21 and yellowing of the paper powder 21. It is possible to make the chopsticks 10A without any strength reduction and without fear of discoloration.

  The ratio (weight ratio) of polypropylene 20 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is in the range of 30% by weight or more and less than 50% by weight. When the ratio of polypropylene 20 to pellet-like mixture 25 is less than 30% by weight, paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23 that do not show fluidity even when heated cannot be uniformly dispersed and mixed in polypropylene 20. In some cases, a lump portion of the paper powder 21, the zeolite powder 22, and the silver powder 23 is formed on the chopsticks 10A. The strength of the chopsticks 10A is remarkably reduced at the site where the paper powder 21, the zeolite powder 22, and the silver powder 23 are formed, and the chopsticks 10A may be easily damaged at the site. Further, the fluidity of the molten mixture is remarkably lowered, and when the chopsticks 10A are manufactured by the injection molding method, the molten mixture does not flow smoothly from the gate of the injection molding machine 28 into the chopstick molding die 31 or the molten mixture is There is a case where a short mold is likely to occur inside the chopstick molding die 31 and the chopstick 10A cannot be made using the chopstick molding die 31.

When the ratio of polypropylene 20 to the pellet-like mixture 25 exceeds 50% by weight, the heat resistance temperature of the chopsticks 10A is lowered, and when the chopsticks 10A are washed with an automatic dishwasher, the front end portion 12 may be cracked. , May not be used repeatedly. In addition, the chopsticks 10A may be irregularly deformed when heated with a microwave oven. Furthermore, not only can the amount of CO ₂ emitted during the incineration of the chopsticks 10A be reduced, but also the combustion calories of the chopsticks 10A cannot be reduced, the incineration temperature of the chopsticks 10A is increased, and the chopsticks 10A are lowered. Cannot burn completely at incineration temperature. Since the ratio of the polypropylene 20 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is in the above range, the chopsticks 10A can be reliably made using the chopstick molding die 31. In addition, the heat-resistant temperature of the chopsticks 10A does not decrease, and even if the chopsticks 10A are washed with an automatic dishwasher, the front end portion 12 is not cracked and can be used repeatedly, thus wasting resources. Can be prevented.

  For polypropylene 20, a grade having a flexural modulus of 1500 to 2000 MPa and a melt flow rate (MFR) (230 ° C., 2,16 kg, 1φ orifice) of 50 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min is used. . If the flexural modulus of the polypropylene 20 is less than 1500 MPa, the flexural modulus of the chopstick 10A is lowered, and the chopstick 10A is inadvertently bent between the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 when the chopstick 10A is used, and has a force to pinch objects. It cannot be sufficiently transmitted from the finger to the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A. The chopsticks 10A using the polypropylene 20 whose bending elastic modulus is in the above range has high rigidity, and the chopsticks 10A do not bend inadvertently at the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14, so that the force to pinch an object Can be reliably transmitted from the finger to the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10A.

  When the melt flow rate (MFR) of the polypropylene 20 is less than 50 g / 10 minutes, the fluidity of the molten mixture injected from the injection molding machine 28 is remarkably lowered, and when the chopstick 10A is manufactured by the injection molding method, The chopstick 10A is made using the chopstick molding die 31 because the molten mixture does not smoothly flow into the chopstick molding die 31 from the gate of the injection molding machine 28, or the molten mixture easily causes a short mold inside the chopstick molding die 31. It may not be possible. Since the melt flow rate of polypropylene 20 is in the above range, the fluidity of the molten mixture in which paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23 are mixed with polypropylene 20 does not decrease, and the molten mixture is formed into chopsticks. The short mold does not occur in the mold 31, and the chopsticks 10A can be reliably made using the chopstick molding mold 31.

The ratio (weight ratio) of the paper powder 21 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is in the range of 40 wt% to 60 wt%. If the ratio of the paper powder 21 to the pellet-like mixture 25 is less than 40% by weight, the heat-resistant temperature of the chopsticks 10A is lowered, and when the chopsticks 10A are washed with an automatic dishwasher, the front end portion 12 may be cracked. , May not be used repeatedly. In addition, the chopsticks 10A may be irregularly deformed when heated with a microwave oven. Furthermore, not only can the amount of CO ₂ emitted during the incineration of the chopsticks 10A be reduced, but also the combustion calories of the chopsticks 10A cannot be reduced, the incineration temperature of the chopsticks 10A is increased, and the chopsticks 10A are lowered. Cannot burn completely at incineration temperature.

