Tools and Materials

Basic tools and requirements:

• Scale (at 0.1g resolution is recommended).

• Spatula.

• Nonstick pan or pot.

• Ice cube tray as a mold or a silicone tray for casting.

• Stovetop.

• Popsicle sticks for stirring and spreading.

• Mixing apparatus w/ measurement tools.

Advanced Tools:

• Beakers (Pyrex works well).

• A 0.01g resolution scale is really useful.

• IR thermometer to measure bioplastic temperature.

• Work surface.

• Spreading apparatus of some sort. DIY it like it did for a fun weekend project.

Ingredients:

• Water.

• Glycerol (50 - 100g bottle).

• Agar (50 - 100g).

• Carrageenan (25g).

• Sea moss.

Home-made Tools

DIY Injection Press v1:

This was an experiment to see if I could sort of injection mold the bioplastic that's fresh off the oven. The main goal was to see if I put more plastic than would fit, and applied lots of pressure with a clamp, then hopefully the bioplastic wouldn't shrink as much. The problem I encountered was that it didn't dry in the chamber and shrunk later. I 3D printed it. I think making it metal and drying it in the oven would be the best approach, but I don't have enough money to CNC it. However, I don't think the concept is solid either.

Image of v1:

Tube Mold:

There isn't much to this one. I got a plastic tube, 10mm in diameter and 220mm in length, and cut a hole for it inside a chunk of wood. To aid in pouring the bioplastic in, I implemented a funnel. The funnel is practically essential, though you might be able to make do in a pinch without it. Other options for the tube include straws and pen casings.

Image of mold: