Bioplastic pavilion by Kasandra Bolivar

BIOPLASTIC PAVILION A CONSCIOUS APPROACH 1 TOWARDS MATERIAL DESIGN

INDEX ABSTRACT MANIFESTO PART I: RESEARCH 12

Temporary architecture

Plastic pollution

Circular economy

50 52 70 106 120 148 172 182 194

Bioplastic Theoretical background 1st phase - Physical rests I 2nd phase - Physical tests II 3rd phase - Gelatin 4th phase - Water repellency 5th phase - UV radiation 6th phase - Alginate Summary PART II: PROJECT

197

Concept

200 202 205 213

Target group Generation Z Survey Proposed programme

216 218 222

Site analysis Site analysis: Milan Site analysis: Piazza Leonardo

225 238 246 250 254

Design

266

Material life cycle

Representation Programme and circulation Technic al drawings Visualisations

CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First, we would like to express our gratitude to our thesis tutor, Prof. Ingrid Paoletti, who guided us throughout this project. We would also like to thank Selenia Marinelli, our co-supervisor, for her dedication and support with alginate bioplastic. The assistance of Prof. and Ing. Elena Mola along with her assistant, Edoardo Copelli, was crucial for the development of the structural analysis. We would like to extend our gratitude to Michele Tonizzo for his knowledge and help with the challenges related to computational design. Many thanks to the team of Material Balance Research, especially to Giulia Grassi and Olga Carcassi, for their kind help and co-operation throughout our thesis. Dr. Ing. Eike Schling for kindly providing us with insights into asymptotic curves, Repetitive Structures and his VB script. In addition, we would like to thank Kiriakos Gkalanakis for video shooting and montage along with Eva Chatzi for providing the lab. Moreover, Gokul Sivan for his assistance in the project. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the support and patience of family and friends. This thesis would not have been possible without them.

ABSTRACT

The creation of plastic was revolutionary, unfortunately due to its misuse it has become a problem for the environment. Plastic is used in several industries such as packaging, building construction, textiles, etc. being building construction the second industry to produce large quantities of plastic in the world. The need to create alternatives for each sector has become imminent. This thesis is focused on bioplastic, a novel material that could be applied to temporary architecture due to its ephemeral nature to tackle the problem of waste. The environment has been affected by the lack of awareness on how materiality has been applied through design. The aim of the thesis is to design a lightweight pavilion that educates on the concept of circular economy: the importance of the adaptability of each element and its impact. Research was particularly focused on the development of bioplastic and its implementation on the architectural scale.

Manifesto Our aim is to make youth conscious about the origins and life cycle of materials. Plastic, as a primary material of our age, has been critical to our modern life. Unfortunately its misuse and overconsumption from industries has led to an alarming increase of environmental pollution. We must rethink our current mindset and systems by implementing innovative materials that don't produce harmful waste and respond to circular economy. Bioplastic is a sustainable alternative which has the potential to be implemented in a variety of industries, including the built environment. Through various compositions, properties such as strength, elasticity and viscosity can be adjusted according to the needs, while its high malleability allows it to be molded into different shapes. Our research focuses on a bioplastic that is bio-based that can be reused and recast into new forms.

As an afterlife it can be degraded in water and become nutrition for soil. Despite the current climate crisis and the need for more resilient materials, society is not yet fully aware of the several advantages and opportunities of bioplastic. In order to raise awareness on this matter we strongly believe that youth has to be engaged with a hands on approach in the process of making. Through participation they will gain understanding that we all have a responsibility and a role to play in the whole chain of a product’s life cycle.

PART I: Research

TEMPORARY ARCH.

Permanence is one of the qualities that has been attributed since the early ages of human settlements. Architecture in its traditional form is associated with something constant and unchangeable. However, temporariness as a concept is not a new invention in architecture. The first records date back in Hellenic times, then in Renaissance and Baroque time as an art form. As Barbara Chabrow describes, temporary structures held a great importance in social occasions. Decorative wooden structures coated with stucco or canvas, painted to imitate stone or metal and ornamented with sculptures, paintings, emblems and inscriptions were constructed in public areas for celebrations and mourning; arches and temples along with wine-fountains were built for celebrating marriages and birthdays of upper class (Chabrow, 1974). From the turn of the 20th century due to rapid civilization progress and the Industrial revolution, the ways that humankind lives and produces changed. Temporary architecture and temporary landscape projects were considered on a different perception, as if it does not have to be so abstained but might be an opportunity.

Corporations started assigning to architects the design and construction of temporary structures for national and international exhibitions. One of the most famous is the Eiffel Tower of Paris, built temporarily for the 1889 World’s Fair (Soylu, 2019). In 1964 Archigram published Plugin City, designed by Peter Cook, The idea was to supply an urban infrastructure that facilitates an ever-evolving urbanscape. Constant Nieuwenhuys’s New Babylon, exhibited in 1974, was a project of a worldwide network of cities for nomadic “Homo Ludens”. Cedric Price, being “against architecture of permanence and durability” (“slow architecture” in his words), focused on flexible, adaptable and self-destructing designs such as Fun Palace, Lung for Manhattan and London Zoo aviary (Soylu, 2019). Within the 21st century, in Britain pop culture enhanced the concept of temporariness. Urban furniture, bars and restaurants started to “pop-up” on the streets and squares of London.

Plug-in city, Peter Cook

Fun Palace, Cedric Price

In our days temporary architecture is used to question and make statements for the world’s most significant problems. It can work as a prototype that encourages new ideas, innovations and can act as a manifest for its creator. It is able to initiate a dialogue with the user and raise questions concerning the future of architecture and society. There is space for unlimited creativity and experimentation. However, a challenge that is yet to be considered and solved is: What happens to temporary architecture after it has fulfilled its purpose?

components are being discarded after their use. Is this sustainable? Does the end of the event determine the end of the project life or is it just the beginning of a decomposing process that has a further environmental impact on the planet?

THE PROBLEM

Alejandro Aravena, the curator of Venice Architecture Biennale 2016, through an installation communicated his concern about waste in temporary architecture. The introductory rooms of the Biennale were built with 100 tons of material (10,000 sq.m of plaster board and 14 km of metal studs) generated by the dismantling of the previous Biennale.

Nowadays architects and designers more often than ever create pavilions, installations and temporary structures for events, expositions, and conventions. There is an intense use of energy and material resources even though these projects are mostly built and used for a short period of time and then they are promptly discarded.

Reducing waste in this sector should be a crucial focus. ZWIA (Zero Waste International Alliance), is “an ethical, economical, efficient, and visionary guide for people to change their practices and ways of life to encourage sustainable natural cycles where all materials are designed to enable recovery and post-consumer use.

While temporary architecture should respond to environmental concerns, as it creates less of a footprint than permanent structures, many of the above mentioned structures generate a significant amount of waste. They usually follow a linear economy approach where all materials and

They promote the concept of 4 R’s that can be applicable in temporary architecture, similar to the principles of circular economy. Rethink, Reuse, Reduce, and ultimately Recycle. This means that in order to create minimal environmental impact, architects must design efficient

modes of production. Recycled architecture does not have to mean compromising beauty, sophistication, or complexity. Modularity, flexibility, and disassembling can furthermore address the increasing demands for multi-use, re-usable and resourceefficient temporary structures.

Installation Venice Architecture Biennale 2016, Alejandro Aravena

PLASTICS

From the Stone Age to the Iron Age to the Steel Age, every society’s time is characterized by the use of a primary material. Ours could be called the “Age of Plastic”. Plastic, from the Greek word plassein which means to mold, became a name for a category of materials called polymers. The characteristic of polymers is that they are made from a long chain of molecules bound to one another creating a structure like chain that gives malleability. They exist in abundance in nature and they are part of every living organism.

ANCIENT GREEK

πλάσσειν to mould

plassein

Cellulose, the main substance found in plant cell walls along with chitin, the primary component of cell walls in fungi and the exoskeletons of arthropods, potatoes, sugarcane, tree bark, algae, and shrimp all contain natural polymers (Paul Hawken, 2017). However, in the need of a more economic and efficient material, humans discovered and developed synthetic polymers later known as plastics. A revolution in the industrial world began.

LATIN

plasticus FRENCH

plastique

plastic

characteristic of moulding

A BRIEF HISTORY The first polymer combination that was discovered by humans dates back from 1839, when Charles Goodyear accidently discovered the process of vulcanization that allowed him to create a rubber that was elastic and strong. Electrification was then made possible by rubber, which could be used to insulate electrical switches. The first submarine cables for telecommunications from 1851 were coated in a protective layer similar to rubber called gutta percha (BBC News, A Brief History Of Plastics, Natural And Synthetic, 2020). A few years later, Alexander Parkes patented Parkesine, an organic, cellulose-based material that could be heated and molded into objects that would become stiff and retain

their shape when cold. He exhibited Parkesine at the 1862 London International Exhibition as the first man-made plastic. The use of ivory as a source for billiard balls by the end of 19th century drove thousands of elephants to be slaughtered for their tusk. The public rage and the high cost led a company from New York in 1868 to challenge, with a prize of $10,000, anyone who could find an alternative to ivory materials. John Wesley Hyatt participated on the challenge and, even though he didn’t win, his experiments resulted in a viable production of a solid and stable nitrocellulose. The “Celluloid”, as he patented it, is considered as the first

The first polymer combination Rubber used to insulate electrical cables

1839 22

industrial plastic. Most movies and photographic films before the use of acetate films during the 1950s were made of celluloid. Celluloid remains in use for musical instruments, especially accordions and guitars.

ideally suited for mechanical mass production. Marketed as “the material of a thousand uses,” Bakelite could be shaped or molded into almost anything, providing endless possibilities (Science History Institute, History and Future of Plastics).

