Description:FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
Bio-Composite Materials for Animal Drawn Implements in Livestock Farming
GD Goenka University, Sohna Gurugram Road,
Sohna, Haryana, India, 122103
The following specification fully and particularly describes the invention and a method to carry out the same.
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to Materials Science and Agricultural Engineering. More specifically the development of biodegradable bio-composite materials for agricultural tools, focusing on animal-drawn implements that traditionally utilize wood, such as yokes, beams, saddles, and plows.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Bio-composite materials are an emerging class of materials that combine natural fibers or bio-based reinforcements with a biodegradable or non-biodegradable matrix. They are engineered to provide eco-friendly alternatives to traditional composite materials, which often rely on petroleum-based components. By leveraging renewable resources, bio-composites aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining desirable mechanical properties.
Bio-composites have their roots in ancient civilizations, where natural materials were combined to create durable and functional products. Over time, with the advent of industrialization and synthetic materials, the focus on natural composites waned. However, growing environmental concerns, depleting fossil fuels, and a push for sustainable development have revived interest in bio-composites in recent decades.
Wood composite materials, such as fiber boards, plywood and particle board, are vital components of the building, packaging and furniture industries. These materials are engineered by bonding wood fibers, particles, chip shavings and plywood using a large amount of formaldehyde based binder. However, with the new 2015 environmental regulations in force in europe, the united states and china, safety regulations regarding the use of formaldehyde are being strengthened. There is therefore an urgent need to develop a "green" board with low formaldehyde emission that meets the requirements of new environmental regulations. In addition to the environmental concerns of using formaldehyde based binders, regulations on forest resource utilization are also
increasing. The consumption of man-made boards, in particular plywood, will increasingly consume resources of tropical forests. Therefore, direct processing of local logs in tropical forests is recommended, while encouraging the integrated utilization of wood-based materials produced during log production to produce artificial boards. The supply of wood-based materials is therefore under pressure due to the increasing market demand for wood-based panels, thus encouraging the use of economically viable non-wood fiber materials.
CN110520464B discloses a biocomposite material comprising a non-wood fiber biomass protein comprising at least 6 wt% protein and a crosslinking agent. The biocomposite material can optionally further comprise wood biomass or a non-protein containing non-wood biomass, and can be formed into biocomposite panels to replace wood substrates for various applications. A bioplastic material comprising a bioadhesive, a fibrous biomass and a plastic material and which can be formed into various products, such as cups, using conventional plastic processing techniques. Suitable fibrous biomass may include spent coffee grounds and various other biomasses. The invention also provides a method of forming a panel from the biocomposite material and a method of making a bioplastic.
US2372433A relates to the molded plastics art and particularly to a method of preparing a moldable plastics composition and the product molded with that composition. In the development of molded plastics it has become common practice to use a, so-called, filler in the molded product or article for increasing the strength and impact resistance of the latter. Plastics, such as phenolic or amino condensations products and cellulose derivatives and vinyl compounds known as thermo-setting and thermo-plastic binders, respectively, are quite brittle and shatter very easily when molded without having incorporated therein additional strength-imparting materials, and, as a result, different types of fillers have been adopted. One form of filler, in granular form, known as wood filler, has been used, but higher than-ordinary strength and impact resistance is obtained in molded articles where fibrous materials in coherent bodies have been used. In combining the filler and binder it has been deemed essential that the binder be uniformly and intimately associated with the filler material, and, while this can be readily accomplished with fillers of granular form, such results are quite difficult, if not impossible, where coherent bodies of fibrous materials are used, due to the methods used
in fabricating the coherent bodies of filler materials known in the prior art. For instance, spin in and weaving of the fibers and threads, respectively, in the case of canvas materials, and the felting of the fibers, in the case of water-laid paper, causes the fibers to be so densely compacted in the fabricated, coherent body, that it has been customary to prepare the binder in solution form for impregnation or treatment of the canvas, paper, or other coherent filler body.
Agricultural practices across the globe, particularly in livestock farming, rely heavily on animal-drawn implements such as yokes, beams, patellas, and saddles. Traditionally, these implements have been constructed from wood due to its availability, ease of shaping, and satisfactory mechanical properties. However, the widespread use of wood in these applications has led to several challenges, including deforestation, resource depletion, and environmental degradation.
The increasing demand for wood in multiple industries, coupled with unsustainable harvesting practices, has significantly contributed to deforestation, which is a major environmental concern. This has not only disrupted ecosystems but also led to a decline in the availability of high-quality wood, resulting in increased costs for farmers and agricultural industries. The need for a viable, sustainable alternative to wood is becoming increasingly urgent to mitigate these impacts while maintaining the functionality of animal-drawn farming implements.
