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Making Milk Plastic!

Did you know that you can make plastic at home using protein from milk?

 

This was popular for decades to make everyday objects and even jewelry; Queen Mary of England owned some!

Making Milk Plastic!

Materials

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • Small saucepan

  • Measuring spoons

  • Heat  resistant dish

  • White vinegar

  • Strainer

  • Paper towel

  • Cookie cutter or mold

  • Food colour or Mika powder (Optional)

Procedure

  1. Heat one cup of milk on stove top until steaming hot (a microwave for 3 minutes at half power will work too).
     

  2. Remove from heat and pour into heat resistant container.
     

  3. Add 4 teaspoons of vinegar.
     

  4. Stir for about 2 minutes while curds form.
     

  5. Strain out milk whey.
     

  6. Squeeze curds into paper towel to remove excess moisture.
     

  7. Mold into desired shape.
     

  8. Let stand and dry for 48 hours. Then remove from your molds and use them to decorate, make jewelry, whatever you envisioned. Have fun with this biodegradable plactic!

This experiment is great for beginner or intermediate explorers, can be done with household ingredients and requires a stove, adult supervision, and plenty of patience.

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