SODIUM ALGINATE

Bioplastic with Micca Powder

SODIUM ALGINATE

Biolastic with Mica Powder

A short discussion on Mica Powder production

Mica is made from Muscovite, a natural shimmering silicate mineral in the same family as quartz.

It can also be made from Phlogopite, Biotite and Andlepidolite. (these minerals are also known as potassium, magnesium, ferro-magnesium and lithium mica) These minerals emerge from the ground as large pearlescent sheets or flakes, before they are processed.

The hexagonal chemical structure of mica means it can be split down into sheets as thin as one micron and still retain it's properties, such as that of mechanical, physical and electrical. After it is ground, natural oxides are applied to the fine powder to bring out vibrant colours.

Sustainable and ethical mica powder must be created in a laboratory. Despite being an expensive alternative, recent developments in this practice have shown to produce higher-standard mica powder, celebrating higher thermal and electrical resistance, as well as a much higher colour vibrancy.

Our recipe includes:

Sodium Alginate
Vegetable glycerin
Mica Power
Calcium Chloride
Distilled Water

Mold: Glass. Material was left between two thick glass sheets for 3 weeks before removing. Both upper and lower sheets sprayed with calcium chloride.

Process to outcome: Created in first days of practicing. Bubbles are evident in the outcome, however the ingredient composition (less alginate and more water) and the glass mold created a lovely transparent effect which could be illuminated with light.

Tip: it is very important that the alginate-based aspect of the method, stays completely separate from the calcium chloride-based aspect of the method, until the alginate is ready to be solidified.

Calcium chloride serves a critical role as a cross-linking agent, stabilising the liquid bioplastic into a solid or semi-solid through a binding of ions. All tools used must be consistently cleaned and the making environment should be controlled. Calcium chloride has a varied effect on the sample outcome depending on the solution concentration, as well it's exposure time to the alginate-based mixture.

I spent time improving tools and methods to increase the length and strength of my bioplastic yarn. Ultimately I was able to create high-quality yarn enough that it was possible to form crotched squares that eventually became more tightly woven and consistent with practice.

These crotched samples could be rinsed with water shortly after being sprayed with calcium chloride to maintain their soft and bendy effect, or be left with calcium chloride on their surface for some time, where they become stiffer and more dense.

Mold: Matte/ frosted acrylic sheet. Liquid material was guided carefully and slowly with the force of gravity until it was spread evenly across the mold. No extra sheet was applied on top, but both sides of the material were sprayed with calcium chloride and exposed to air for 4 days.

Process to outcome: The alginate was blended into distilled water carefully in a precise way, in order to maintain a balance and smoothness. The liquid material was then left to refrigerate over-night, to allow gas bubbles to leave the mixture. The result was a strong sample with a congruent texture and colour. This sample outcome mimicked the frosted aesthetic of it's acrylic mold.