  When the ratio of the paper powder 21 to the pellet-like mixture 25 exceeds 60% by weight, the paper powder 21 that does not exhibit fluidity even when heated excessively reduces the fluidity of the molten mixture. The molten mixture does not flow smoothly from the gate of the injection molding machine 28 into the chopstick molding die 31, or the molten mixture easily causes a short mold inside the chopstick molding die 31. In some cases, the chopsticks 10A cannot be made. In addition, since the amount of the paper powder 21 with respect to the pellet-like mixture 25 increases more than necessary, the paper powder 21 is poorly dispersed in the molten polypropylene, and a lump portion of the paper powder 21 is formed inside the molten mixture. In some cases, the strength of the chopsticks 10A at the portion where the lump portion of the paper powder 21 exists is significantly reduced, and the chopsticks 10A may be easily broken at the portion. Since the ratio of the paper powder 21 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is within the above range, the heat resistance temperature of the chopsticks 10A does not decrease, and even if the chopsticks 10A are washed with an automatic dishwasher, the front end portion 12 is cracked. Can be used repeatedly, and waste of resources can be prevented. Furthermore, the chopsticks 10A can be reliably made using the chopstick molding die 31.

  The paper powder 21 has an average particle size in the range of 30 μm or more and 200 μm or less, preferably in the range of 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less. If the average particle size of the paper powder 21 is less than 30 μm, a plurality of pulverization steps are required to process the paper, pulp, and fiber components into an average particle size of less than 30 μm. As a result, the production cost of the chopsticks 10A also increases, and the chopsticks 10A cannot be manufactured at a low cost. When the average particle diameter of the paper powder 21 exceeds 200 μm, the paper powder 21 may be poorly dispersed in the molten polypropylene, and a lump portion of the paper powder 21 may be formed inside the molten mixture. In some cases, the strength of the chopsticks 10A at the portion where the lump portion exists is significantly reduced, and the chopsticks 10A can be easily broken at the portion. The average particle diameter of the paper powder 21 is a value measured by a sieving method.

  The ratio (weight ratio) of the zeolite powder 22 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is in the range of 5 wt% to 10 wt%. If the ratio of the zeolite powder 22 to the pellet-like mixture 25 is less than 5% by weight, the deodorizing function of the zeolite powder 22 cannot be fully utilized, and the odor generated from the paper powder 21 cannot be adsorbed on the zeolite powder 22. . Further, the moisture absorption function of the zeolite powder 22 cannot be fully utilized, and the moisture of the paper powder 21 cannot be absorbed by the zeolite powder 22. If the ratio of the zeolite powder 22 to the pellet-like mixture 25 exceeds 10% by weight, the zeolite powder 22 that does not exhibit fluidity even when heated excessively reduces the fluidity of the molten mixture. The molten mixture does not flow smoothly from the gate of the injection molding machine 28 into the chopstick molding die 31, or the molten mixture easily causes a short mold inside the chopstick molding die 31. In some cases, the chopsticks 10A cannot be made. Since the ratio of the zeolite powder 22 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is within the above range, the deodorizing function and the moisture absorbing function of the zeolite powder 22 can be fully utilized, and the chopsticks 10A using the chopstick molding die 31 can be used. Can be made reliably.

  The zeolite powder 22 has an average particle size in the range of 5 μm to 50 μm. If the average particle size of the zeolite powder 22 is less than 5 μm, a plurality of pulverization steps are required to process the zeolite into an average particle size of less than 5 μm, which increases the production cost of the zeolite powder 22. The production cost of the chopsticks increases, and the chopsticks 10A cannot be manufactured at a low cost. If the average particle size of the zeolite powder 22 exceeds 50 μm, the zeolite powder 22 may be poorly dispersed in the molten polypropylene, and a lump portion of the zeolite powder 22 may be formed inside the molten mixture. In some cases, the strength of the chopsticks 10A at the portion where the lump portion exists is significantly reduced, and the chopsticks 10A can be easily broken at the portion. The average particle diameter of the zeolite powder 22 is a value measured by a sieving method.