More progress in plastic followed the upcoming years, however it was not until 1907 when the first fully synthetic plastic was invented by Leo Hendrik Baekeland. This “modern” plastic, the first to be derived from fossil fuels and not from plants or animals, was named Bakelite and was a commercial success. It was made from a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde that when put under heat produced a polymer resin. Bakelite was not only a good insulator; it was also durable, heat resistant, and, unlike celluloid,

Hyatt’s and Baekeland’s successful attempts led many companies to invest into research and development of new polymers and plastics. The industry of plastic was born, and the following years were the beginning of the most broadly known and used synthetic plastics. After World War I, improvements in chemical technology led to an explosion of new forms of plastics.

Collection of objects made from Parkesine, held by the Science Museum

1862

Hendrik Baekeland invents “the material of a thousand uses” a plastic from fossil fuels

1907 23

PLASTIC IN WAR The second World War initiated a major expansion of industries that were developing plastics in the USA. To protect scarce of natural resources, they set the production of synthetic alternatives a priority. Wallace Carothers in 1935 invented Nylon, a synthetic silk that was used during the war for making ropes, parachutes, and armor. Plexiglass replaced glass windows for aircrafts, synthetic plastics were used for military vehicles and radar insulation. During the war, the plastic production was increased by 300% (Science History Institute, History and Future of Plastics).

In the 1920s Coco Chanel introduced jewelry made from Bakelite. Bioplastic, plastic made from natural resources, was first discovered by Maurice Lemoigne in 1926. Jacques E. Brandenberger invented Celophane that became a success after DuPont manage to turn it into a waterproof material in 1927. It revolutionised shopping and packaging as it became the first see-through packaging. Polyester in 1930, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polythene in 1933 were only some of the synthetic plastics that were developed at that time and were used for every day products like toothbrush, caps, tapes and in the medical industry for examination gloves and medicines.

Coco Chanel introduces jewllery made from bakelite

1920

Due to high demand during the war, petrochemical plants that produced

Industrial production of Cellophane starts in the US and revolutionised shopping and food packaging

1924 24

PVC polyester were used for every day products like tooth-brusts, caps, tapes and in the medical industry

1930

plastic increased. However, with the end of the war in 1945, there was an excess surplus. Thus, industries had to think outside the box an open new consumer markets with innovative products to survive and adapt. Nylon became an instant commercial hit in the manufacture of women’s stockings. When they hit the shelves, more than four million pairs sold in the first four days. With polyester and lyrca they invaded the clothing industry of the time. In the late 1950s and early 1960s improvements in manufacturing processes brought the cost of making plastics down dramatically, paving the way for cheap mass production.

More and more plastic was used in automotive. From aircraft cockpits to cars and boats. The following years plastic is almost in every industry and product, from clothing to computers, furniture to football fields, and almost all of it petroplastic, made from fossil fuels. Susan Freinkel, wrote “in product after product, market after market, plastics challenged traditional materials and won. Taking the place of steel in cars, paper and glass in packaging, and wood in furniture”(Susan Freinkel, Plastics: A Toxic Love Story, 2011). It is true to say that plastic made the modern world possible. As an inexpensive, safe, and efficient material provided endless possibilities to

When nylon stockings hit the shelves more than four million pairs sold in the first four days

During the WWII plexiglass replaced glass windows for aircrafts while synthetic plastics were used for military vehicles

1930s

1945 25

human needs. However, at some point so many possibilities made people believe on an utopian future with abundant material wealth. Concerns about Plastics

a major oil spill occurred on the California coast and the polluted Cuyahoga River in Ohio caught fire, raising concerns about pollution from human errors.

The utopian future with abundant plastic started fading in the 1960s which was a decade when Americans became increasingly aware of environmental problems. During these years plastic debris in the oceans was first observed. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book, Silent Spring, exposed the dangers of chemical pesticides. Selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries, it raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the links between pollution and public health. In 1969

Senator Gaylord Nelson, a junior senator from Wisconsin inspired by the student anti-war movement, wanted to infuse the energy of student antiwar protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution (Earth Day, The History of Earth Day). Recognizing its potential to inspire all Americans, Hayes built a national staff of 85 to promote events across the land and the effort soon broadened to include a wide range of organizations, faith groups, and others. They changed the name to Earth Day,

Plastic are used for furnitre, IT and telecomunications

Plastics invaid the clothing industry. Aircraft cockpits, car and boats are made now from plastic

1950s

1960s 26

Rachel Carson’s 1962 book, Silent Spring, exposed the dangers of chemical pesticide. Selling more than 500,000 copies

1962

which immediately sparked national media attention, and caught on across the country. Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans — at the time, 10% of the total population of the United States — to take the streets, parks and auditoriums to strike against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development which had left a growing legacy of serious human health impacts. In the 1980s, with the industrial revolution on the peak, synthetic plastics were used for packaging, electronics, and healthcare reconstructive surgery. However the waste of plastic rose anxiety. While the products were disposable they lasted for many years in the environment.

From a material of the future and many possibilities it turned into a symbol of cheap conformity and superficiality. It was the plastics industry that offered recycling as a solution. In the 1980s the plastics industry led an influential drive encouraging municipalities to collect and process recyclable materials as part of their waste-management systems. However, recycling is far from perfect, and most plastics still end up in landfills or in the environment. The reputation of plastics has suffered further thanks to a growing concern about the potential threat they pose to human health.

Synthetic plastics used for packaging, electronics, and healthcare reconstructive surgurey

Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans to take the streets, parks and auditoriums to strike

1970

1980s 27

Plastic industries start recycling as a waste management solution

1980s

PLASTICS IN A CONSUMERIST SOCIETY By 1990 the amount of waste generation had more than tripled in only 2 decades. Almost half of all plastic ever produced has been made after 2000. Plastic waste is now everywhere in the natural environment and scientists have suggested to include it as a geological indicator of the Anthropocene era. We didn’t take into consideration the after life of a material that was more and more developed for single used products and not as durable as it was

before. An estimated 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s and only the 9% of it has been recycled. About 12% has been incinerated, while the rest 79% has accumulated in landfills, dumps or the natural environment. Nowadays the waste still increases with a record high of 300 million tonnes of plastic waste per year.

44%

of plastic produced after 2000

44%

1950 2.3 million tones

2015

2000 381 million tones

17.000.000 barels of oil

are used every year for plastic production

China

Other Latin America

29%

2% 4%

Africa/ Middle east

Rest of Asia

22%

50% made in Asia

19%

18% NAFTA

Distribution of global plastic production

39.9% 22.4% 19.7% packaging

household sports furniture

8.9%

building sector

automotive industry

Consumption of plastics by industry

5.8%

electronics

3.3%

agriculture

Plastic does not decompose. This means that all plastic that has ever been produced and has ended up in the environment is still present there in one form or another.

minutes

300 million

20 million

19 million

20 years

30 years

200 years

450 years

500 years

600 years

Average decomposition time of daily objects

PLASTICS IN THE OCEAN Although a small amount of plastics can end up directly into the ocean from shore or from ships, the largest amount ends up in the ocean indirectly starting from the land. Rainwater can usher waste that is not properly managed from land into local waterways, which feed into larger tributaries and rivers, which end up in the sea. In this way, plastic from far inland can travel many kilometers to the coastline. Then tides and currents transport debris to ocean gyres, powerful currents that rotate in large

circles. Waste that is caught in a gyre spins in relatively stable areas, known as ocean “garbage patches”. According to World Economic Forum researchers, just 10 rivers across Asia and Africa carry 90% of the plastic that ends up in the oceans. The study states that eight of these rivers are in Asia: the Yangtze, Indus, Yellow, Hai He, Ganges, Pearl, Amur, and Mekong. Two of the rivers can be found in Africa: the Nile and the Niger.

North Atlantic Gyre

Great Pacific Patch South Atlantic Gyre Indian ocean Gyre

South Pacific Gyre

10 rivers across Asia and Africa carry 90% of the plastic that ends up in the oceans 31

THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH The mass of plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) was estimated to be approximately 80,000 tonnes. A total of 1.8 trillion plastic pieces were estimated to be floating in the patch – a plastic count that is equivalent to 250 pieces of debris for every human in the world.

Great Pacific Garbage Patch

1,6 MILLION 2 KM

the size of Texas

25 mts

the size of Italy

80.000

tonnes of plastic equivelant to

400x

blue whales

1.000.000x humans

70% of the trash accumulates on the ocean floor

15% is washed up on the shores

15% floats on the surface

Every second

12.7 million tonnes of plastic enters the oceans every year

A THREAT FOR HUMANS AND ANIMALS According to the United Nations, ingestion of plastic kills an estimated 1 million marine birds and 100,000 marine animals each year. Research from Plymouth University has found that close to 700 species of marine life are facing extinction due to the increase of plastic pollution.

1 million

marine birds die each year

Additionally, more than 90% of all birds and fish are believed to have plastic particles in their stomach. Plastic breaks up into tiny pieces in the sea, which are then consumed by fish and other sea animals. 83% of tap water found to contain plastic particles.

100.000

83%

marine animals die of tap water each year found to contain plastic particles

BY THE YEAR

2050

our oceans could contain more plastic than fish

Plastic has already entered the food chain. Animals carry microplastics in their bodies. When they are themselves eaten, those microplastics are also ingested. This process is called ‘trophic transfer’ of microplastics. Since one animal eats another, microplastics can move through the food chain.

Plastic has already entered the food chain

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

A circular economy is based on the principles of waste/pollution design, the preservation of the use of products and materials in the market, and the regeneration of natural systems. To this day, a linear economy approach has mostly been adopted on the consumption and use of natural resources.

