Introduction: 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
Step 2: Proportions
The proportions to make the plastic are:
1 TBSP Corn Starch: 1.5 TBSP Water: 3-5 Drops Cooking Oil
Step 3: Preparations
Mix the ingredients together to form a milky looking liquid. Once you have done this it is ready to be microwaved.
Step 4: Microwaving
Put the mixture in the microwave and set the microwave on high for 25-30 seconds. The mixture should start to bubble and should become slightly transparent. Keep an eye on the mixture to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Step 5: Molding the Plastic
When it looks slightly transparent, take it out. Let it cool a bit so you can handle it. Then knead the plastic until it is soft and can be molded like play-dough. Now you can mold it into whatever shape you want it to be. Once molded leave it for about 24 Hrs. for it to cure and become solid. It's best to keep the surface from drying out while it is curing. The image below is the plastic when shaped.
Step 6: Ideas
-You can add food coloring to give the biodegradable plastic some color.
-You can use it to make plant pots so you start the plants indoors and when they've grow you can put them in the ground.
1 Person Made This Project!
- muhassan made it!
78 Comments
Question 8 months ago
can we use corn flour instead of corn starch
thanks
regards
5 years ago
Thanks! This is perfect for what I need!!!
Reply 1 year ago
same ;)
Question 2 years ago on Step 3
How long does it take this "home-made biodegradable plastic" to decompose/break down?
2 years ago
I'm trying this out rn idk if it will work, I'll post a pic of the end result. Btw I'm just trying this out 11 years later after you posted this recipe lmao
Question 2 years ago
What can I add to make this more durable?
7 years ago
Once it dries, will it be transparent??? PLEASE ANSWER!!!!!!
Reply 2 years ago
No. It will harden though.
Reply 2 years ago
yes
Question 2 years ago
Can you eat it?
Question 2 years ago
Is there a way to make it flexible, similar to dried silicon sealant?
Question 4 years ago on Step 4
i dont have a microwave, can i use a bunsen burner??
Answer 2 years ago
So how did it go???
Answer 3 years ago
I don't know but why don't you have a microwave?
Question 3 years ago
When you make it can it be molded to be like plastic bottle or can six pack rings? Would it be flexible enough to work as one?
Answer 2 years ago
yes i made a six pack rings 2 weeks ago it not perfect tho
Question 2 years ago on Step 6
How transparent does the final product come out?
3 years ago
I made this and was looking for transparency. I got quite a bit of shrinking, which I think I could remedy with the OP's suggestion of damp paper towel. But mine never became transparent. This is an "I made it!" photo. How can I get it to be this transparent? Muhassan, are you still here?
3 years ago
recommend putting in a plastic piping bag with a round tip if you have trouble using it.
3 years ago
Has anyone tried putting it in wet soil and see how long it takes to decompose? If not, I'll try to make it this weekend and see what happens.