  The ratio (weight ratio) of the silver powder 23 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is in the range of 5 wt% to 10 wt%. If the ratio of the silver powder 23 to the pellet-like mixture 25 is less than 5% by weight, the sterilizing action of the silver powder 23 cannot be fully utilized, and not only bacteria and bacteria attached to the chopsticks 10A cannot be removed. It is difficult to prevent the occurrence of mold and propagation in the chopsticks 10A. If the ratio of the silver powder 23 to the pellet-like mixture 25 exceeds 10% by weight, the silver powder 23 that does not exhibit fluidity even when heated excessively reduces the fluidity of the molten mixture. The molten mixture does not flow smoothly from the gate of the injection molding machine 28 into the chopstick molding die 31, or the molten mixture easily causes a short mold inside the chopstick molding die 31. In some cases, the chopsticks 10A cannot be made. Since the ratio of the silver powder 23 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is in the above range, the sterilizing action of the silver powder 23 can be fully utilized, and the chopsticks 10A can be used in a sanitary manner, and the chopsticks can be used. The chopsticks 10A can be reliably made using the molding die 31.

  The silver powder 23 has an average particle size in the range of 1 μm to 10 μm. When the average particle diameter of the silver powder 23 exceeds 10 μm, the silver powder 23 may be poorly dispersed in the molten polypropylene, and a lump portion of the silver powder 23 may be formed inside the molten mixture. In some cases, the strength of the chopsticks 10A at the portion where the lump portion exists is significantly reduced, and the chopsticks 10A can be easily broken at the portion. The average particle diameter of the silver powder 23 is a value measured by a sieving method.

  Since the paper powder-containing chopsticks 10A include paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23, their heat resistance is higher than that of chopsticks made only of plastic materials. The heat resistance temperature of the chopsticks 10A is 100 to 190 ° C. The chopsticks 10A have an incineration calorie in the range of 4000 to 6000 Kcal / kg. Further, the chopstick 10A includes paper powder 21, and therefore has higher rigidity than a chopstick made only of plastic material. The chopsticks 10A have a flexural modulus in the range of 4000 MPa to 6000 MPa. Furthermore, since the chopsticks 10A include paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22, and silver powder 23, they have excellent chemical resistance.

The paper powder-containing chopsticks 10A do not give the user a cool feeling when used, compared to chopsticks made only from plastic materials. In the chopsticks 10A, the paper powder 21 forming the chopsticks serves as a resistance element, and is difficult to slip when held in the hand, so that the chopstick 10A does not slip from the hand and is accidentally dropped. In the chopsticks 10A, the paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22 and silver powder 23 are dispersed almost uniformly in the chopsticks 10A. Therefore, the strength of the chopsticks 10A does not partially decrease, and has excellent strength and is used repeatedly. Can be tolerated and there is no waste of resources. The chopsticks 10A are made from the mixture 11 in which paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22 and silver powder 23 are mixed in polypropylene 20, so that no smoke is generated during the incineration process of the chopsticks 10A and the atmosphere is polluted during the incineration process. Not only that, but because it contains paper powder 21, the amount of CO ₂ emitted during the incineration process can be extremely reduced as compared with chopsticks made only from plastic materials. Furthermore, compared with chopsticks made only from plastic materials, its calorie burn is low, and it can be burned completely at a low incineration temperature.

  The paper powder-containing chopstick 10A is made of a mixture 11 in which paper powder 21, zeolite powder 22 and silver powder 23 are mixed in polypropylene 20, but only paper powder 21 is mixed in polypropylene 20 as the mixture 11. It may be made from any one of the mixture 11 of the above-mentioned, the polypropylene 20 mixed with the paper powder 21 and the zeolite powder 22, and the polypropylene 20 mixed with the paper powder 21 and the silver powder 23.

  With reference to FIG. 1, another example of the paper powder containing chopsticks 10 </ b> B will be described as follows. A paper powder-containing chopstick 10B shown as another example is a mixture 11 in which an outer shell powder 29 obtained by firing a shell of an animal body formed from polypropylene 20, paper powder 21, and calcareous material is mixed, and a pellet-like mixture 25 (see FIG. 8) is formed by injection molding. In the chopsticks 10B, the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 are dispersed almost uniformly in the polypropylene 20. The chopsticks 10B are divided between the front end portion 12 for pinching an object, the rear end portion 14 on which the user puts a finger, and the middle portion located between the front and rear end portions 12 and 14 when the length dimension is divided into three equal parts. And section 13. A flat recess 15 is formed in the rear end portion 14 of the chopstick 10B. The flat recess 15 is recessed inward in the circumferential direction from the peripheral surface of the chopstick 10B. In the recess 15, an advertising display 16 such as a store name, a dish name, and a logo mark is engraved.