In response to these challenges, composite materials have emerged as a potential solution in various fields. Composite materials are known for their ability to combine two or more distinct components to achieve properties superior to those of the individual components. While synthetic composites, such as fiberglass and carbon fiber, have shown promise in replacing traditional materials, their high cost, non-biodegradability, and limited accessibility make them unsuitable for widespread adoption in rural and agricultural settings.
Bio-composite materials, which utilize renewable and biodegradable resources, have gained attention as a sustainable alternative. These materials leverage natural fibers and biomass as fillers and reinforcements, offering environmental benefits such as reduced reliance on non-renewable resources and lower carbon footprints. Despite these
advantages, existing bio-composites have often fallen short of the mechanical and functional requirements for applications such as animal-drawn farming implements, where durability, tensile strength, wear resistance, and cost-effectiveness are critical.
The present invention addresses these unmet needs by introducing a novel bio-composite material designed specifically to replace wood in the manufacturing of animal-drawn farming implements. By utilizing biodegradable biomass fillers, such as jute nets, wheat or paddy straw, bagasse, and sawdust, combined with silica particles as reinforcing agents, the invention not only provides enhanced mechanical properties but also promotes environmental sustainability. The use of readily available agricultural by-products ensures cost-effectiveness, while the incorporation of silica particles significantly improves tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, and wear resistance.
Furthermore, the invention establishes a systematic production process that is scalable and adaptable for use in both industrial and rural settings. This process ensures consistent quality and allows the material to meet the rigorous demands of agricultural applications. By overcoming the limitations of existing materials and methods, the invention contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and supports the global effort to combat deforestation and resource depletion.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available techniques and processes.
Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a bio-composite material designed to supersede wood in the production of animal-drawn implements used in livestock farming
Therefore, the current invention successfully overcoming all of the above-discussed
shortcomings present in the art.
The main object of the present invention is to propose a novel bio-composite material that can replace wood in the manufacturing of animal-drawn implements, such as yokes, patellas, beams, and saddles. This bio-composite material is designed to be environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and durable, thus mitigating the negative impact of deforestation and preserving natural resources.
The main object of the present invention is to create an eco-friendly bio-composite material utilizing biodegradable biomass (e.g., jute net, wheat/paddy straw, bagasse, and sawdust) as a filler and silica particles as a reinforcing agent to replace traditional wood in animal-drawn implements for livestock farming.
Another object of the present invention is improve the mechanical performance of the composite, including superior tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength (45-60% increase), and wear resistance (75% reduction), as compared to conventional wood-based materials.
The main object of the present invention is to develop a material suitable for manufacturing durable and cost-effective farming implements, such as plows, beams, and animal saddles, providing improved longevity and operational performance.
The main object of the present invention is to establish a systematic and scalable process for producing the bio-composite material, including steps such as biomass preparation, material mixing, molding, curing, and optional annealing to achieve desired physical and mechanical properties.
How the foregoing objects are achieved will be clear from the following brief description. In this context, it is clarified that the description provided is non-limiting and is only by way of explanation. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the foregoing description proceeds, taken together with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
The present invention introduces a biodegradable bio-composite material designed to replace traditional wood in the manufacture of animal-drawn implements used in livestock farming. This innovative material combines biodegradable biomass fillers, silica particles, and epoxy resin, resulting in a composite that not only mimics the physical properties of wood but significantly surpasses it in mechanical strength, durability, and wear resistance. Silica particles (60–120 μm) dispersed in the resin matrix enhance the composite's tensile strength, flexural strength (increased by 45–60%), and wear resistance (up to 75% reduction compared to wood).
The bio-composite material is particularly suited for the production of agricultural tools like yokes, beams, saddles, and plows, where heavy-duty performance is essential. The method of manufacturing involves systematic steps, including the preparation of biomass fillers, blending with silica and resin, curing, and optional annealing, ensuring a high-performance and cost-effective end product.
This invention addresses environmental and economic concerns by offering a sustainable alternative to wood, reducing resource dependency, and enhancing the lifespan and efficiency of farming tools. It marks a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture, providing an eco-friendly and practical solution for modern farming needs.
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that this figure depicts only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying figures in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:
Figure 1, illustrates a view of Different parts of a Yak saddle made up of Bio-composite material for the present invention.
Figure 2, illustrates a view of Yak saddle made up of Bio-composite material for the present invention.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
Now the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the following embodiment.
The present invention provides a bio-composite material designed to supersede wood in the production of animal-drawn implements used in livestock farming. The bio-composite material is made by combining biodegradable biomass, silica particles, and
epoxy resin, resulting in enhanced physical and mechanical properties. The physical properties of the developed bio-composite closely resemble those of wood, while its mechanical strength surpasses traditional materials in key aspects.
