Super biodegradable straws and method for making the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to drinking straws that are made from biodegradable material or bioplastics. The process to manufacture the present invention can use waste lipid wax byproducts. The present invention can incorporate chemical modification of corn or hemp fiber waste, and is comprised of wax byproduct, xanthan gum, carnauba wax and stearic acid. Stearin, hardener and plasticizers are mixed with corn or soy wax. A binder ingredient can be added to the waxes and fiber mixture, resulting in a smooth and hard, durable and biodegradable material with a high melting point. This material is then processed using an extrusion method, whereby the mixed ingredients are forced through an opening in a perforated plate or die with a design specific to form a straw, and then cut into a specific size by blades. The extruder consists of a large, rotating screw tightly fitting within a stationary barrel, at the end of which is the die. Extrusion enables mass production of food via a continuous, efficient system that ensures uniformity of the final product.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.