In the chopsticks 10B, the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 have a rectangular column shape that is long in the length direction, and the front end portion 12 has a column shape or a rectangular column shape that is long in the length direction. The chopsticks 10 </ b> B are tapered so that the thickness gradually decreases from the substantially central portion of the intermediate portion 13 toward the front end 17 of the front end portion 12. In chopsticks 10B, it is the same thickness from its rear end 14 to a substantially central portion of the intermediate section 13, ranging cross-sectional area of the lateral direction is 65～80Mm ^2, preferably in the range of 55~65mm ^2. The chopsticks 10B have the same thickness in the range of 65 to 85% from the rear end 18 to the front end 17 when the total length in the length direction is 100%, and taper toward the front end 17 from there. (In this case, a range of 15 to 35% from the front end 17 toward the rear end 18 is defined as the front end portion 12, and the remaining portion is equally divided into the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14).

The chopsticks 10B have the same thickness from the rear end portion 14 to the substantially central portion of the intermediate portion 13, and 65 to 85 from the rear end 18 toward the front end 17 when the total length in the length direction is 100%. % Range is the same, and the range thickness is in the range of 55 to 80 mm ^2. Therefore, the rigidity of the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 is high, and the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 have a high rigidity. Compared to the case where the chopsticks 10B are tapered toward 13, the rigidity of the chopsticks 10 </ b> B does not gradually decrease from the rear end portion 14 toward the intermediate portion 13. When the chopsticks 10B are used, the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 are not inadvertently bent, and the force for pinching an object can be reliably transmitted from the finger to the front end portion 12. The chopsticks 10B do not disperse the force for pinching the object at the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14, and can reliably pinch the object when used.

  A layer 19 is formed on the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10B to cover the surface thereof. The layer 19 is formed only from the polypropylene 20 and has a thickness in the range of 10 μm to 50 μm, preferably in the range of 20 μm to 30 μm. If the thickness of the layer 19 is less than 10 μm, the layer 19 is easily peeled off when the chopsticks 10B are used, and the paper powder 21 is exposed on the surface at the front end 12 of the chopsticks 10B, so that moisture and oil can easily penetrate into the front end 12. End up. Since the chopsticks 10B are formed with a layer 19 made only of polypropylene 20 at the front end portion 12, the chopsticks 10B can be prevented from being weakened by containing moisture or oil. Further, the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 do not adhere to food at the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10B, and the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 are not taken into the body. The layer 19 may be formed in a range of at least 20 to 35% from the front end 17 to the rear end 18 of the chopstick 10B when the total length of the chopstick 10B is 100%. The layer 19 may be formed not only on the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10B but also on the entire chopsticks 10B. Further, the layer 19 may not be formed on the chopsticks 10B.

  The outer powder 29 is a natural material and is not subjected to chemical treatment or chemical treatment. The outer shell is baked at a high temperature of 1200 to 1300 ° C. for a long time (baking), and the baked outer shell is ball mill, medium stirring mill, roller mill, etc. It is made by pulverizing using a pulverizer. The outer powder 29 has an excellent bactericidal action without adversely affecting the human body. As the polypropylene 20, the same material as that forming the chopsticks 10A is used. The same paper powder 21 as that forming the chopsticks 10A is used. The paper powder 21 is placed in a plastic bag and stored in a storage place with a dehumidifying function so that it does not contain moisture, so that its moisture absorption is 3% or more and 15% or less. Preferably, it is controlled to 3% or more and 10% or less.

  FIG. 8 is another schematic diagram when the pellet-like mixture 24 is made using the extruder 23. The manufacturing process of the chopsticks 10B is similar to that of the chopsticks 10A, the pellet forming process of making the pellet mixture 25 using the extruder 24, and the pellet mixture 25 is formed into the chopsticks 10A using the injection molding machine 28. It is formed from a chopstick forming step (referring to FIG. 6) and a layer forming step (referring to FIG. 7) for forming the layer 19 on the front end portion 12 of the chopstick 19.

  In the pellet forming step, a pellet-like mixture 25 is manufactured using an extruder 24, a die (die), and a cutter. In the pellet forming step, bead-shaped polypropylene 20, paper powder 21, and outer powder 29 are prepared. In the pellet forming process, bead-like polypropylene 20, paper powder 21, and outer powder 29 are charged into the hopper 26 of the extruder 24. Inside the extruder 24, the polypropylene 20, the paper powder 21, and the outer powder 29 are heated by a heater and are kneaded by a screw. The polypropylene 20 is heated to the melting temperature or higher and becomes a high-temperature molten polypropylene. The paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 are kneaded together with the polypropylene 20 by the screw of the extruder 24, so that the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 are almost uniformly dispersed and mixed in the molten polypropylene. The polypropylene 20, the paper powder 21, and the outer powder 29 become a molten mixture inside the extruder 24.

