Unlike other plastics derived from petroleum, PLA plastic is an eco-friendly material made from plant starches or gelatins/agars. A biodegradable like PLA is necessary for our environment and sustainable development.
Let's learn how to make PLA plastic at home to save money and help contribute to a green planet! Scroll down for more!
1. What is PLA?
PLA, also known as polylactic acid, is an environmentally responsible alternative to other thermoplastics used in many industrial sectors. This polyester consists of lactic acid units obtained from the fermentation of vegetables such as corn, sugar cane, or cassava. The next steps of getting the acid include Lactic acid synthesis and Polymerization.
2. Why Should You Make PLA Plastic At Home?
- It's easy to find the renewable origin material.
As discussed above, you can derive polylactic acid from renewable sources such as corn or sugar cane. These bio-based materials are cheap and can be found in different parts of the world.
- It's a compostable material.
The material can brigade under composting conditions to become compost, water, and CO2. There will be no residue of heavy metals or microplastics left after biodegradation.
The disintegration process is also fast. For example, PLA packaging takes around 6 months to biodegrade up to 90%.
- It's a way to contribute to a healthy planet.
Since PLA is eco-friendly, learning how to make PLA plastic by yourself is a way to help reduce the use of other thermoplastics and contribute to sustainable development.
3. How To Make PLA Plastic At Home
3.1. Use Cornstarch and Vinegar
Step 1. Preparation
You'll need the following ingredients to make plastic at home:
- 1.5g cornstarch
- 10 ml distilled water
- 1 ml of white vinegar
- 0.5-1.5g glycerol or glycerine
- 1-2 drops food coloring
Step 2. Create a mixture
Mix all of the above ingredients together in a saucepan and use a spatula to stir it. Do it until there are no lumps in the mixture. After mixing well, you should see a milky white color liquid, which is quite watery.
Step 3. Heat the mixture
Put the saucepan on the stove and heat at a medium-low level. Keep stirring while it is being boiled. You'll see the solution becomes more translucent and thick.
After heating for 10 to 15 minutes, or when the mixture is clear and thick, remove it from the stove. Note that there may be lumps if you overheat. You can add 1-2 drops of food coloring to get the desired plastic color.
Step 4. Spread the mixture onto foil or parchment paper
Pour the solution on a piece of foil or parchment paper, remove any bubbles by using a toothpick, and then let it dry. If you want a molded plastic, you should do it when the mixture is still warm. We'll explain the details in the section below!
Step 5. Drying time
Let the plastic dry and become harder for at least two days. The drying speed depends on how thick the plastic is. The thicker, the longer. Leave the result in a cool and dry place and check if it's hard enough after 2 days.
3.2. Use Gelatin or Agar
Step 1. PreparationThe list of ingredients includes:
- 12g (4 tsp) gelatin
- 3g (½ tsp) glycerol or glycerine
- 60ml (¼ cup) hot water
- Food coloring (optional)
Note: You can replace gelatin with agar, a substance derived from algae, to make a vegan-friendly bioplastic.
Step 2. Combine the ingredients
Put all the ingredients in a saucepan, put it on a stove, and set medium-high heat. Use a whisk to stir until there's no lump. Add a few drops of food coloring to get the color you want.
Step 3. Heat the mixture until it froths
Continuously stir the solution inside the saucepan until you see it starts to froth. Or you can use a thermometer to check if the mixture reaches 95°C (203°F). Remove the saucepan when you see either one of the two signs. Note that if the mixture begins to froth before reaching 95°C, it's ok.
Step 4. Pour the solution
Before pouring the mixture out, you need to remove excessive froth with a spoon and stir to remove lumps. Then, pour it out onto a smooth surface. Cover the surface with foil or parchment paper so you can remove the plastic easily.
Molding into shape should be done in this step, which we'll mention in the next method below.
Step 5. Drying time
It will take around 2 days for the plastic to dry, depending on the thickness of the piece. The best way is to let it dry naturally, yet you can fasten the process by using a blow dryer.
3.3. Mold the Bioplastic
Step 1. Get a mold
You can buy a mold at any local craft or hobby shop. A cookie cutter is also an alternative to cut shapes out of plastic while it is still warm. Or you can try to create a mold yourself by sculpting two pieces of clay around the object in which you want the plastic to be shaped. Let the clay dry, remove the two pieces, and you'll have your mold with the desired shape.
Step 2. Pour the hot plastic mixture into the mold.
Before pouring, use a non-stick spray to coat the mold so it will be easier for you to remove the object later. Pour the mixture done by one of the 2 methods above into the mold. Tap the mold on the counter to pop the bubbles, if any.
Step 3. Drying time
You need to wait at least 2 days for the plastic to be dry. If you check it after 2 days and it's still wet, wait for another day to let it fully dry. The thicker, the longer time you will need.
Step 4. Remove the plastic
Once it's dry enough and fully hardened, you can remove the plastic from the mold.
4. EuroPlas - Where you can Find an Eco-Friendly Solution for Your Business
As one of the leaders in the masterbatch world, EuroPlas always makes clients satisfied with the product's quality and service. We always listen and customize our materials according to the end product's requirements. Besides, we understand the concern of our customers about green materials for sustainable development and a healthy environment. Therefore, we've come up with a list of EuroPlas bioplastic compound and Bio Filler to benefit your business and environment.
The bioplastic compound BioNEXT is exclusively developed by EuroPlas. It can be decomposable within 12 months after use. You can apply it to various aspects, including automotive & transport, construction, fibers, electronics, household appliances, and especially food packaging. EuroPlas guarantees that the end product passes strict quality control management to meet all the requirements.
If you're looking for a cost-effective material solution for bioplastic products, you should not skip our biodegradable product line, Bio Filler. It can help increase the final product's glossiness, transparency, and stiffness. Besides, it also acts as an anti-block and slipping agent in blown film.