Easy Biodegradable Plastic

Now lots of products are made out of plastic. A lot of it is throw away and will stay in garbage dumps of thousands of years. Biodegradable plastic, unlike normal plastic made from petroleum, will decompose and become part of the soil. This Instructable will show you how one easy way to make some biodegradable plastic.

Step 1 Gather The Materials

This are lists of materials and tools needed to make the biodegradable plastic:

Materials:
-Corn Starch
-Water
-Cooking Oil

Tools:
-Spoon/Something To Measure With
-Microwavable Container
-Microwave

Comments

[jakobus9]

microwave?
probable the stupidest question ever:
will just heating it up work just as well? or is there any microwave magic going on ? ;-)

[Masterdude]

I haven't tried it by just warming up but I'd guess that all it needs is heat, not microwaves, to work.

[PS118]

I'd like to know a little more of the chemistry. What exactly (chemically speaking) did we just make here? And what are its properties?

[gregstevens]

There is an entire website dedicated to answering questions about bioplastics, and especially for people interested in making it at home.

http://green-plastics.net

It has articles explaining the chemistry, as well as practical questions, and if you post a comment they often will create a post dedicated to answering your question.  It's had articles on everything from "why do some people say to use Vinegar in the bioplastic?" to "How can I make a bioplastic hard enough to make a toy sword?" (which is a funny one LOL).

Anyway, check it out, it'sa great resource.

[theawesomeninja]

I'm not totally sure, but I think it's some kind of starched-based structure. The water probably suspends the starch and the oil keeps it together while the water dries away, leaving an oil and starch-based plastic. LOL i reply two years after you posted the question

[PS118]

Ha ha. No problem. I had to scroll back up and look at what my question even was. :)

[naveen_nk]

guys can u please tell me which cooking oil is best

[Masterdude]

Well I don't know but the canola oil worked for me and I read that some others work as well. Probably any cooking oil will do.

[ChineseBakery]

I made it! I can't wait until it dries!

[lemonie]

Can we see a picture of this stuff? L

[Masterdude]

I just added this image. It is right after molding but before curing. I can't give images of it after curing because it fell apart because I didn't keep it moist enough. I'll try to get some better images another time.

[lemonie]

Yea, that look like the thing, I might try this (except I've got a lot of lead I'd like to use...)

L

[drawe21]

I made a batch with 1 cup cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups water, 1 teaspoon oil and it came out well. (cooked for 8 min in microwave) Looks a bit like semi clear mashed potato's (semi clear) My photos came out looking very bad. Sorry...

[crearc]

I tried it. I thought it was really cool to make, but it ended up being pretty brittle. some portions held together nicely though. I like how it's a simple formula, but it still needs to be refined. I want to be able to pour it into a mold but it isn't liquidy enough after. I was wondering, can you put clay or playdough in the microwave? Thanks.

[Masterdude]

It doesn't seem to be liquid after microwaving and I suggest covering the plastic with a moist towel or such to keep it from drying out before finishing curing. the brittleness probably is because some of it dries up and that part contracts causing deformations which cause brittleness so the key to preventing it should be keeping it moist while curing.

[plzspoilme25]

i think this may be just what i'm looking for for my seed trays, now i need to still come up with the mold. i need the 20 row seed tray (front tray) any ideas on what to use as the mold? for that matter any mold for any cell pack, or small flower pot...

[a_traceur]

Styrofoam. Just cut it to the inverse (opposite) Of what your trying to make and squish it into all the little holes.

[edfel01]

how long until this stuff deteriorates? and how strong is it and wat not but other then that nice simple plastic. Good Job

[microman171]

I'm looking forward to trying this this afternoon. Does it melt again? This could be a super cheap thermoplastic. Polymorph anyone?

[jtobako]

It doesn't melt or rehydrate (well, it soaks up water but you can't re-shape it). It has severe shrinkage-all that water you added? It evaporates to 'set'. It will burn...

[strax]

i'm thinking plant pots. any ideas on molding these in mass and how long they last is appreciated. strax

[plzspoilme25]

i tried this, i think i put in too much oil, but mine was all sticky, maybe needed to knead it some more? really not alot to work with, i'm wanting to make around a 11"x13" seed tray, so how much u think i should try to mix up at one time.....gonna try again tomorrow tnx

[S1L3N7 SWAT]

That looks cool. How long does this last until it completely deteriorates?

[Masterdude]

I'm going to try to post some new pictures.

[fungus amungus]

Yes. It needs original pictures, especially of the final product.

[jtobako]

Final picture? I'd like to know what you thought about the shrinkage on drying cornstarch. I use a filler and get some nasty internal shrinkage.

[rimar2000]

Yes, I agree totally with you. That details are the most important part. Anyway, this seems a good recipe.