  The molten mixture gradually moves toward the tip portion 27 of the extruder 24 by the rotation of the screw. A die (mold) that molds the molten mixture into a noodle shape and a cutter that cuts the noodle-shaped molten mixture into a predetermined length are attached to the tip portion 27 of the extruder 24. The molten mixture extruded from the front end portion 27 of the extruder 24 is formed into a plurality of noodles through a die, and immediately after the mixture formed into a noodle is discharged from the die, it is cut into a predetermined length by a cutter. , Molded into pellets. The pellet-like mixture 25 is cooled and solidified to maintain its form.

  In the pellet-like mixture 25, the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 are dispersed substantially uniformly in the polypropylene 20. The paper powder 21 has a moisture absorption of 3% or more and 15% or less, preferably 3% or more and 10% or less. If the moisture absorption exceeds 15%, the paper powder 21 contains more moisture than necessary, and when mixed with the polypropylene 20, the temperature of the polypropylene 20 is lowered. Therefore, the paper powder 21 is uniformly dispersed and mixed in the polypropylene 20. I can't let you. In addition, the pellet-like mixture 25 is stored in a storage place having a dehumidifying function in which a plurality of them are put in a plastic bag so that the paper powder 21 contained therein does not contain moisture. The moisture absorption amount in the mixture 25 is controlled to 5% or less, preferably 3% or less.

  In the chopstick molding process, as shown in FIG. 6, a pellet-like mixture 25 whose moisture absorption is controlled to 5% or less is put into a hopper 29 of an injection molding machine 28. Inside the injection molding machine 28, the pellet-like mixture 25 is kneaded by a screw, while the pellet-like mixture 25 is heated by a heater, and the polypropylene 20 in the pellet-like mixture 26 is heated to a melting temperature or higher to melt and melt. Become a mixture. The molten mixture gradually moves toward the tip 30 of the injection molding machine 28 by the rotation of the screw. A chopstick molding die 31 is attached to the tip 30 of the injection molding machine 28. The chopstick molding die 31 is formed of a first die 32 and a second die 33 that overlap each other. The first and second molds 32 and 33 are the same as those of the chopstick 10A, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The molten mixture injected from the injection molding machine 28 flows into the mold 31 through the inlet of the chopstick molding mold 31 from the gate of the injection molding machine 28, and flows into the chopstick molding groove through the communication path. In the chopstick forming groove, the molten mixture gradually flows from the rear end portion of the groove through the intermediate portion toward the front end portion. In the chopstick molding die 31, the molten mixture flowing into the chopstick molding groove is cooled and solidified in the groove, whereby the chopstick 10 </ b> B of FIG. 1 is made. In order to take out the formed chopsticks 10B from the chopstick forming mold 31, the first mold 32 and the second mold 33 are separated from each other, and the formed chopsticks 10B are taken out from the chopstick forming groove. In injection molding, since the molten mixture is injected into the chopstick molding die 31 without touching the outside air at a high temperature, even if various bacteria and viruses are mixed in the pellet-like mixture 25, they can be surely killed. And hygienic chopsticks 10B can be made. Moreover, even if mold fungus is mixed in the pellet-like mixture 25, the mold fungus can be surely killed, and the generation of mold in the chopsticks 10B can be prevented.

  In the layer forming step, as shown in FIG. 7, a layer 19 made of only polypropylene 20 is formed on the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10 </ b> B using a resin container 34. The resin container 34 is heated to a predetermined temperature. Polypropylene 20 is accommodated in the resin container 34, and the polypropylene 20 is heated and in a molten state. In the layer forming process, the chopsticks 10B made in the chopstick forming process are conveyed above the resin container 34, the chopsticks 10B positioned above the container 34 are lowered as indicated by an arrow L3, and the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10B is moved. After being immersed in the molten polypropylene 20, the chopsticks 10B are pulled up above the container 34 indicated by the arrow L4. When the chopsticks 10B are pulled up above the container 34, the molten polypropylene 20 is cooled and solidified, and a layer 19 made of only the polypropylene 20 is formed on the surface of the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10B. The polypropylene 20 that forms the layer 19 is the same as that that forms the pellet-like mixture 25.

  The part immersed in the melted polypropylene 20 is the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10B, but the entire chopsticks 10B may be immersed in the polypropylene 20 to form the layer 19 on the entire surface of the chopsticks 10B. When the layer 19 is not formed on the chopsticks 10B, the chopsticks 10B are made from the pellet forming process and the chopstick forming process, and the layer forming process is omitted.