The bio-composite includes silica particles of 60 to 120 μm dispersed in the resin matrix, which contributes to enhanced strength and wear resistance. Through extensive testing, it was found that the addition of silica and biomass results in a 45-60% increase in flexural strength compared to wood, as well as improved tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The integration of these materials also provides a reduction in wear, with silica-filled composites demonstrating up to 75% reduction in wear rates. Bio-composite materials, particularly those with higher silica content, display increased hardness, making them highly suitable for heavy-duty applications in the field.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Based on the content provided, the bio-composite material intended to replace traditional wood in livestock farming equipment consists of the following components:
Biodegradable Biomass: Used as a filler and reinforcing agent with materials like jute net (8 wt%), wheat and paddy straw, bagasse, and sawdust. For this composite, biodegradable fillers are optimized in equal weight proportions of 5%, 10%, and 15% (wt%) of the composite, meaning each type of biomass material (e.g., jute, straw, bagasse, sawdust) would be in the range of 1.25% to 5% (wt%) per type when split evenly.
- Silica Particles: Used as a reinforcing agent to enhance the mechanical properties. Silica particle size between 60 to 120 nm is added at two optimized weight levels, 5% and 10% (wt%).
- Epoxy Resin (CY-230): Acts as the matrix material in the composite. The resin makes up the majority of the remaining weight. The mix is made with 91% (wt%) resin and 9% (wt%) of hardener HY-951 for optimal curing
Example 2:
To synthesize the bio-composite material, biomass fillers such as wheat/paddy straw, bagasse, and sawdust are first prepared by washing, sun-drying for a week, and further
drying in a hot-air oven at 45°C for 72 hours to remove moisture. The dried biomass is then ground to fine particles smaller than 6 μm. Next, silica particles (5-10% wt/wt) and biomass fillers (5-15% wt%) are manually mixed into epoxy resin (CY-230) to ensure uniform distribution. This mixture is heated in an electric furnace at 90 ± 10 °C for two hours, with manual stirring every 30 minutes to achieve homogeneity. Afterward, the mixture is cooled to 45°C, and hardener HY-951 (9% v/v) is added, forming a viscous solution through thorough stirring. The solution is then poured into molds designed per ASTM and ISO standards for mechanical testing and cured at varying temperature ranges based on the desired curing speed and properties: 20°C for 14-24 hours, 60°C for 5-7 hours, or 100°C for 10-30 minutes. Optionally, to relieve stresses from the molding process, the cured samples can undergo annealing at 115°C for 8-10 hours.
While the invention has been described with respect to specific composition which include presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth herein.
Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many variations of these embodiments are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances
may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
CLAIMS
We Claim,
1. A bio-composite material comprises of biodegradable biomass (5% (wt%) of jute net, wheat and paddy straw, bagasse, and sawdust) used as a filler and reinforcing agent, silica particles (10% (wt%)) used as a reinforcing agent to enhance the mechanical properties, epoxy resin (80% (wt%)) as the matrix material and hardener HY-951 (5% (wt%)) for optimal curing to replace traditional wood in animal-drawn implements utilized in livestock farming operation.
2. A bio-composite material as claimed in claim 1, wherein said silica particles of 60 to 120 μm exhibits superior tensile strength, compressive strength, and wear resistance as compared to wood-based implements.
3. The bio-composite material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composite shows a 45-60% increase in flexural strength, a 1.5 to 2 times increase in tensile strength, and a 75% reduction in wear rate compared to wood-based materials.
4. The bio-composite material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material is suitable for manufacturing implements such as plows, beams, and animal saddles, providing enhanced durability and reduced cost.
5. A method of manufacturing the bio-composite material, involving the combination of biodegradable biomass, silica particles, and epoxy resin, followed by curing to form desired implement components:
(i) Preparation of Biomass Fillers:
 Washing biomass materials (e.g., wheat/paddy straw, bagasse, sawdust) thoroughly.
 Sun-drying the biomass for one week.
 Further drying the biomass in a hot-air oven at 45°C for 72 hours to reduce moisture content.
 Grinding the dried biomass into fine particles (less than 6 μm in size).
(ii) Mixing Silica and Biomass with Resin:
 Combining silica particles (5-10% wt/wt) and biomass fillers (5-15% wt%) with epoxy resin (CY-230).
 Mixing manually to ensure uniform distribution.
 Heating the mixture in an electric furnace at 90 ± 10 °C for two hours.
 Stirring manually every 30 minutes during heating to achieve homogeneity.
(iii) Cooling and Addition of Hardener:
 Cooling the heated mixture to 45°C.
 Adding hardener HY-951 (9% v/v) to the cooled mixture.
