Lab kitchen: bioplastics

In this unit I will teach you the process to make different samples of materials that we will
call "bioplastics". We will make it from discarded material.

​ The production of bioplastic

​ In this lesson we will begin with the production of bioplastics. I will teach you step
by step how to prepare all the ingredients.
​
​ Preparation of the molds
​ Now I am going to introduce you to the different types of molds that exist. We will
see different alternatives and materials to assemble them at home.
​
​ The creation of bioplastic
​ In this lesson, we are going to go step by step so you can see how to make a
bioplastic. I will show you the process and give recommendations to carry it out.
​
​ Bioplastics: the results
​ After everything we have done, now I will show you the results of the bioplastic
recipes.

TASKS

Write down the recipes

If you have found a recipe in which your discard is used, you can try that recipe. If not, to
start you can use the gelatin base recipe that I have shared with you.
Write it down in your sketchbook and start by adding 10 grams of your already
dehydrated and processed waste (in a mortar, mini grinder, blender...). You can try a
sample with 10 grams and add 10 grams at a time. You will obtain very diverse results.

Prepare all the ingredients Measure and weigh all the ingredients. Remember to
take measurements accurately. Share if you have any questions during the process.
​ Choose and prepare your molds
​ Choose which molds you will pour the preparation into. You can start with what
you have at home; silicone molds that you have in the kitchen, preparing a frame
on the table.
Here your imagination is the limit. Experiment to find out which materials work
and which don't. For the first time, keep in mind the recommendations that I have
given you in this unit.
​
​ Create your bioplastic
​ Follow the steps in the lesson where I created the bioplastic. I recommend that
you add the discard when you have already placed the glycerin in the water and
added the gelatin. When you see that the gelatin is completely dissolved, it is
time to add your discard.
Don't forget to check that the preparation does not come to a boil. Remember
that you can try 10 grams of waste and increase the amount if you want a more
solid mixture. Remember to write it down in your sketchbook.
Show us in the forum!
​
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

​ More about biomaterials

"Valdivia Biomaterials Laboratory | LABVA - Ferrero Chair Biomaterials, by Heidi
Jalkh"
An incredible lecture with Heidi Jalkh and Alejandro Javier Weiss Munchmeyer to
learn more about the generation of biomaterials in Latin America.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Course recipes
In this document you will find the bioplastic recipes that we make in the course.

Examples of artistic projects

A presentation where you can see incredible projects with explanations and
photographs. They are very inspiring!

Examples of projects in the industry

Many companies are already using alternative materials and even creating them. In this
presentation you can see some cases.