This is known as the “take-makeuse” model: where materials are sourced, used for the making of products and later, when the life cycle of the product is over, disposed as waste. This model creates negative externalities such as rising emissions of carbon, increase of landfill waste, unsustainable water extraction and extensive pollution of the ecosystem. (Ellen McArthur Foundation, 2021)

LINEAR ECONOMY

RECYCLING ECONOMY

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the 18th century, laid the foundation for how the economy of today operates. The fast pace of making things in combination with cheap labor and the abundance of cheap natural resources lead to the mass production of goods, which enabled this approach to endure throughout time (Ellen McArthur Foundation, 2021). Due to this technological progress acceleration, people from different social status had access to products from all around the world at affordable prices, improving their quality of life in contrast to previous generations in a materialistic sense.

RAW MATERIALS

PRODUCTION

However, as the world’s population grows and resources become harder and more expensive to access, it is becoming more critical to find alternative means of sourcing and using materials. Our current economic growth continues to be based on the unsustainable and intensive extraction of natural resources. In order to avoid contamination or loss of the planet’s biodiversity, we must understand how nature can regenerate itself to provide sustainable natural capital (Ellen McArthur Foundation, 2021).

DISTRIBUTION

On regards to ownership of products, we must reconsider how commodities are consumed by society. Research shows that younger generations are more likely to rent, lease or share products such as second-hand clothing, cars or housing than previous generations. Servicisation, where a service is provided instead of the sale of a product, is shifting the concept of ownership and this is gradually reaching other industries such as the built environment (Arup, 2021).

CONSUMPTION

RESIDUAL WASTE

Linear economy must be rethought starting from the undermanagement of the natural resources to how products are manufactured and consumed. It also has to be taken into consideration the afterlife of the products in order to avoid generation of waste and negative externalities such as air pollution.

The Ellen Macarthur foundation lays three principles to be the basis of a new economy system:

Design plays a crucial role to “design out” waste and pollution by the use of new technologies and materials.

80%

of environmental impact is determined at the design stage.

To keep products and m a t e r i a l s circulating in the economy. For the products to be reused, repaired and remanufacture in order to avoid materials to end up in the landfill.

Regenerate natural syste ms . In th e biological cycle, plantbased capital is used, regenerated and later returned to the biosphere (such as in anaerobic digestion or composting). Bioeconomy is a growing sector with the potential to reduce the use of raw materials and generation of waste while creating goods of greater value for sustainable re-use.

“Circular economy works like nature. No waste, just resources.” - Jules Coignard, Circul’R 39

COL

IST RIB UTIO

RECY CL IN

RESIDUAL WASTE

RE RO MA

ION CTTURING DUUFAC

LS IA W ER RA AT M

DESIGN

TI LEC

CONSUMPTION

REUSE/REPAIR

CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Nowadays the concept of the linear economic model of ‘take, make and waste’ which is highly routed in the construction industry, is no more sustainable due to material resource scarcity, energy consumption, emissions, generation of solid waste, increasing population growth and demand trends. The built environment is considered to be one of the world’s largest consumer with more than 3 billion tons of raw materials, which accounts for 50% of all extracted materials

(Shaping the Future of Construction, A Breakthrough in Mindset and Technology, World Economic Forum, 2016). The environmental impact sums up to 20% of all water consumption, 2540% of the energy use, 30-40% of greenhouse gas emissions and 3040% of solid waste generation (Level(s) Sustainable buildings, Europa.eu., 2020).

30-40%

solid waste generation

20%

25-40%

water consumption

total use of energy

Only 20% to 30% of the waste in the building sector is recycled or reused, mostly due to the lack of emphasis on design for disassembly and reuse, which results in a “significant loss of valuable materials for the system” (Ellen MacArthur Foundation Towards the Circular Economy vol.1., 2013).

30-40%

green house emissions

of volatile commodity markets.” (The Circular Economy in the Built Environment, ARUP, 2016). In the current system the economy is the leading force on the choices of a design. Societal and environmental values are usually neglected or superficially taking into consideration. As Mattila explains (The apartment building of the future, Matilla, 2014), the environmental value should be the most significant parameter for the decision-making process in design.

Currently, natural resources are consumed at twice the rate they are generated. This could triple by 2050. The rise of the world’s population and, in particular, of its middle classes (which will grow from two billion to five billion by 2030) place an immense pressure on natural resources. (An emerging middle class - OECD Observer, 2017). “The built environment is under increasing pressure to minimize its impact. A circular approach could help the sector to reduce its environmental footprint, and to avoid rising costs, delays and other consequences

Choosing processes and materials that have the less environmental impact, while at the same time thinking in a circular way, ads societal values as a consequence of a healthier and livelier built environment.

As these two are implemented, the economy will grow as a result. Circular economy as a concept is an opportunity to put into practice the change for a more sustainable built environment. We could reduce the environmental footprint, avoid rising costs, delays and other consequences of volatile commodity markets. This philosophy aims to decouple economic growth from resource consumption.

Furthermore, as waste is used for regenerating new products, the already once extracted natural resources stay in circulation. This cradle-to-cradle approach will always circle material back to their origins. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an organization whose mission is to accelerate and promote the transition to the circular economy, developed the ‘butterfly’ diagram based on the material flows.

Products are designed and built to be more durable, and to be repaired, refurbished, reused, recycled, or disassembled. This maintains components and their materials at the highest useful purpose which minimizes resource waste.

environment

economy

society

economy

environment

“The future city makes no distinction between waste and supply.” -Mitchell Joachim 42

There are two interacting loops: the technical and biological resource cycles. Within the biological cycle, renewable and plant-based resources are used, regenerated, and safely returned to the biosphere — as in composting or anaerobic digestion. Within the technical cycle, manmade products are designed so that at the end of their service life – when they can no longer be repaired and reused for their original purpose their components are extracted and reused, or remanufactured into new products. (Arup, 2016).

The application of circular principles could create new job opportunities, reduce the use of resources and overall emissions and create profitable business models. (Pekka Huovila, et. al, Circular Economy in the Built Environment, 2019).

The bioeconomy is a growing sector with the potential to lower raw materials consumption, reduce waste and generate higher-value products for sustainable re-use. This avoids sending waste to landfill and creates a closed-loop cycle.

PRINCIPLE 2

PRINCIPLE 1

“Preserving natural capital”, promoting the effective use of finite resources and balancing the use of renewable resources

Enhance the usefulness of products, components and materials, keeping them circulating in the Economy up to the capacity limit

If the principles of circularity apply in the construction sector it has the potential to reduce climate change and provide economic and social benefits. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has identified €115 billion in investment opportunities in Europe’s built environment. This could be achieved by the design and construction of circular-based buildings, the use of closed loops on the construction field and the development of circular cities.

PRINCIPLE 3

Develop effective systems that minimize the volume of waste that ends in landfills and negative externalities

THE ‘BUTTERFLY’ DIAGRAM BASED ON THE MATERIAL FLOWS RENEWABLE FLOW MANAGEMENT farming/collection

biological materials

biochemical feedstock

materials / part

regeneration

product ma

retail / servi biogas anaerobic digestion / compost

“Adopting circular economy principles could significantly enhance global construction industry productivity, saving at least US$100bn a year.” —World Economic Forum, 2016

cascades consumer collection

energy re extraction of biochemical feedstock

land

STOCK MANAGEMENT mining / materials manufactoring

technical materials

ts manufacturer

anufacturer recycle

ice provider

refurbish / remanufacture reuse / redistribute maintain user

collection

ecovery

dfill

minimise systematic leakage and negative externalities

CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Ellen MacArthur Foundation has outlined six main principles to lead the transitions towards a circular economy which can be applied to products, buildings, cities, regions, or to entire economies.

1 2 3 4 5 6

REGENERATE

OPTIMIZE

LOOP

It is important that the built environment actively participates in the regeneration and restoration of the ecosystem by reducing negative externalities, consumption of primary finite resources and waste. Biological materials could be used as resource and later through anaerobic digestion, composting or bio-refining can generate energy and cut emissions. Furthermore, biological materials can be returned to the soil through a cradle to cradle system and replenish it.

VIRTUALISE

EXCHANGE

Airbnb is one of the most famous examples of asset optimization business models. Co-living also has gained popularity recently as it works with the concept of efficiency. Habitats that own private rooms can use communal kitchens and dining rooms at a very low cost. Flexible spaces can convert to bars, and event rooms according to daily needs.

By maximizing asset utilization, the built environment sector can allow to use spaces more efficiently. Owners can rent out or share underused spaces, building and construction materials, and equipment. By occupying less space and minimizing resources less waste is produced.

Open-source design platforms allow to collect and share information which are accessible from all around the world. WikiHouse and 3axis for instance allow designers to share designs with users so that they can customize, download and construct buildings or furniture by themselves in a local context. This enhances the concept of modular construction, design for disassembly and the use of sustainable and circular materials.

Better collaboration between asset owners, technology companies, developers and clients, can create not only economic growth but also innovation, cut costs and reduced resource use. With the reuse of materials and components through resale or redistribution, sharing services add social and environmental values.

Optimization in the built environment is crucial as materials and components must be used to maximise efficiency, eliminate waste, and promote reuse and repurposing. Through technology and innovative methodologies like parametric design, a structure can be optimized in order to use the minimum required material for the performance needed. Durability can reduce maintenance cost and extend the economic viability of products. Standardised and modular components manufactured off-site can minimise the risk of structural faults, reduce the amount of waste produced on-site and help the reuse and repurposing for the construction of new buildings, or other industrial sectors eliminating primary material use.

