CC02 Chrondus Crispus (Carrageenan)

Because CC01 was so successful, but unfortunately lacked vital documentation, I decided to see if I could try to replicate it. Spoiler alert: I didn't. But, I still made some good bioplastic in the end.

Ingredients:

1. Water (75 mL)

2. Whole leaf dried Chrondus crispus (3g)

Procedure:

1. Blend the seaweed in your water using a blender of some sort.

2. Once the mixture is homogenous, put it into a pan or heating apparatus

3. Heat at ~60C for 2-5 minutes.

4. Once the mixture is feeling thicker, cast it into a mold or a flat item.

5. Let dry for five or more days.

6. Done!

Before drying:

During drying:

After drying:

Results:

This turned out to be a nice and strong bioplastic. It really has some strength. Unfortunately, it seemed to warp in its drying process. I think I could have solved this by adding some glycerol to the recipe. Glycerol acts as a plasticizer and makes the bioplastic more flexible and stronger.