 Stirring thoroughly to form a viscous solution.
(iv) Molding and Curing:
 Pour the viscous solution into molds designed per ASTM and ISO standards for mechanical testing.
 Cure the material at the appropriate temperature for the desired duration:
o 20°C for 14-24 hours,
o 60°C for 5-7 hours,
o or 100°C for 10-30 minutes, based on curing speed and target properties.
(v) Annealing
 Anneal the cured samples at 115°C for 8-10 hours to relieve stress caused by the molding process.
6. An animal saddle for livestock comprising a main saddle base, upper support beam, side supports, fastening sections, and a cushion layer, all composed of the bio-composite material as claimed in claim 1, configured to distribute load and provide structural integrity.
Date- 17/07/2025
G D Goenka University
APPLICANT
ABSTRACT
Bio-Composite Materials for Animal Drawn Implements in Livestock Farming
The present invention relates to bio-composite material developed as a sustainable alternative to traditional wood for use in animal-drawn implements in livestock farming. This composite comprises biodegradable biomass fillers (5 wt%) such as jute, wheat and paddy straw, bagasse, and sawdust, combined with silica particles (10 wt%) for enhanced mechanical properties, epoxy resin (80 wt%) as the matrix material, and hardener HY-951 (5 wt%) for optimal curing. The silica particles (60–120 μm) significantly improve tensile strength, compressive strength, and wear resistance compared to wood-based implements. The composite exhibits superior mechanical performance, including a 45–60% increase in flexural strength, a 1.5–2 times increase in tensile strength, and a 75% reduction in wear rate. The bio-composite is suitable for manufacturing implements such as plows, beams, and animal saddles, providing enhanced durability, reduced wear, and cost-efficiency. The manufacturing process involves preparing biomass fillers, mixing them with silica and resin, adding a hardener, molding, curing, and optional annealing for stress relief. This innovative material offers a sustainable and durable solution for agricultural applications, reducing reliance on traditional wood while enhancing performance and operational lifespan. , Claims:We Claim,
1. A bio-composite material comprises of biodegradable biomass (5% (wt%) of jute net, wheat and paddy straw, bagasse, and sawdust) used as a filler and reinforcing agent, silica particles (10% (wt%)) used as a reinforcing agent to enhance the mechanical properties, epoxy resin (80% (wt%)) as the matrix material and hardener HY-951 (5% (wt%)) for optimal curing to replace traditional wood in animal-drawn implements utilized in livestock farming operation.
2. A bio-composite material as claimed in claim 1, wherein said silica particles of 60 to 120 μm exhibits superior tensile strength, compressive strength, and wear resistance as compared to wood-based implements.
3. The bio-composite material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composite shows a 45-60% increase in flexural strength, a 1.5 to 2 times increase in tensile strength, and a 75% reduction in wear rate compared to wood-based materials.
4. The bio-composite material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material is suitable for manufacturing implements such as plows, beams, and animal saddles, providing enhanced durability and reduced cost.
5. A method of manufacturing the bio-composite material, involving the combination of biodegradable biomass, silica particles, and epoxy resin, followed by curing to form desired implement components:
(i) Preparation of Biomass Fillers:
 Washing biomass materials (e.g., wheat/paddy straw, bagasse, sawdust) thoroughly.
 Sun-drying the biomass for one week.
 Further drying the biomass in a hot-air oven at 45°C for 72 hours to reduce moisture content.
 Grinding the dried biomass into fine particles (less than 6 μm in size).
(ii) Mixing Silica and Biomass with Resin:
 Combining silica particles (5-10% wt/wt) and biomass fillers (5-15% wt%) with epoxy resin (CY-230).
 Mixing manually to ensure uniform distribution.
 Heating the mixture in an electric furnace at 90 ± 10 °C for two hours.
 Stirring manually every 30 minutes during heating to achieve homogeneity.
(iii) Cooling and Addition of Hardener:
 Cooling the heated mixture to 45°C.
 Adding hardener HY-951 (9% v/v) to the cooled mixture.
 Stirring thoroughly to form a viscous solution.
(iv) Molding and Curing:
 Pour the viscous solution into molds designed per ASTM and ISO standards for mechanical testing.
 Cure the material at the appropriate temperature for the desired duration:
o 20°C for 14-24 hours,
o 60°C for 5-7 hours,
o or 100°C for 10-30 minutes, based on curing speed and target properties.
(v) Annealing
 Anneal the cured samples at 115°C for 8-10 hours to relieve stress caused by the molding process.
6. An animal saddle for livestock comprising a main saddle base, upper support beam, side supports, fastening sections, and a cushion layer, all composed of the bio-composite material as claimed in claim 1, configured to distribute load and provide structural integrity.