In this module we explored making with sustainability in mind. We learned about biomaterials as an alternative to other kinds of materials and got to experiment with different formulas and methods of making our onw biomateials.

In the lab - white coat and everything!

Preparing the mold in vector form

Cutting the mold with a laser cutter

Removing the mold from the laser cutter

The mold

Preparing everything in the lab

Mixing the ingredients for the Agar-agar based bioplastic

Water!

Assemibling the mold

Pouring clear and green liquid bioplastic into themold

Orange bioplastic in mold

Time to wait for the bioplastic to dry (for several days)

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Once the bioplastic is in the mold, one have to wait for several days for it to dry enough to be ready for removal.

We prepared 2 different formulations, varying the amout of glycerine introduced in the mix. We also usad two different "coatings" for the mold, one with the bottom covvered with fabric and the other without any cover at all.

After more then a week, the material seems to be ready for removal.

Ready to remove bioplastic from molds

Volume of the material has reducen significantly

Separating the two parts of the mold

Peeling off the green mix of the bioplastic

Small parts of the mold got in the mix

Taking the orange mix off the piece of fabric

The bioplastic shows exhibits some transparency

See-thru plastic - green mix

See-thru plastic - clear mix

Three different versions, three transparency levels

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Now, how do I use this in class?

More to come!