Agar Ag19 (Thin Film, with Plasticizer)

Ingredients:

• Water (75 mL).

• Agar agar powder (1 g).

• Glycerol (4 g).

Procedure:

• Add all ingredients into a 500 mL autoclave bottle and swirl it for a minute. Try not to create bubbles.

• Make sure the lid is loosely open.

• Put the mixture in the microwave for 20 seconds on high or until you see any bubbles forming.

• Take out of microwave.

• Swirl for one minute to dissolve the agar in the water.

• Repeat last 4 steps 4 more times.

• Once repeated 4 more times, cast into a mold (I used glass sheet and let it naturally spread out. I also used an ice cube tray to see what would happen if I cast a thick segment).

Properties:

• Before drying: very transparent, thin, and smooth.

• After drying: strong, smooth, and a less concerning color.

Notes:

• Keep a good eye on the bioplastic while microwaving because if you don't, it will boil over. At any hint of bubbles, stop the microwave and take the bottle out. We take the bottle out as soon as we see bubbles to avoid any bubbles in the final product.

• A 125 mL bottle will boil over almost immediately. Trust me!

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