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Making Bioplastic

Plastic is a very useful material, and we use it every day.

Water bottles, food containers, straws and grocery bags are all made from plastic. However, plastic can be hard to recycle, and is often made with nonrenewable resources like petroleum (oil). Bioplastic is a type of plastic made from something that was once living like a plant. Bioplastics are becoming more common because they are made using renewable resources. In this activity, you'll get to make a bioplastic using oil and starch that comes from a corn plant.

Materials Needed

  • Resealable plastic sandwich size bag
  • Cornstarch
  • Corn Oil
  • Water
  • Food Coloring
  • 1 Measure 1 tablespoon of cornstarch pour it into your plastic bag.
  • 2 Add 1 tablespoon of water to the cornstarch in your bag.
  • 3 Add 2 small drops of corn oil to the mixture in your bag.
  • 4 Add 2 drops of food coloring to the mixture in your bag.
  • 5 Seal the bag, and squish it gently to mix everything together.
  • 6 Microwave your mixture on high power for 20 seconds. Be sure to leave the bag open a tiny bit so that steam can escape. Be careful, the bag and the bioplastic inside will be hot!
  • 7 Let it cool for several minutes.
  • 8 While the plastic is still warm, form the mixture into a ball.
Bioplastic Diagram

Now you’ve made a bioplastic!

What could you make with your bioplastic? What advantages are there to using renewable resources from corn to make plastic?

Bioplastic Silverware
Fun fact: Many companies are creating cups, straws, silverware and other products using bioplastic!
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