Alpha science classroom：DIY Bio-plastics kids science experiment

Do the kids know? Bio-plastics are a great alternative to traditional plastics, which are often composed of petroleum products. As the year's pass, we have less and less petroleum available to us, so it is important to find a suitable alternative.  Starch plastics are a good alternative, because corn is readily available, and when the plastic is done being used, it can be broken down rather than sent to a landfill. Alpha science classroom will start a kid's science experiment this day, this is a simple recipe that can be made in any kitchen, with common items often found in the average pantry. It can be a fun experiment for the classroom, as well as at home. The main purpose of this is to garner interest in the subject, so that future scientists will be able to develop more sustainable ways to make plastic products.

Alpha science classroom :What do you need materials for DIY bio-plastics ？

• Stove

• Pan

• Silicone spatula

• 10ml distilled water

• 0.5-1.5g glycerol

• 1.5g cornstarch

• 1ml of white vinegar

• 1-2 drops food coloring

• Adult supervision is recommended.

Alpha science classroom: Step to make DIY bio-plastics

Step one: Children can combine all of the ingredients and stir together. Add all of the ingredients to the saucepan and stir to combine with the spatula. Stir until you get rid of most of the lumps in the mixture. At this stage, the mixture will be a milky white color and quite watery.

If you add the wrong amounts of ingredients, just dispose of the mixture and start again.

Step two: Heat on medium-low. Place the saucepan on the stove and set the heat to medium-low. Stir continuously as the mixture heats. Bring it to a gentle boil. As the mixture heats, it will become more translucent and begin to thicken. remove the mixture from the heat when it becomes clear and thick.

Step Three: Total heating time will be around 10-15 minutes. Lumps may begin to form if the mixture gets overheated. Add one-two drops of food coloring at this stage, if you would like to color the plastic.

Step Four:

Pour the mixture onto foil or parchment paper. Spread the heated mixture onto a piece of foil or parchment paper to let it cool. If children would like to mold the plastic into a shape, it must be done while it is still warm. See the last method for details on molding the plastic.

Remove any bubbles that you see by poking them with a toothpick.

Step five：

Allow the plastic to dry for at least two days. It will take time for the plastic to dry and harden. As it cools, it will begin to dry out. Depending on the thickness of the plastic, it can take longer to dry. If you make one small thick piece it will take longer to dry than a thinner larger piece.

Step six:

Leave the plastic in a cool, dry place for this process. Check the plastic after two days to see if it has fully hardened.

Alpha science classroom: what is bio-plastics?

Bioplastic is a type of plastic that derives from renewable resources, such as starch or cellulose, so it doesn’t derive from petroleum, as standard plastic. This type of plastic has many advantages and is considered the greener alternative to plastic. This plastic is biodegradable, which means that it degrades under some circumstances.

The most common type of bioplastic is PLA or Polylactic Acid which is derived from renewable resources, it is very efficient has it has similar characteristics to standard plastic, so it’s heavy-duty and very resistant, and it can be produced with the equipment that we have already at disposal. It is also relatively cheap to produce and non-toxic, as it mainly derives from renewable resources. This material is also able to withstand very high temperatures, up to 110 °C.

This material is biodegradable, this means that it biodegrades through the action of living organisms, incredibly ti biodegrades between 6 to 12 months, bioplastic must be recycled in appropriate facilities, as high temperatures are needed.

Alpha Science Classroom today is the end of the kid's science experiment activities, children can according to the method, make their own want to bio-plastic, learn interesting chemistry knowledge, become the most potent environmental protection experts.