1. INDEX
Certificate
Acknowledgement
Introduction
Bioplastic Properties
Environmental Impacts
Types Of Bioplastics
Making of a Bioplastic
Bibliography
2. Making of a Bioplastic
Step 1: Supplies
Bio-plastic ingredients:
1. 1 tsp cornstarch
2. 1 tsp vinegar
3. 1 tsp glycerin
4. 4 tsp water
Helpful tools:
1. Spatula
2. Small pot
3. Aluminum foil
5. Measuring cups
6. Stove top (or hot plate)
These are all ingredients that can be
found in most kitchens, aside from the
glycerin. Glycerin is used as a plasticizer
in this application. Different ingredients
will affect the final outcome in different
ways. For instance, glycerin will make the
plastic more flexible. The acetic acid in
vinegar helps the starch to dissolve easily,
because it adds ions to the mixture.
Vinegar is a much more readily available
ingredient than ammonium acetate, which
would be used in a larger scale
commercial bio-plastics operation. Water
is used as a solvent, also to denature the
starch. That way, a thin film can be
created as a final product.
3. Step 2: Add All Ingredients to Pot
Combine all of the ingredients and stir together. Add all of the
ingredients to the saucepan and stir to combine with the
spatula. Stir until you get rid of most of the lumps in the
mixture. At this stage, the mixture will be a milky white color
and quite watery.
If you add the wrong amounts of ingredients, just dispose of
the mixture and start again.
Step 3: Heat Up the Mixture
Heat on medium-low. Place the saucepan on the stove and
set the heat to medium-low. Stir continuously as the mixture
heats. Bring it to a gentle boil. As the mixture heats, it will
become more translucent and begin to thicken. Remove the
mixture from the heat when it becomes clear and thick.
Total heating time will be around 10-15 minutes.
Lumps may begin to form if the mixture gets overheated.
Add one-two drops of food coloring at this stage, if you would
like to color the plastic.
4. Step 4: Turn Off the Heat!
Once the mixture is easily scoop able, turn off the heat!
Stir a few more times, then spread the heated mixture
onto a piece of foil or parchment paper to let it cool. If you
would like to mold the plastic into a shape, it must be
done while it is still warm.
Remove any bubbles that you see by poking them with a
toothpick.
Step 5: Form the Plastic
Allow the plastic to dry for at least two days. It will take
time for the plastic to dry and harden. As it cools, it will
begin to dry out. Depending on the thickness of the
plastic, it can take longer for it to dry. If you make one
small thick piece it will take longer to dry than a thinner
larger piece. Leave the plastic in a cool, dry place for this
process.
Check the plastic after two days to see if it has fully
hardened.
