Innovative experiments and samples of bioplastics

Having learnt how to combine concepts, techniques and practices to make bioplastics based on agar and gilgitine, I further explored the possibilities of integrating natural materials into bioplastics. The aim of this experiment was to assess the effects of different natural additives on the performance and appearance of bioplastics. The materials used included agar, gylcine, eggshells, pumpkin vines, roses, tea leaves and shallots.

Production steps
1.Preparation of materials:
Measure the required agar and guylidin tablets. Usually, the ratio of the two can be adjusted depending on the desired thickness and elasticity of the bioplastic.

2、Mix and dissolve:
Add appropriate amount of water in a pot and heat the water to a slight boil over medium-low heat. Slowly add the pre-measured amount of agar and gilgitine tablets, stirring rapidly as you add to ensure complete dissolution and to prevent the formation of lumps.

3. Heat and stir:
Stir continuously until the mixture is completely dissolved and begins to thicken. The temperature of the mixture can be monitored during this process using a heat gauge to avoid overheating.

4. Pour into moulds:
Carefully pour the dissolved hot mixture into pre-prepared flat-bottomed containers or moulds. Ensure that there are no air bubbles and that the surface is flat when poured.

5、Add natural materials:
Eggshell powder: to enhance the hardness and structure of the bioplastic.
Pumpkin vine: chopped and added to explore its fibre strength to enhance the plastic.
Rose petals: provide natural fragrance and decorative effect.
Tea leaves: to add natural colour and subtle texture to the plastic.
Shallots: their green colour and fibres are expected to add visual and physical properties.

6. Mixing and Moulding:
The additives are evenly distributed in a solution and then poured into the mould and allowed to cure at room temperature, followed by placement in refrigeration to accelerate the curing process.

7. Demoulding and Evaluation:
After curing, the additives were removed from the moulds and physical properties such as appearance, texture and elasticity were observed.

I have found that the even distribution of mixed natural materials is critical to the quality of the final product. For example, eggshell powder needs to be meticulously ground to avoid large particles in bioplastics. By incorporating natural materials into bioplastics, I am actually exploring new boundaries of sustainable design. This practice not only responds to the concept of environmental protection, but also provides me with a direct experience of material innovation. Besides, it also provides some help to my crp, such as biomaterial-specific textures, colours, and so on. By documenting the detailed fabrication process and analysing the results, I was able to systematically evaluate the practical effects of each material and think about how I could apply this knowledge in future projects.