Keeping products and materials in cycles, prioritizing Inner loops As mention before in the ‘butterfly’ diagram materials and components should loop as much as possible in the inner cycles and then expand to the outer ones. This relates for both the biological and technical resource cycle. Maintenance, slight repairs, and upgrades make products and materials retain their maximum utility. Therefore, they are easily reused and can be redistribute in order to prolong their lifetime in the inner cycles. Remanufacturing and refurbishing materials and components in the built environment is also crucial as it supports their circulation within the industry and reduces the need for scarce and finite materials. Components and structures can be used for longer and waste is reduced. Design approaches with the concept of modularity and disassembly allows the structure to be modified and repurposed easily. It also makes it easier to recover valuable material and components that can be recycled to cut costs, earn revenues for stakeholders and reduce construction waste.

Displacing resource use with virtual use. As technology has been revolutionized, it has created innovative tools for the building industry. Apps and services can match supply and demand without the need of a physical marketplace making it easier to share and exchange goods and services. Building Information Models (BIM) contain and calculate information for all the phases of an asset’s lifecycle. They allow better-informed upgrades to systems or components and support the efficient performance for building maintenance. Through BIM, negative externalities, remanufacturing and recycling opportunities can be evaluated.

The selection of advanced technology and sustainable materials can provide optimization and flexibility in contrast to traditional static approaches of the past. Selecting these resources and mechanisms enables efficiency gains and minimizes waste and other negative externalities. Replacing with renewable energy systems should be a priority to achieve zero net emission buildings. Innovative biological materials can lower the environmental impact as well as cost and can create products and services designed for longer lifecycles, modular repair, flexible upgrade and active disassembly.

Virtual reality enables designers and engineers to communicate the end result of a project to clients in order to get important feedback without the need of changes later on in the process of construction.

“In the built environment, it’s all about maximising utility of resources extending product life or providing a proper end-of-life recovery.” —Nick Cliffe, Innovate UK 48

7S MODEL Arup has further developed the model of “building in layers” proposed by Stuart Brand in the 1990s (Arup, 2016).

System includes the structures and services that facilitate the overall functioning of the system Site is the fixed location of the building

The concept divides a building into separate layers of different lifespans that interlink between each other: Site, Structure, Skin, Services, Space, System and Stuff.

Structure is the building’s skeleton including foundation and load bearing elements

The advantage of building in layers is that each element can be easily removed or separated, facilitating the reuse, remanufacture and recycling of its parts without affecting the overall building.

Skin is the facade and exterior

Services are the pipes, wires, energy and heating systems

This approach also prevents unnecessary wastage of assets, decreases use of resources or environmental impacts and avoids the need to construct brand new buildings as they become more flexible and versatile.

Space is the solid internal fit-out including walls and floors Stuff is the rest of the internal fit-out including furniture, lighting and ICT

Skin System Structure

Services

Space

Stuff

Site

BIOPLASTICS

This chapter describes a theoretical and physical study on bioplastics. It tackles following topics: general explanation of bioplastics and its origins, ingredients and recipes, photographic archive of made samples and study on colour in various compositions. Two of the recipes have been chosen to be further developed and tested in terms of water repellence, strength and durability. The study concludes by choosing a final mix, appropriate to be used in an architectural scale.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

In the following subchapter will be explained genesis of bioplastics. It was necessary to comprehend its composition, the role of a biopolymer and plasticizer as well as to understand its life span, especially the end of the life of the material we aim to create. It was also important to run a research on the carbon footprint of each ingredient.

INTRODUCTION TO BIOPLASTICS Bioplastics are a large family of biomaterials derived from a variety of origins. They can be produced from renewable biomass, such as plant-based sources as well as from recycled food or animal waste and they may or may not be biodegradable. Bioplastics are usually composed of a biopolymer (such as cellulose, chitin), a plasticizer (glycerine) and a solvent (water). Different compositions and proportions within the mixes give several results that differ between each other in texture, strength, flexibility. Research on these materials is not new, even though nowadays we may think otherwise. Petrol based plastics which our world is dominated by, in the 19th century were based on plant cellulose. Concurrently another important research on bioplastics was developed by Henry Ford, who aimed to produce car parts from soybean. Those and many other studies on bioplastics lost their value when in 20th century Leo Baekeland invented his first petroleum-based plastics,

which gave more possibilities in terms of sizes, shapes and ensured high durability. However, since the oil crisis during 1970s and green chemistry in the 1990s bioplastics production came back and begun in a serious manner. Bio-based plastics, which are produced from renewable resources, and biodegradable plastics, that are degraded in the environment, will lead to a more sustainable future. To increase the use of those materials may help in the global environmental problems, such as the increase of plastic pollution and mismanaged waste. Plastic pollution relates to fossilfuel plastics that are derived from petroleum or natural gas and globally are produced roughly 310 million tons each year. However, the production of bioplastic relies less on fossil fuels and releases less greenhouse gases during biodegradation. According to experts from Drawdown association, 90 percent of current plastic could be derived from plants or other renewable feedstock (Hawken, 2017).

RENEWABLE RESOURCES

BIODEGRADABLE plastics based on renewable resources

NONBIODEGRADABLE

BIOPOLYMERS e.g. PE, PA

BIOPOLYMERS e.g. PLA, PBS, PHBV

CONVENTIONAL POLYMERS e.g. PET, PP

BIOPOLYMERS e.g. PCL, PBAT

BIODEGRADABLE

NON RENEWABLE (FOSSIL)RESOURCES

“Coordinate system”, plastics for each category.

DEGRADABILITY OF BIOPLASTICS Bioplastics can be divided into three groups in terms of the end of its life: degradable, biodegradable and compostable. Degradable – both bioplastics and plastics are degradable. However, it does not mean that the pieces into which the plastic is broken down will not come back to nature. Those are well known as microplastics, being ingested and incorporated into the bodies and tissues of many organisms. Additionally, important difference between degradability of bio-based and petroleum-based materials is the time they need to degrade. Biodegradable – the material breaks down in water, carbon dioxide and compost by microorganisms under the controlled environment. Decomposition takes from couple of weeks up to several months. Those bioplastics that will not biodegrade easily are considered nonbiodegradable. Compostable – those bioplastic are broken down by microorganisms in a compost site. They turn into water, carbon dioxide, inorganic compounds and biomass. The process does not leave any toxic residue.

BIOPLASTICS IN ARCHITECTURE Building from biologically derived materials is not innovative in the field of architecture, as materials such as wood and grass were known and used by humans for their first shelters. However, the application of bioplastics is still not commonly known and practiced. Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most commercially used bioplastic which is a biodegradable bioplastic obtained from the fermentation of corn starch. PLA can be easily 3d printed, giving freedom in terms of form generation. Unfortunately, it is expensive to produce and its mechanical properties do not perform as well as traditional plastics. For these reasons, in the field of architecture, especially temporary one, bioplastics still have to be explored and researched more in order to avoid waste and create a more sustainable design.

COMPOSITION OF EACH RECIPE

POLYMER

PLASTICIZER

ADDITIVES

HO OH

O OH

Chitosan Agar-agar Gelatine Corn Starch

Glycerin Sugar

SOLVENT Water ACID Vinegar Lemon COLOURS Natural dies: plant, fruit or vegetable based.

RECIPES Firstly, we investigated and performed recipes found in articles related to bioplastic design. Author rosponsible for each recipe is mentiond in the description. Secondly, after evaluating material properties we were able to control the proportions and ingredients according to our needs in terms of flexibility, strength and appearance. In order to create the material we aimed for, ten distinct recipes were studied. Each of them is based on one of four main ingredients: chitin, agar agar, gelatine and starch. The compositions differ in each mix on regards to the presence of water, glycerol and other additives such as vinegar, sugar or colour powders. Each recipe is followed by a detailed description of all the steps required to create a bioplastic. The observations on tested samples are explained through a legend and short descriptions. Codes in the bottom left side of each page refer to samples presented in the photographic archive.

POLYMERS Biopolymers are natural polymers produced by the cells of living organisms. They consist of monomeric units which are bonded to build larger molecules. We can distinguish three main classes of biopolymers: polynucleotides (RNA and DNA), polypeptides and proteins (collagen, fibrin), and polysaccharides (starch, cellulose and alginate). There are many various applications for biopolymers such as in the food industry, manufacturing, packaging, biomedical engineering and for some time now even in design and architecture. Biopolymers are a base ingredient for the creation of bioplastics. Different results in terms of strength, durability or texture can be obtained using various biopolymers.

CHITIN Chitin, after cellulose is the most abundant natural biodegradable polymer. Is derived from shrimps waste, prawns, and crabs by chemical extraction based on demineralization by acid, deproteination by alkali, and ﬁnally deacetylation into chitosan.

Material properties: • • • • •

Chitin is exceptionally water responsive – the same material forms the rigid plates of crustaceans and constitutes the flexible part of its joints, depending on how much water the chitin absorbs. It offers huge diversity in forms they make, with a large range of physical and mechanical properties depending on water content, additives, and geometry (Andrea Ling, 2019). Chitin and its derivative chitosan are biocompatible and require little processing to use. Moreover, they have short decay cycles when mixed with water. Chitosan can be used as a fertilizer, edible films and pharmaceuticals, etc.

Soluble through acetylation Extremely water responsive Non-toxic High strength Contracts and warps as it dries. Impossi ble to come back to original X-Y directions, while is dry.

AGAR-AGAR Agar-agar is a hydrocolloid extracted from red seaweeds. The agar-agar content in seaweeds varies according to the conditions of seawater that have significant influence, such as: carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen tension, water temperature and intensity of solar radiation. Agar-agar comes in several forms: powdered, flakes, bars and threads. It is broadly used as a gelling agent in the food industry and on a lesser scale in other industrial applications.