  The molding conditions in the pellet molding process and the chopstick molding process are the same as those in the manufacturing process of the chopstick 10A in FIG. 1, the molding temperature is 160 ° C. or more and 195 ° C. or less, and the temperature of the chopstick molding die 30 is 50 ° C. The temperature is 95 ° C. or lower. When the molding temperature exceeds 195 ° C. and the temperature of the chopstick molding die 30 exceeds 95 ° C., the paper powder 21 is carbonized and the strength of the chopstick 10B is reduced, and the paper powder 21 is yellowed and the chopstick 10B is discolored. There is a case.

  The pellet-like mixture 25 has a moisture absorption amount of 5% or less, preferably 3% or less. If the moisture absorption of the pellet-like mixture 25 exceeds 5%, the mixture 25 is unlikely to become a molten mixture in the injection molding machine 28, and the molding temperature must be higher than 195 ° C. in order to make the mixture 25 into a molten mixture. There is a case. However, when the molding temperature is higher than 195 ° C., the paper powder 21 is carbonized or the paper powder 21 is yellowed. In this manufacturing method, since the moisture absorption of the pellet-like mixture 25 is 5% or less, the pellet-like mixture 25 is reliably melted at the molding temperature to prevent carbonization of the paper powder 21 and yellowing of the paper powder 21. It is possible to make the chopsticks 10B that do not lose strength and have no fear of discoloration.

  The ratio (weight ratio) of polypropylene 20 with respect to the total weight of pellet-like mixture 25 is the same as that of polypropylene 20 forming chopsticks 10A in FIG. 1, and is in the range of 30% by weight or more and less than 50% by weight. If the ratio of polypropylene 20 to pellet-like mixture 25 is less than 30% by weight, paper powder 21 and outer powder 29 that do not show fluidity even when heated cannot be uniformly dispersed and mixed in polypropylene 20, and chopsticks 10B In some cases, a lump portion of the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 is formed. The strength of the chopsticks 10B is remarkably reduced at the portion where the lump portion of the paper powder 21 or the outer powder 29 is formed, and the chopsticks 10B may be easily broken at the portion. In addition, the fluidity of the molten mixture is significantly reduced, and when the chopsticks 10B are manufactured by the injection molding method, the molten mixture does not flow smoothly from the gate of the injection molding machine 28 into the chopstick molding die 31 or the molten mixture is In some cases, short molding is likely to occur inside the chopstick molding die 31 and the chopsticks 10B cannot be made using the chopstick molding die 31.

When the ratio of polypropylene 20 to the pellet-like mixture 25 exceeds 50% by weight, the heat resistance temperature of the chopsticks 10B is lowered, and when the chopsticks 10B are washed with an automatic dishwasher, the front end portion 12 may be cracked. , May not be used repeatedly. In addition, when the chopsticks 10B are heated with a microwave oven, irregular deformation may occur. Furthermore, not only can the amount of CO ₂ emitted during the incineration of the chopsticks 10B be reduced, but also the combustion calories of the chopsticks 10B cannot be reduced, the incineration temperature of the chopsticks 10B is increased, and the chopsticks 10B are lowered. Cannot burn completely at incineration temperature. Since the ratio of the polypropylene 20 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is within the above range, the chopsticks 10B can be reliably made using the chopstick molding die 31. Furthermore, the heat-resistant temperature of the chopsticks 10B does not decrease, and even if the chopsticks 10B are washed with an automatic dishwasher, the front end portion 12 is not cracked and can be used repeatedly, thus wasting resources. Can be prevented.

  For polypropylene 20, a grade having a flexural modulus of 1500 to 2000 MPa and a melt flow rate (MFR) (230 ° C., 2,16 kg, 1φ orifice) of 50 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min is used. . If the flexural modulus of the polypropylene 20 is less than 1500 MPa, the flexural modulus of the chopsticks 10B decreases, and when the chopsticks 10B are used, the chopsticks 10B are flexibly inadvertently bent between the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14 and have a force to pinch objects. It cannot be sufficiently transmitted from the finger to the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10B. The chopsticks 10B using the polypropylene 20 whose bending elastic modulus is in the above range has high rigidity, and the chopsticks 10B do not bend inadvertently at the intermediate portion 13 and the rear end portion 14, so that the force to pinch an object Can be reliably transmitted from the finger to the front end portion 12 of the chopsticks 10B.

