Bioplastics are a type of plastic that can be made from natural resources such as vegetable oils and starches. Since bioplastics are plant-based products, the consumption of petroleum for the production of plastic is expected to decrease by 15–20% by 2025.
2. Bioplastic
▪ A bioplastic is a type of plastic that can be made from plant
starches or gelatins/agars. They are better for the environment
because they are not derived from petroleum. They can also be
easily made at home with a few simple ingredients and a stove
3. Types of bioplastic
Starch based-they are made from natural starch and are mainly
used for making wrappers for goods packaging,biodegradable
polyesters etc
Cellulose based-mainly made of cellulose esters and used for
making thermoplastics and for packaging.
Protein based-made from proteins and mainly used for making
body panels of automobiles. •
Some aliphatic polyesters-from other chemical sources.
4. AN ALTERNATIVE TO
TRADITIONAL PLASTICS
▪ BIOPLASTICS
Bioplastics are 100% degradable, equally resistant and versatile.
They are made from materials such as corn starch ,PLA etc..
Bioplastics can be broken down in a controlled environment of
microbes.
5. ADVANTAGES
They reduce carbon footprint
They providing energy savings in production They do not
involve the consumption of non-renewable raw materials •
Their production reduces non-biodegradable waste that
contaminates the environment They do not contain additives that
are harmful to health, such as phthalates or bisphenol A
They do not change the flavor or scent of the food contained
6.
7. 1.Gather the necessary materials.
To make this type of bioplastic, you will need cornstarch, distilled
water, glycerol, white vinegar, a stove, a saucepan, a silicone
spatula, and food coloring (if desired).
These items should be readily available at the grocery store or
online.
Glycerol is also called glycerine, so try searching for that if you’re
having trouble finding glycerol.
The following amounts of each ingredient are needed to make the
bioplastic:
10ml distilled water
0.5-1.5g glycerol
1.5g cornstarch
1ml of white vinegar
1-2 drops food coloring
8.
9. 2.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.
10.
11. 3.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.
12.
13. 4. Pour the mixture onto foil
or parchment paper.
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.
See the last method for details on molding the plastic
.Remove any bubbles that you see by poking them with a
toothpick.
14. 5.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.