Material properties: • Insoluble in cold water. Powdered dry agar-agar is soluble in water and other solvents at temperatures between 95º to 100ºC water and sets to a firm gel. • The most important is the ability to form reversible gels by cooling hot solutions. • The viscosity of an agar solution at temperatures above its gelling point is relatively constant at pH 4.5 to 9.0. Once gelling starts viscosity at constant temperature increases with time. • Should not be exposed to high temperatures and to pH lower than 6.0 for long periods of time. In the dry state are fertile media for bacteria and/or molds and appropriate precautions should be taken to avoid the growth of microorganisms, • Extremely prone to shrinking.

GELATIN Gelatin is an important natural biopolymer protein extracted from fibrous insoluble collagen. It is found in a pig skin, made from protein polymer chains of amino acid monomers. It dissolves in water forming a gel substance. Gelatin-based biopolastic is brittle in nature. However, in order to make them stronger and more flexible more plasticizer, like glycerin has to be added into the mix. Another important value feature of gelatin is bloom strength. The term can mean one of two things. Bloom can either refer to the act of softening and melting gelatin before adding it to a recipe, or it can refer to the strength or firmness of the gelatin when it cools and forms. Gelatin with a high bloom strength are made with cow or pig collagen

Material properties: • Gelatin by itself is very week in tensile strength. It is recommended to use it by mixing a certain amount of synthesis and gelatin polymer, so it may meet all the performance requirement. • Hydrophilic nature • Good film-forming • Well gas and oil resistance • Non-toxic • Excellent fertilizer

This biopolymer is broadly used by various industries because of its stabilizing, and easy handling usage. It is implemented in foog industry, packaging or product design. As it is a good source of nitrogen it can be also used as a excellent fertilizer.

CORN STARCH Corn Starch is composed of amylose and amylopectin polymers. Both of these polymers consist of glucose monomers. Starch is a white, tasteless and odorless powder that is insoluble in cold water or alcohol, it forms small granules of various shapes. In order to dissolve starch granules the water has to be heated up to break the intermolecular bonds, opening up sites for hydrogen bonding. This allows the starch to create viscous fluid. Starch can be incorporated in various material. Some examples include fat substitutes, thickeners, paper coating, binders and biodegradable plastics. Starch continues to be an attractive material because of its abundant supply, low cost, renewability, biodegradability and ease chemical modification.

Material properties: • Strength similar to synthetic plastics. Correct selection of plasticizers increases the toughness of the starch but decreases strength and modulus. • Viscous • Soluble in water. Water content can vary with ambient conditions and directly affects mechanical properties. • Non-toxic

ALGINATE Sodium Alginate is a sodium salt form of alginic acid and gum maily extracted from the cell walls of a brown algae. Brown seaweeds are mainly large, and range from the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera that is often 20 m long. They can be also thick, leather-like seaweeds from 2-4 m long as well as even smaller species between 30-60 cm. Alginate biopolymer applications range from food production to packaging and textiles and chemical engineering. Alginate was used for the first time in the form of wound dressing, where its gel-like and absorbent properties were discovered. While is applied to wounds, produces a protective layer of gel that is positive for healing and tissue regeneration.

Material properties: • • • • • • •

Medium strength Flexible Translucent Matt No odor Low stickiness Heat resistance: high, up to 150 degrees celcius • Water resistance: waterproof (for PH neutral and acidic water, not for alkaline water) • High scratch resistance • Medium surface friction

PLASTICIZERS Plasticization is a change in the mechanical and thermal properties of a polymer. Due to plasticization the polymer has reduced stiffness, which leads to higher deformation, as bending in the decreased temperature. Plasticizers are added to polymers in order to modify their extensibility, flexibility and mechanical properties. Most biopolymers are characterised by a low ductility due to the strong hydrogen bonding between their molecules. It causes a rigid structure. Nevertheless, added plasticizer finds its place in between the polymer chains and disrupts the hydrogen bonding. It results in stronger, not ductile material with much higher flexibility. Several tests were developed on plasticizers, such as glycerin and sorbitol. Molecular mobility of polymers was tested after mixing with those plasticizers. One of the researches stated that glycerolplasticized films exhibited higher elongation at break, but lower tensile strength and Young’s modulus than sorbitol-plasticized films. (PolymerPlastics Technology and Engineering) However, it was observed that glycerin was more commonly used due to its satisfactory results and lower cost.

GLYCERIN Glycerin is a sugar alcohol extracted from plant oils, animal products or petroleum. For our purposes we focused on vegetable glycerin. It is made by heating triglyceride-rich vegetable fats (palm, soy or coconut oils) under pressure or together with a strong alkali. In this way glycerin is isolated from fatty acids and mixed with water.

Material properties: • • • • •

Glycerin occurs as colorless, odorless and viscous liquid. It has a sweet taste and is non-toxic. It fully dissolves in water and is hygroscopic, which stands for the phenomenon of attracting and holding water molecules through either absorption or adsorption from the surrounding environment. It has multiple applications, among others, in cosmetics, medicine or food industry. For our purposes is used as a plasticizer. As glycerin is a plasticizer, it is responsible for the level of flexibility of the material. The more glicerin is added into a mix, the more flexible becomes a product.

Colourless Odorless Viscous Soluble in water Non-toxic

IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT Plant based bioplastics: agar-agar, corn starch, alginate. The bioplastic comes from renewable source, as plants. It is biocompatible and biodegradable. It can be easily reused several times by melting and remolding. When its used is finished it can be degraded in water on soil as a nutrient. The only drawback of this bioplastic is that is made from a processed form of plants and later on is transported internationally, what relies on fossil fuels. In order to avoid this problem it is preferred to acquire the material locally. Additionally, the association with the local supplier may help in controlling how the plant is cultivated and processed.

Animal based bioplastics: gelatin.

Arthropod based bioplastics: chitin.

As it is mentioned above, gelatin derives from pig’s collagen. Unfortunately pig farming contributes to increasing carbon footprint, as they produce greenhouse gases, such as methane. Moreover, animal agriculture requires vast amount of space and water for crops to feed them as well as to breed them.

As in the case of gelatine chitin based bioplastic is made from waste. Around 100 milion tons of chitin is produced each year by organisms such as shrips or crabs. Most of them are used for food industry. After consumption, the shell which contains chitin is disposed and goes to waste. Instead of disposal the shell can be used to extract chitin and to produce bioplastic.

However, farming animals like pigs are mostly used for meat consumption and their skin goes to waste. Extraction of the collagen makes use from waste and gives possibilities to use it in food and beauty industry or as in our case to create bioplastics. When there is no longer use for the product it can finish its life back in earth as a fertilizer. Using gelatine in this manner decreses the negative impact of animal agriculture, as the lifespan of the material fits into the principles of circular economy.

The carbon footprint in this case relates to transport. Nevertheless, it can be balanced by using previously described biopolymer to produce biocompatible and biodegradable plastic that may reduce the use of petroleum one. As the the material is biodegradable it can be placed in soil as a nutrient. The design of the life of the material also follows the fundamental ideas of circular thinking.

PHYSICAL TESTS I

1st PHASE AIM The aim of this study was to find the best performing material in terms of strength, stiffness and appearance. Secondly, it was important to minimize the viscosity and deformation of the sample. Moreover, the objective was to create a product for outdoor application. Consequently, more trials had to be developed to obtain a water repellent material and resistant to humid climate.

OBSERVATIONS’ LEGEND • Control over the shape – material while drying deforms its shape easily, with no possibility to return to its original form. • Stiffness – the sample is not easy to bend, little flexibility. • Flexibility – the sample bends easily. If there is a need for a stiffer material, the amount of glycerin has to be decreased. • Deformation – decrease of thickness and size due to water evaporation.

• Viscosity – stickiness. • Elasticity – after application of certain amount of tensile stress the material extends and overcomes the force. • Firmness – not easy to disrupt. • Drying time – in relation to the amount of water and humidity of the environment where the sample is placed, the amount of time varies.

1 RECIPE

Created by: MATERIOM

OBSERVATIONS: Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness 36h Drying time

Time: 15 min Composition: Chitosan 12g Water 100 ml Vinegar 10 ml Glycerin 2.5 ml Natural dyes: blue pigment Tools: Teaspoon, Measuring Cup, Scale, Thermometer, Blender, Petri Dish.

Additional information: It is very important to leave the samples to dry in a well ventilated room. If not it may cause moulding as it is visible on the sample nr 1.2. Addition of vinegar into the mix may prevent from moulding.

Steps: 1. Add 100 ml of hot tap water at 70 to 80 deg C. Secondly, add 10 ml of vinegar. Stir the mix with the blender.

4. Cast the mix in the petri dish on a flat surface.

Decrease of thickness and high deformation was observed. The mix with little amount of glycerol is likely to change its shape considerably. Using the proportions listed in the recipe the deformation is not possibile to be controlled. To obtain more flexible and flat sample, more glycerin has to be added.

5. Leave it to dry in open air until it becomes solid.

Dry sample is characterised by a high brittleness.

2. Add progressively 12g of chitosan and stir again until a homogeneous solution is obtained. 3. Place 2.5 ml of glycerol and stir the mix until a homogeneous solution is again obtained.

The color of the sample fades when is completely dry, turning to brownish shade.

Codes related to the recipe: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3. https://materiom.org/recipe/48

2 RECIPE

OBSERVATIONS:

Created by: MATERIOM

Time: 20 min Composition: Agar Agar 2g Water 210 ml Glycerin 12 ml/1.25 ml Natural dyes: green and blue pigment Tools Cooker, Teaspoon, Measuring Cup, Cooking Pot, Scale, Thermometer, Stirring Spoon, Flat Surface, Petri Dish.

72h

48h

Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness Drying time

Additional information:

Steps: 1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a pot and stir until agar and glycerol dissolve in the water. 2. Put the pot on the stove and heat the mixture to 95 deg C or to temperature just below boiling. Keep stirring the whole time. When it reaches 95 deg C, remove the mix from the heat. 3. Keep stirring and in order to prevent the sample from any air bubbles skim off the froth from the top with a spoon.

I Batch Samples with the 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 were removed before achieving the dry state due to moulding. The reason could be too high thickness of the sample as well as the humid environment they were placed in. The trail had to be redone with different amount of glycerol for better understading material’s properties obtained while it dries completely. II Batch

4. Pour liquid in to a petri dish on a flat surface.

Significant decrease of thickness was observed.

5. Leave it to dry.

Bioplastic took shape of a very thin film. The trial is not sticky and flexible as the first batch. It is due to different amounts of glycerol. The higher amount of glycerol the more sticky and flexible the sample becomes.

Codes related to the recipe: 2.1 - 2.6. https://materiom.org/recipe/41

3 RECIPE

Created by: MATERIOM

OBSERVATIONS: Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness 72h Drying time

Time: 20 min Composition: Agar Agar 2 g Water 210 ml Glycerin 1 table spoon Gelatin 10 g Natural dyes: red pigment Tools: Cooker, Teaspoon, Measuring Cup, Cooking Pot, Petri Dish.

Additional information: Samples with the code 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 were removed from the mold before dried completely due to moulding. The reason could be too high thickness of the sample and a humid environment they were placed in.

Steps: 1. Add the gelatin, agar, and glycerol to a pot and stir. 2. Add specified amount of boiling water and stir until the agar and gelatin dissolve completely.

The trail had to be redone for better understading of material’s properties obtained after it dries completely.

3. Once the mixture is warm and homogenous, pour into your mold.

After several days evident decrease of thickness was observed.

4. Leave it to dry.

Codes related to the recipe: 3.1 - 3.7. https://materiom.org/recipe/24

4 RECIPE

OBSERVATIONS:

Created by: MATERIOM

Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness 72h Drying time

Time: 20 min Composition: Agar Agar 6 g Water 210 ml Glycerin 12 ml Simmered Natural dyes: pink pigment and turmeric

Additional information: The time to dry depends on the temperature and humidity in the room. It may take even several days while the sample is too thick.

Tools: Cooker, Teaspoon, Measuring Cup, Cooking Pot, Petri Dish. Steps: 1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a pot in the amounts above, and stir. 2. Keep mixing until there are no clumps and it is as dispersed as it’s gong to get. Then heat the mixture to boiling point, and simmer for 15 - 20min, stirring constantly. 3. Scoop out excess froth with a spoon, and make sure there are no clumps. Carefully pour the mixture onto a surface of acrylic or plastic with a frame. 4. Leave it to dry.

Codes related to the recipe: 4.1 - 4.6. https://materiom.org/recipe/12

Due to its high flexibility material can be controlled when is dry. The problem might occur when the sample it too sticky. The sample may turn out sticky when there is too much agar agar. Decrease of thickness was observed.

5 RECIPE

Created by: Bolivar K., Sadowska M.

OBSERVATIONS: Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness 12h Drying time

Time: 15 min Composition: Chitosan 12 g Vinegar 130 ml Natural dyes: golden pigment Additionaly: grass, plastic net Tools: Table spoon, Measuring Cup, Bowl, Blender, Petri Dish.

Additional information: The material based on chitosan and vinegar dries the fastest. The time varies depending on the preliminary thickness, but mainly for a small sample it should take 12 hours to dry and find its shape.

Steps: 1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a pot in the amounts above, and stir it with the blender. 2. Once the mixture is homogenous, pour into your mold.

Decrease of thickness and high deformation was observed. The deformation of the sample is not possible to be controlled during the drying phase. It can be done only by changing the composition of the mixture. By the addition of the greater amount of glycerin it is possible to make the sample more flexible and flat.

3. Leave it to dry.

When the bioplastic obtains its final form breaks easily. The problem is a strong smell of the vinegar. However, it fades after couple of days.

Codes related to the recipe: 5.1 - 5.8.

6 RECIPE

OBSERVATIONS:

Created by: Clara Davis

Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness 48h Drying time

Time: 7 min Composition: Glycerol 6 g Gelatin 24 g Water 120 ml Natural dyes: turmeric Tools: Cooker, Table spoon, Measuring Cup, Bowl, Petri Dish.

Additional information: In relation to deformation was observed a significant decrease of thickness. It may be related to the high amount of water in the composition.

Steps: 1. Mix the cold water and the gelatin powder in the pan without heating. 2. After the mixture becomes homogenous start heating the preparation while stiring sowly so that there are no lumps. 3. Once the mix becomes liquid and homogenous add the glycerol.

Samples that were left with the deposit on the top of the surface created a fluffy layer. Those are less sticky than the ones where the foam was removed. It is not possible to control the homogeneity of the sample.

4. Continue mixing and heating until appears a whitish deposit on the surface. In order to have a transparent matter the deposit on the surface has to be removed completely. Otherwise it is possible to can keep it inside the mixture. Then when it dries, creats a fluffy layer.

Due to its high flexibility material can be controlled when is dry.

5. Pour the mixture inside the mould. 6. Leave it to dry.

Codes related to the recipe: 6.1 - 6.5. https://clara-davis.com/sets/biomaterials-bioplastics/

7 RECIPE

OBSERVATIONS:

Created by: Materiom

Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness 72h Drying time

Time: 15 min Composition: Agar agar 2 g Glycerol 12 ml Gelatin 10 g Water 210 ml Vinegar 15 ml Natural dyes: turmeric

Additional information: After three days the bioplastic should be removed from the mould and hung to dry completely. Only then it becomes less sticky.

Tools: Cooker, Teaspoon, Measuring Cup, Cooking Pot, Petri Dish. Steps: 1. Add the gelatin, agar, and glycerol to a pot and stir until combined. 2. Add the amount of boiling water specified and stir until the agar and gelatin dissolve completely.

Lumpy surface is observed only on a top side of the bioplastic. The side that is in a direct contact with the petri dish is flat and smooth.

3. Once the mixture is warm, pour into your mold.

Decrease of thickness was observed.

4. Leave it to dry.

Dry sample is flexible, but still firm.

Codes related to the recipe:

Codes related to the recipe: 7.1 - 7.7.

8 RECIPE

OBSERVATIONS:

Created by: Margaret Dunne

Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness 24h Drying time

Time: 10 min Composition: Glycerol 3.6 ml Gelatin 12 g Water 40/50 ml Sugar 4 g Natural dyes: No dye Additionally: Plastic net

Additional information: Deformation occurs as a significant decrease of thickness. It may be related to the great amount of water in the composition of the mixture.

Tools: Table spoon, Measuring Cup, Bowl, Blender, Petri Dish. Steps: 1. Dissolve sugar in 50 ml of water on the burner. Once dissolved, remove from the heat to cool. 2. Add glycerine, gelatine and 30 ml of the sugar in a pot and cook on a medium heat. After 2 minutes add the remainig 30 ml of the rest and stir. 3. Quickly pour into the mold. 4. Leave it to dry.

Codes related to the recipe: 8.1 - 8.21.

https://issuu.com/nat_arc/docs/bioplastic_cook_book_3

While there is less water, the sample is more stiff, but remains flexibile. The sample that contains sugar is characterised by the best performance. It is much more firm than other recipes.

9 RECIPE

OBSERVATIONS:

Created by: Bolivar K., Sadowska M.

Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness 12h Drying time

Time: 15 min Composition: Chitosan 12 g Vinegar 130 ml Glycerol 6 ml Natural dyes: red pepper or spirulina Additionally: grass Tools: Table spoon, Measuring Cup, Bowl, Blender. Steps: 1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a pot in the amounts above, and stir it with the blender until the mix is homogenous. 2. Pour into your mold. 3. Leave it to dry.

Additional information: Takes little time to dry completely, but was observed a significant decrease of thickness. Through the addition of glycerine the mix obtained the best performance. There was no deformation of the sample as it was in the recipe no. 1. The problem is a strong smell of the vinegar. However, it fades after couple of days. The sample is very firm, keeping its flexibility.

Codes related to the recipe: 9.1 - 9.20

10 RECIPE

OBSERVATIONS:

Created by: Margaret Dunne Time: 10 min Composition: Glycerol 3.6 ml Gelatin 12 g Water 50 ml Water with Spirulina 8 ml Sugar 4 g

48h

Natural dyes: Spirulina Additionally: Plastic net Tools: Table spoon, Measuring Cup, Bowl, Weight.

Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness Drying time Additional information: Deformation occurs in a significant decrease of thickness.

Steps: 1. Dissolve sugar in 50 ml of water on the burner. Once dissolved, remove from the heat to cool.

The recipe contains more water than in recipe no. 8 due to the additional mix of water with spirulina. Mix with more water reuslts in less stiff material.

2. Filter water through spirulina powder until 10 ml of blue spirulina water has been collected. Then combine this with the cooled sugar solution.

The sample that contains sugar is has better performance in terms of strength and flexibility.

3. Add glycerine, gelatine and 30 ml of the sugar in a pot and cook on a medium heat. After 2 minutes add the remainig 30 ml of the rest and stir. 4. Quickly pour into the mold. 5. Leave it to dry.

The sample with the plastic net has not performed any significant changes in terms of strength. In order to change the strength of the color the samples are mixed with different amounts of spirulina powder. The mix takes little time to dry completely. Can be removed from the mould after 48h.

Codes related to the recipe: 10.1 - 10.4. https://issuu.com/nat_arc/docs/bioplastic_cook_book_3

11 RECIPE

OBSERVATIONS:

Created by: Selenia Marinelli Time: 25 min Composition: Alginate 4-12 g Glycerin 15; 20 ml Sunflower oil Water 200 ml Sodium Chloride hydrate 7 ml Water 100 ml

3-7 days

Control over the shape Stiffness Flexibility Deformation Stickiness Elasticity Firmness Drying time Additional information:

Natural dyes: Blue and green spirulina Additionally: Tools: Table spoon, Measuring Cup, Bowl, Weight, Blender. Steps: 1. Mix desired amount of alginate with 200 ml of water. Smoother mix will be obtained with the use of blender. 2. Once the mix is smooth and dissolved, let it sit overnight. This will allow bubbles to leave the mixture. 3. Prepare the solution of water and calcium chloride hydrate and fill a small spray water with it. The next day before casting you may spray it on the mould. 4. Cast the alginate mixture into the mould and spray the mix with calcium chloride. 5. Once the alginate mixture is cured, rinse it thoroughly or dip in water to eliminate any residue of calcium chloride.

Bio-Foil. This recipe works better for very thin foils. Alginate bioplastic is made by combining two seperate mixtures: one containing sodium alginate, glycerine and water and another calcium chloride with water. Calcium has the ability to form two bonds which will hold the alginate into a long link forming this gel as a polymer. Gels formed from alignates have amazing ability of withstanding heating up to 150°C without melting. Alginate once dipped in calcium chloride is waterproof with pH neutral and acidic.

During the trials we have used various amounts of alginate: 4g, 6g, 8g and 12g. For thinner foils it was preferred to use 4g of alginate. Drying time depends on many factors. It was noticed that the samples that were thicker were drying much longer then the ones that were done in very thin layer. Another aspect related to drying time is the use of Calcium Chloride and the way of cleaning the sample. It was observed that the sample that dried the fastes was the when the Calcium Chloride was sprayed only on the top of the biofoil and instead of dipping in water after - spraying as well. It is important to clean the samples after spraying. It was not done in the case of tests coded: 11.1 - 11.3, then the samples decreased their size even 80%.

too high amount of Calcium. The total procedure has to find its ideal proportions between all the ingredients inside the Alginate mix as well as after, while using Calcium Chloride and cleaning with appropriate amount of water. For better results also time is important. Samples that performed the best were the ones cleaned with water after 5 minutes from spraying Calcium. For this recipe many trials had to be done to understand the relationships between the amounts of ingredients and time. Additionally, if there is a will to add a colour that is homogenously distributed in the mix, it has to be added to water at the beggining before combining with alginate.

Alginate while drying deforms its dimensions greatly. The trials that contained more Calcium Chloride decreased the most. They may also become more bumpy or with creases, for that reason is necessary to put a weight on the top of the drying sample. Samples with codes 11.15 - 11.18 did not turn flat after spraying Calcium Chloride and cleaning with water. They had a high bump in the middle. Possibly, the water was encapsulated inside the sample due to

Codes related to the recipe: 11.1 - 11.24.

COLOURS To obtain alterations of the same recipe different dyes were extracted and added to the mix. All dyes are natural and come in the form of unprocessed fruits and vegetables or powders. In order to extract the dye, the picked fruit or vegetable had to be cooked in boiling water for several minutes and later on the liquid had to be added to the mix. In case of the powder, it has to be directly added into the composition and carefully mixed to obtain a homogenous bioplastic.

Turmeric

Colours may vary in different recipes due to the pH measure of all ingredients used in the composition. By the addition of acidic ingredients, which stand for the ones lower than 7 (lemon, vinegar) the color changed from its original shade.

Blueberry

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder with lemon/vinegar

Spirulina

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder

Blue Spirulina

Radicchio

Blueberry, Spirulina

Blueberry, Blackberry

Blackberry

Green Tea

Black Tea

P H OTO G R A P H I C A RC H I V E Photos collected between July and September.

RECIPE 3

RECIPE 2

RECIPE 1

DAY 1

DAY 2

CODE 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.

CODE 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.

CODE 2.4, 2.5, 2.6.

CODE 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4.

DAY 3

RECIPE 5

RECIPE 4

RECIPE 3

DAY 1

DAY 2

CODE 3.5, 3.6, 3.7.

CODE 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.

CODE 4.4, 4.5, 4.6.

CODE 5.1, 5.2, 5.3.

DAY 3

RECIPE 6

RECIPE 5

DAY 1

DAY 2

CODE 5.4, 5.5.

CODE 5.6, 5.7, 5.8.

CODE 6.1, 6.2, 6.3.

CODE 6.4, 6.5.

DAY 3

RECIPE 9

RECIPE 8

RECIPE 7

DAY 1

DAY 2

CODE: 7.1, 7.2, 7.3.

CODE: 7.4, 7.5, 7.6.

CODE: 8.1, 8.2.

CODE: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3.

DAY 3

MOULDING

RECIPE 10

DAY 1

DAY 2

CODE: 10.1, 10.2.

CODE: 10.3, 10.4.

RECIPE 11

DAY 1

DAY 1, after 1 hour

CODE: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3.

DAY 3

DAY 2

DAY 3

RECIPE 11

DAY 1

DAY 1, after 1 hour

CODE: 11.4, 11.5.

Alginate 4g; 6g

CODE: 11.6, 11.7.

Alginate 8g; 12g

CODE: 11.8, 11.9.

Alginate 4g; 6g

CODE: 11.10, 11.11.

Alginate 8g; 12g

100

calcium chloride after

calcium chloride before

DAY 2 DAY 3

101

RECIPE 11

DAY 1

DAY 1, after 1 hour

CODE: 11.12, 11.13.

Alginate 4g; 6g

CODE: 11.14, 11.15.

Alginate 8g; 12g

CODE: 11.16.

CODE: 11.17, 11.18.

Alginate 4g

Alginate 8g; 12g

102

calcium chloride after

calcium chloride before

DAY 2 DAY 3

103

OBSERVATIONS Alginate bioplastic was the most difficult to control in terms of deformation. The sample during the drying process decreases its thinkness significantly and sometimes disrupts. The reason of the diruption will be investigated furthermore in the next phase. The great advantage of this bioplastic is its water resistant quality.

During the first phase we were able to understand differeneces between each recipe in terms of methodology and outcome. In regards to methodology, some recipes, as gelatin or chitosan-based bioplastics the process is quite easy and does not require much time. In others, like alginate-based bioplastics require much more effort and precision during the process. The outcome varies in texture, colour, smell, strength, deformation and water resistance.

During the next phase we will continue working on those recipes with our adjustments.

Gelatin bioplastics has the most potential. They are strong, have interesting texture and easily absorb colours. The material do not experience great deformation, so it could be moulded according to our needs. The cons are the smell and little resistance to water, which has to be further more investigated. Chitosan-based bioplastic are strong, but they defrom considerably during the drying process. More tests have to be done to control better the deformation. Agar-agar bioplastic resulted in very thin and sometimes sticky material. Several tests had to be performed, due to the mold that appeared on the top of the surface.

105

PHYSICAL TESTS II

2nd PHASE AIM As the sample will be used outdoors, it has to meet the requirements mentioned in a previous subchapter. The recipes that could fulfill those conditions best were mixes based on gelatin, agar-agar, alginate and chitosan. Other recipes done in the first part were discarded due to their high viscosity and lack of strength. Chosen recipes have to be done again in order to adjust proportions of each mix. Additionally, various natural pigments were integrated into the composition.

* LEGEND RECIPE 2

RECIPE 8

RECIPE 9

RECIPE 11

Agar-agar Water Glycerin

Gelatin Glycerin Water Sugar

Chitosan Vinegar Glycerin

Alginate Water Glycerin Calcium Chloride

P H OTO G R A P H I C A RC H I V E Photos collected between September and October.

108

109

RECIPE 9

RECIPE 8

RECIPE 9

RECIPE 8

DAY 1

DAY 3

CODE: 8.3, 8.4.

Spirulina

CODE: 9.4, 9.5.

Spirulina

CODE: 8.5, 8.6.

Turmeric

CODE: 9.6, 9.7.

Turmeric

110

RECIPE 8 RECIPE 9 RECIPE 8 RECIPE 9

CODE: 8.7, 8.8.

Beetroot

CODE: 9.8, 9.9, 9.10.

Beetroot

CODE: 8.8.

Blueberry

CODE: 9.11.

Blueberry

* LEGEND

111

RECIPE 9

RECIPE 8

RECIPE 9

RECIPE 8

DAY 1

DAY 3

CODE: 8.9.

Blackberry

CODE: 9.12.

Blackberry

CODE: 8.10.

Blueberry, Blackberry

CODE: 9.13.

Blueberry, Blackberry

112

RECIPE 9

RECIPE 8

RECIPE 9

RECIPE 8

DAY 1

DAY 3

CODE: 8.11.

Bluekberry Yeast

CODE: 9.14.

Bluekberry Yeast

CODE: 8.12.

Bluekberry, Spirulina, Yeast

CODE: 9.15.

Bluekberry, Spirulina, Yeast

113

RECIPE 8

RECIPE 2

DAY 1

DAY 3

CODE 2.7, 2.8, 2.9.

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder

CODE: 8.13, 8.14, 8.15.

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder with lemon

CODE: 8.16, 8.17, 8.18.