  When the melt flow rate (MFR) of the polypropylene 20 is less than 50 g / 10 minutes, the fluidity of the molten mixture injected from the injection molding machine 28 is remarkably lowered, and when the chopsticks 10B are manufactured by the injection molding method, The chopsticks 10B is made using the chopstick molding die 31 because the molten mixture does not flow smoothly from the gate of the injection molding machine 28 into the chopstick molding die 31 or the molten mixture easily causes a short mold inside the chopstick molding die 31. It may not be possible. Since the melt flow rate of the polypropylene 20 is in the above range, the fluidity of the molten mixture in which the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 are mixed with the polypropylene 20 does not decrease, and the molten mixture becomes the chopstick molding die 31. The chopsticks 10B can be reliably made using the chopstick forming mold 31 without causing a short mold inside.

The ratio (weight ratio) of the paper powder 21 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is the same as that of the paper powder 21 forming the chopsticks 10A of FIG. 1, and is in the range of 40% by weight to 60% by weight. When the ratio of the paper powder 21 to the pellet-like mixture 25 is less than 40% by weight, the heat resistance temperature of the chopsticks 10B is lowered, and when the chopsticks 10B are washed with an automatic dishwasher, the front end portion 12 may be cracked. , May not be used repeatedly. In addition, when the chopsticks 10B are heated with a microwave oven, irregular deformation may occur. Furthermore, not only can the amount of CO ₂ emitted during the incineration of the chopsticks 10B be reduced, but also the combustion calories of the chopsticks 10B cannot be reduced, the incineration temperature of the chopsticks 10B is increased, and the chopsticks 10B are lowered. Cannot burn completely at incineration temperature.

  When the ratio of the paper powder 21 to the pellet-like mixture 25 exceeds 60% by weight, the paper powder 21 that does not exhibit fluidity even when heated excessively reduces the fluidity of the molten mixture. Therefore, the chopsticks 10B are manufactured by an injection molding method. The molten mixture does not flow smoothly from the gate of the injection molding machine 28 into the chopstick molding die 31, or the molten mixture easily causes a short mold inside the chopstick molding die 31. In some cases, the chopsticks 10B cannot be made. In addition, since the amount of the paper powder 21 with respect to the pellet-like mixture 25 increases more than necessary, the paper powder 21 is poorly dispersed in the molten polypropylene, and a lump portion of the paper powder 21 is formed inside the molten mixture. In some cases, the strength of the chopsticks 10B at the portion where the lump portion of the paper powder 21 exists is significantly reduced, and the chopsticks 10B may be easily broken at the portion. Since the ratio of the paper powder 21 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is within the above range, the heat resistance temperature of the chopsticks 10B does not decrease, and even if the chopsticks 10B are washed with an automatic dishwasher, the front end portion 12 is cracked. Can be used repeatedly, and waste of resources can be prevented. Further, the chopsticks 10B can be reliably made using the chopstick forming mold 31.

  The paper powder 21 has an average particle size in the range of 30 μm or more and 200 μm or less, preferably in the range of 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less. If the average particle size of the paper powder 21 is less than 30 μm, a plurality of pulverization steps are required to process the paper, pulp, and fiber components into an average particle size of less than 30 μm. As a result, the production cost of the chopsticks 10B also increases, and the chopsticks 10B cannot be manufactured at a low cost. When the average particle diameter of the paper powder 21 exceeds 200 μm, the paper powder 21 may be poorly dispersed in the molten polypropylene, and a lump portion of the paper powder 21 may be formed inside the molten mixture. In some cases, the strength of the chopsticks 10B at the portion where the lump portion is present is significantly reduced, and the chopsticks 10B are easily broken at the portion. The average particle diameter of the paper powder 21 is a value measured by a sieving method, similar to that for forming the chopsticks 10A.

  The ratio (weight ratio) of the outer powder 29 to the total weight of the pellet-like mixture 25 is in the range of 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%. If the ratio of the outer powder 29 is less than 0.5% by weight, the sterilizing power cannot be fully utilized, and propagation of germs and viruses on the chopsticks 10B cannot be prevented. In addition, mold is likely to occur during repeated use of the chopsticks 10B. The outer powder 29 has an average particle size in the range of 5 μm to 100 μm. When the average particle diameter of the outer powder 29 is less than 5 μm, a plurality of pulverization steps are required to process the outer powder 29 into an average particle diameter of less than 5 μm. As a result, the production cost of the chopsticks 10B also increases, and the chopsticks 10B cannot be manufactured at a low cost. If the average particle diameter of the outer powder 29 exceeds 100 μm, the outer powder 29 may be poorly dispersed in the molten polypropylene, and a lump portion of the outer powder 29 may be formed inside the molten mixture. In some cases, the strength of the chopsticks 10B at the portion where the lump portion of the upper powder 29 is present is significantly reduced, and the chopsticks 10B may be easily broken at the portion. The average particle diameter of the outer powder 29 is a value measured by a sieving method.

  Since the paper powder-containing chopsticks 10B include the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29, the heat resistance temperature of the chopsticks 10B is higher than that of a chopstick made of only a plastic material. The chopsticks 10B have a heat resistant temperature of 100 to 190 ° C. The chopsticks 10B have an incineration calorie in the range of 4000 to 6000 Kcal / kg. Further, the chopsticks 10B include paper powder 21 and outer powder 29, so that the chopsticks 10B have higher rigidity than chopsticks made only of plastic materials. The chopsticks 10B have a flexural modulus in the range of 4000 MPa to 6000 MPa. Furthermore, the chopsticks 10B include paper powder 21 and outer powder 29, so that it has excellent chemical resistance and sterilizes the outer powder 40 to kill and remove germs, viruses and molds attached to its surface. Can do.

The paper powder-containing chopsticks 10B do not give the user a cool feeling when used, compared with chopsticks made only from plastic materials. In the chopsticks 10B, the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 forming the chopsticks serve as resistance elements, and are difficult to slip when held in the hand, so that they do not slip from the hand and are accidentally dropped. In the chopsticks 10B, the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 are substantially uniformly dispersed therein, so that the strength of the chopsticks 10B is not partially lowered, has an excellent strength, and can withstand repeated use. And there is no waste of resources. Since the chopsticks 10B are made from the mixture 11 in which the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29 are mixed in the polypropylene 20, there is no generation of smoke during the incineration process of the chopsticks 10B, and there is no air pollution during the incineration process. In addition, since it includes the paper powder 21 and the outer powder 29, the amount of CO ₂ emitted during the incineration process can be extremely reduced as compared with a chopstick made only from a plastic material. Furthermore, compared with chopsticks made only from plastic materials, its calorie burn is low, and it can be burned completely at a low incineration temperature.

The perspective view of the paper powder containing chopsticks shown as an example. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the chopsticks of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the chopsticks of FIG. The figure which looked at the recessed part formed in the rear-end part from the top. The schematic diagram when making a pellet-like mixture using an extruder. Schematic diagram when making chopsticks using an injection molding machine. The schematic diagram when forming a coating layer in the front-end part of chopsticks. The other schematic diagram when making a pellet-like mixture using an extruder.

Explanation of symbols

10A chopsticks 10B chopsticks 11 mixture 12 front end portion 13 intermediate portion 14 rear end portion 15 concave portion 17 front end 18 rear end 19 polypropylene 20 paper powder 21 zeolite powder 22 silver powder 24 pellet-like mixture

Claims (6)

  30% by weight or more and less than 50% by weight of polypropylene and 40% by weight or more and 60% by weight or less of paper powder not containing a fluorescent substance, heavy metal, and ink component and having an average particle diameter of 30 to 200 μm were kneaded. A paper made by using a pellet-like mixture, injecting the molten mixture obtained by heating and kneading the pellet-like mixture into a chopstick molding die, and molding the molten mixture into the shape of a chopstick in the chopstick molding die Chopsticks containing powder.   The paper-powder-containing chopsticks according to claim 1, wherein the pellet-like mixture contains 5 to 10% by weight of zeolite powder having an average particle diameter of 5 to 50 µm.   The paper-powder-containing chopsticks according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pellet-like mixture contains 5 to 10% by weight of silver powder having an average particle diameter of 1 to 10 µm.   4. The chopsticks according to claim 1, wherein the chopsticks contain the paper powder and have a heat-resistant temperature in a range of 100 ° C. to 190 ° C. and a flexural modulus in a range of 4000 MPa to 6000 MPa. Chopsticks containing paper powder as described.   For the polypropylene, grades having a flexural modulus of 1500 MPa to 2000 MPa and a melt flow rate (MFR) (230 ° C., 2,16 kg, 1φ orifice) of 50 g / 10 min to 100 g / 10 min are used. The paper powder containing chopsticks in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4.   A polypropylene-only layer having a thickness of 10 to 50 μm is formed on the entire surface in a range of at least 20 to 35% from the front end to the rear end of the chopstick when the total length of the chopstick is 100%. The paper powder containing chopsticks in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5.

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