Chemistry Corner - Bioplastics

A video all about bioplastics
- Learn to make some plastic derived from cornstarch using household chemicals
- Learn a bit about the chemistry behind it
- Learn what bioplastics might be good for
- And the drawbacks

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• bioplastic
• chemistry
• science
• recycling
• renewable

[marcuspinson]

is there a way to neutralize the acid (if you use a different kind of acid) without messing with the structure of the plastic

[aonomus]

@marcuspinson Depending on whether you are willing to tolerate inorganics, you could charge an equivalent of a weak base. The only problem is because of the volatility of acetic acid, you have no way to control the quantity of acetic acid remaining behind in the melt prior to casting. Additionally, most weak bases tend to be organic amines, which don't smell very nice, and are themselves volatile.

[hkparker]

Slight echo in the audio but this didn't take away from the quality of the video.  Well done, very interesting!

[aonomus]

@hkparker I forgot to tweak the audio to remove the noise and echo like last time, plus I'm just tired. I've been heading up all the logistics for Makerfaire for my local hackerspace. I was too rushed to really edit this video to my liking. Stay tuned for the Makerfaire Toronto video too.

[santiagoscaine]

Can you write in the coments the quantity and name of materials plz?

My english isnt that good to cath the words!

PLZZZZZZZZZ

pd: great and very profesional work! keep going

[introchorus27]

if i use oven in dryng, what is the temperature and time?

[introchorus27]

@aonomus how did you dry it?

[arthur1129]

Hi. I'm planning of doing an experiment - I want to mix this plastic with different sands or even sawdust to make a mass that is either "model-able" from a thicker piece (with sandpaper, files, jeweler's saw) or moldable (kind of like clay) for my projects. I reckon it should come out not harder than a rock yet not as soft as wood. Any tips? Maybe more glycerine? Should I mix in the sand as a last step or in the middle?

[lexichronicle2]

I think a company made a phone case at one point that was biodegradable and had a sunflower seed embedded in the plastic.

Always nice to see your videos.

[viclorwow]

Great video, very informative

[FintaruS]

how easy is it to make a cube of size 5*5*5cm?

[hkparker]

@aonomus Ah thats ok. Have fun at maker fair! Ill be waiting for your video, be sure to see mine after as well! Is yours also on the 21st/22nd?