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder

CODE: 8.19, 8.20, 8.21.

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder

114

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder with lemon

CODE: 8.22, 8.23.

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder

CODE: 8.24, 8.25, 8.26.

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder

CODE: 8.27, 8.28, 8.29.

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder

Glycerol 3,6 ml Water 30 ml +10 ml with the powder

CODE: 9.16, 9.17.

Glycerol 1ml Water 40 ml +10 ml with the powder

DAY 3

Glycerol 1 ml Water 30 ml +10 ml with the powder

RECIPE 8

RECIPE 9

DAY 1

115

RECIPE 11

RECIPE 9

DAY 1

CODE: 9.18, 9.19, 9.20.

DAY 3

Blue Butterfly Pea Powder

CODE: 11.19.

Alginate 4g, Blue Spirulina

CODE: 11.20.

Alginate 4g, Spirulina

CODE: 11.21.

Alginate 4g, Turmeric

116

RECIPE 11

DAY 1

DAY 3

CODE: 11.22, 11.23.

Alginate 12g, Blue Butterfly Pea Powder

CODE: 11.24.

Alginate 12g, Blue Spirulina with lemon

117

118

OBSERVATIONS The composition that performed best and met all desired requirements in terms of strength, flexibility and appearance was a gelatin-based mix. The color from the natural dyes was kept the same after long period of time. It enabled us to obtain various colors with different opacities and patterns. The color was possible to be mixed with other ingredients in the pot or spread directly to the molds. The samples did not lose their mechanical properties. Another recipe that has potential is an alginate mix, due to its waterproof property. However, more tests on the correct proportions have to be done. Chitosan based composition did not give us positive results. Each time the color changed to dark yellow or brown. In addition, the sample lost its strength and started to break. The composition with Agar-Agar kept the color, however it was still too fragile and jelly for our purposes.

119

GELATIN

3rd PHASE AIM In the following phase different variations of gelatin-based bioplastic were tested in terms of proportions of each ingredient. From previous step we realized that many samples after several weeks undergo deformation or damage. The aim was to find proportions that perform best and to avoid mentioned problems. For this reason ingredients such as: gelatin, glycerin, water and sugar were varying its amount from the original recipe (no.8).

TESTS ON DIFFERENT QUANTITIES OF GELATIN DAY 1

DAY 3

TEST 1

TEST 2

TEST 3

Test 1

Gelatin 8 g Glycerin 3.6 ml Water 40 ml Sugar 4 g

Test 2

Gelatin 10 g Glycerin 3.6 ml Water 40 ml Sugar 4 g

Test 3

Gelatin 14 g Glycerin 3.6 ml Water 40 ml Sugar 4 g

122

Flexible 8.0 ml

Brittle 10.0 ml

12.0 ml

14.0 ml

The original recipe contained 12 g of gelatin. Here three different values were tested in order to understand how to obtain stronger yet still flexible bioplastic. With 3,6 ml of glycerin the more gelatin was added, the more stiff and brittle the material became. Gelatin, as it is a Extracellular Matrix protein provides structural scaffolding to surrounding cells. It makes the material strong, however lesser amount of gelatin gave us more flexible sample.

123

TESTS ON DIFFERENT QUANTITIES OF GLYCERINE DAY 1

DAY 3

TEST 1

TEST 2

TEST 3

Test 1

Gelatin 12 g Glycerin 3.6 ml Water 40 ml Sugar 4 g

Test 2

Gelatin 12 g Glycerin 5 ml Water 40 ml Sugar 4 g

Test 3

Gelatin 12 g Glycerin 7 ml Water 40 ml Sugar 4 g

124

Brittle 1.0 ml

Flexible 3.6 ml

5.0 ml

7.0 ml

In the phase 1 glycerin was tested in two variations: 1 ml and 3.6 ml. Samples with glycerin 1 ml were very stiff and fragile, what led to cracking. The behaviour of the samples with glycerin 3.6 ml was varying. For that reason the recipe was tested once more. Other analyzed samples contained 5 ml and 7 ml of glycerin. As it was mentioned at the beginning of the chapter glycerin is a plasticizer in the mix. It stays in between dense chains of biopolymers makes them stronger. As a result, basing on theoretical knowledge as well as on practical experiments we decided to increase amount of glycerin - 7 ml. Higher quantity allows us to create a sample more suitable for design purposes.

125

TESTS ON DIFFERENT QUANTITIES OF WATER DAY 1

DAY 3

TEST 1

TEST 2

TEST 3

Test 1

Gelatin 12 g Glycerin 3.6 ml Water 40 ml Sugar 4 g

Test 2

Gelatin 12 g Glycerin 3.6 ml Water 50 ml Sugar 4 g

Test 3

Gelatin 12 g Glycerin 3.6 ml Water 60 ml Sugar 4 g

126

Brittle 30 ml

Flexible 40 ml

50 ml

60 ml

During the phase no.1 water was tested in various amounts. We realized the least water it had the more stiff the material became. Here we tested in three different amounts: 40 ml, 50 ml and 60 ml. The samples with 50 or 60 ml of water are more flexible than the ones with less. For that reason we decided to produce next samples with 60 ml of water.

127

TESTS ON DIFFERENT QUANTITIES OF SUGAR DAY 3

Turmeric

DAY 1

Spirulina

TEST 1

TEST 2

Test 1

Gelatin 12 g Glycerol 3.6 ml Water 40 ml Sugar 6 g

Test 2

Gelatin 12 g Glycerin 3.6 ml Water 40 ml Sugar -

128

Brittle 0g

Flexible 4g

In the phase 1 amount of sugar was equal to 4 g. Here, we decided to check how the bioplastic behaves without sugar and with higher amount than in the previous step. Samples without sugar were stiffer and underwent greater deformation what in the end led to cracking. Batch from test no. 1 was more flexible and varied from the first one in terms of the finishing of the surface. It was marked by small bumps on the side that was exposed to air while drying. For next phases samples will be developed with 6 g of sugar.

129

130

DAY 1

DAY 3

TEST 3 * sugar 4g

TEST 4 sugar 6g

TEST 3 * sugar 4g

TEST 4 sugar 6g

TEST 5 sugar 4g

TEST 6 sugar 6g

TEST 5 sugar 4g

TEST 6 sugar 6g

According to Margaret Dunne in Bioplastic Cook Book (Margaret Dunne, 2018) sugar also helps to stabilize the colour. For this reason two different samples were tested with the same amounts of powders with the sugar equal to 4 g and 6 g.

* Additional information. To obtain homogenous sample in terms of colour, the powder has to be previously mixed with little quantity of water, before joinig with the original mix.

Photo: left - no sugar, right - with sugar.

131

FINAL TRIALS From previous studies on different quantities of each ingrediant we adjusted the proportions for the ideal final mix. Firstly, we made the samples with proportions listed in Semi-Final Recipe. After several days they became fragile and matte. The fragility of the material was due to little amount of gelatin that in the final mix had to be changed.

SEMIFINAL RECIPE

Gelatin 8 g Glycerin 7 ml Water 60 ml Sugar 6 g

Therefore, for the final recipe we increased amount of gelatin to 12 grams. Those proportions fulfill our expactations in terms of strength and flexibility. Gelatin, as it is a structural scaffolding makes the material strong, but only with appropirate amounts of other ingredients. Now, all elements in the recipe are adjusted and perform accordingly to its function.

FINAL RECIPE

Gelatin 12 g Glycerin 7 ml Water 60 ml Sugar 6 g

132

DAY 1

DAY 3

DAY 1

DAY 3

133

QUALITIES flexible strong matte

134

135

OBSERVATIONS Working on different proportions of the same mix helped us in better understanding the role of each element in the composition. Those experiments led to optimised Final Recipe, where flexibility and strength play the most important role.

resin. Secondly, as UV radiation has a negative impact on gelatin bioplastics, we will look into possible solution and evaluate the outcome.

Interesting behaviour was observed in changed transparency in the samples that were created using Semi-Final Recipe. Witihn couple of weeks all samples from transparent changed to matte. This tendency was present in each sample, no matter if there was an addition of natural colourings or not. Samples done with the use of Final Recipe did not undergo this change so far.

It is important to look into those obstacles as both of them lead to faster degradation of the gelatin based material.

The reason of changed appearance may be related to crystalization of sugar. The sample with no sugar did not experience the same change and remained transparent. The samples with little amount of gelatin - 8g with 6g of sugar transformed even faster. Eventually, Final Recipe was picked for further tests. Due to possible application of gelatin on the external part of the design more challenges had to be solved. Firstly, we will look into solutions to overcome the hydrophylic nature of gelatin by adding several coatings, such as wax, tapioca coating or pine

136

137

DEGRADATION WATER

SAMPLE TESTED IN WATER

In presented subchapter we investigated degradation time of the gelatine-based bioplastic coloured with blue butterfly pea powder and beeswax.

FINAL RECIPE

The sample started to deform after an hour it was placed in water. The bioplastic expanded and started to be jelly. After a day the sample arrive to fully jelly form, however was not unified with water yet.

Gelatin 12 g Glycerin 7 ml Water 60 ml Sugar 6 g Without water repellent coating

As for the purpose of the project greater concern is humidity we tested the sample only in water in controled environment.

In order to dissolve the sample completely a mechanical force with the spoon had to by applied. SOIL The bioplastic is also soil degradable, although it takes longer to arrive to dissolved state. To accelerate the process, the sample can be firstly dissolved in water and later on be situated in the soil. All ingredients used in the recipe are soil nutrients.

139

TIME

SAMPLE SIZE (cm)

THICKNESS (mm)

TEXTURE

COLOUR

13:00

ø8,5

1,5

medium hard