Biodegradable Corn Plastic

Biodegradable Corn Plastic

What is the point of this project?
We have learned how to make many plastics from corn starch today.  This process is much better for the environment b/c it breaks down in weeks/months instead of decades.  Some yogurt containers, cups, packaging peanuts, and grocery bags (to name a few) have been switched to this new 'green' process.

But, can we make some fun new toys out of this same process?  Yes, we can!  That is what we are doing in our experiment today.  We are sitting in our plastic chairs, using many plastic things to make this project.  It is great to think that we are moving toward making a new kind of plastic--one that won't be so harmful to the environment.  The ingredients list did NOT have food coloring listed, but we did use it at the Children's Museum (where we did this project), so I added it in.  If you don't want or have it; you can leave it out. 

Materials:

You need cornstarch, water, vegetable oil, an eyedropper or pipette, a stirring spoon, a microwave safe bowl, cookie cutters, food coloring, a microwave oven, and a set of measuring spoons.

Procedure:

1.  Place 2 tablespoons of corn starch into a microwave safe bowl.
2.  Add 3 tablespoons of water to the cornstarch.
3.  Use the eyedropper or pipette to add 6 drops of oil to the cornstarch and water.
4.  Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and shows no lumps.
5.  Add in 2 drops of whichever color you choose of food coloring and stir.
6.   Place the bowl in the center of the microwave and heat the mixture using the high setting for 45 seconds.
7.  Let the bowl sit and cool for a few minutes.  When you open the microwave door, be aware that the steam may have built up inside--be careful--bowl will be hot.
8.  Turn th ebowl upside down and tap on its base to release the layer of newly formed corn plastic from the bottom.  You may need a plastic spoon to scrape the plastic out.
9.  You may now knead your material together like dough and then press it flat so you can use your cookie cutters to make a fun shape for your new creation.
10.  When you are done with the plastic, you may wish to add it to a compost pile rather than throw it away.  This way you can be sure the plastic will be broken down into something useful--plant fertilizer.

Place your toys, in whatever shape you decided on, on a hard surface and let them harden for the next couple of hours.  We used cookie cutters the first time, and the second time my Dd used the material like clay and formed her own 3D shaped creation.  Beware- our dog decided to taste it while it was hardening!  I guess it really does seem more like food than a toy!