https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266 Made with old Sainsburys bags en-us 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC 2026-01-12 12:51:40 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f9e1.png kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930132 explore how design for a circular economy context can be driven by material experiences and how the engineering properties of materials relate to this]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930132 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930133 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930133 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930136 ORGANIC OR MANMADE WASTE??
--one article in the reading list gave recipes for bio-plastics
--many online sources recycle organic material such as food waste (egg shell, citrus peel, tea bags, banana skins, coffee grounds).
--organic materials are generally a lot easier to change to materials properties of, since most are water based so can be dried out and ground down, or contain proteins which can be denatured by cooking to change molecular properties. 

--manmade materials such as plastics, metal alloys, and ceramics are more difficult to recycle as it is more difficult to change their molecular arrangements, so making a new material with new properties is difficult to achieve (ridiculously high heat and dangerous chemicals are neither safe nor available in my gaff)

]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930136 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930138 Based on our talks from John Thorne and Alasdair Mitchell, and also taking into account my own goals and beliefs, I decided to make environmental sustainability the gravitational force in which my project will revolve around. 

I decided that, while using organic waste may provide easier ways of reaching a larger number of outcomes, I don't agree with the fact I would be taking something that can already be composted (beneficial to the planet) and make it into a domestic object (neutral to the planet). 

As a result i decided to focus on single use plastics, as these damage our planet, wildlife and oceans greatly. 

Throughout my project I hope to focus on a further range of environmental ethics, such as sourcing sustainable materials, using as little energy as possible throughout the manufacturing process, using either no dye or low impact/natural dye, and potentially researching ways to convert a single use plastic into a partially biodegradable plastic.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930138 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930140 It's 6am on Sunday morning. You're feeling a litttttttle worse for wear after spending 3 days dancing under the bright lights and glamour of one of the biggest music festivals in Britain. You struggle to dismantle your tent and see many others who have given up and left theirs behind. The fields, once green and filled with smiling people are baron, and litter dominates the landscape for as far as the eye can see. 

]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930140 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930141 This source explains how much waste festivals around the world really do produce.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930141 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930143 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930143 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930146 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930146 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930148 I also found this website, which shows that many festivals in the UK are already trying to cut down on the amount of waste going to landfill. Since they are already separating out plastic, it could be a viable source of obtaining the waste plastic only, without any additional effort expenditure.

]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930148 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930152 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930152 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930155 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930155 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930156 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930156 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930157 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930157 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930158 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930158 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930161 SOUND ON!!!]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930161 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930165 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930165 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930166 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930166 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930168 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930168 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930170 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930170 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930171 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930171 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930176 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930176 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930178 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930178 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930180 To start of my experiments i cut up a plain white polyethylene bag and whacked in the oven for 15 mins at 180 (classic). I used the oven instead of a pot because plastic doesn't conduct heat, so only the parts touching the bottom of the pot would melt. I plan on testing this later on.

]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930180 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930181 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930181 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930182 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930182 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930184 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930184 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930185 The plastic shrunk significantly more than expected.  Some further research on melting plastic at home probably would have better prepared me for this. I was also anticipating a liquid, but very quickly realised that I do not have the equipment to heat plastic to a liquid state. I turned the oven to it's max to investigate this theory and ended up with a tray of dry, burnt-around-the-edges, slightly gooey plastic scraps.. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930185 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930186 The plastic didn't retain its heat well after coming out of the oven, so it was difficult to mold it into any particular shape fast enough before it started to harden again. When I did attempt to mold it, the layers of plastic would stick together, but not combine with each other, similar to puff pastry. However, once completely cooled, the material was extremely rigid, light and tough. I tried testing if it would break, cut with a knife, or tear, and it wouldnt.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930186 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930188 After realising how difficult it would be to achieve any accuracy when molding the plastic by itself, I decided to work on making it a liquid. I searched the internet for hours on how to go about this and found nothing. I was concerned about the dangers of mixing other substances with the plastic, as the reaction would be unknown , but I used substances that i knew were non-toxic, opened the kitchen door, wore a mask and hoped for the best.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930188 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930189 To achieve a liquid state , I increased the amount of heat absorbed by the plastic without drying it out or burning it. I did this by adding oil. I took it out of the oven at regular intervals and mixed them together, and they quickly combined to form a smooth, homogeneous liquid. I spilled a bit of the silicon oven mitt I was using, and when i peeled it off it had adopted the pattern well. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930189 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930192 You will need:
----1 Sainsburys bag, shredded
----!1tbsp oil 

Put ingredients in oven proof bowl and stick in oven at 200 degrees for 5 mins. 
Remove from oven and stir. 
Repeat until homogenous.
Pour mix onto silicone mold.
Roll out with empty gin bottle.
Once a little bit cold, wrap around your wrist.
Once completely cool, remove from wrist and peel plastic from mold.

You have a bracelet!]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930192 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930193 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930193 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930194 With a liquid state achieved, more opportunities arised. To completely change the texture and properties of the plastic, I applied basic knowledge of baking. I knew that bicarbonate of soda reacts with acid to create carbon dioxide, resulting in air bubbles getting trapped in the liquid. I followed the same steps to liquify the material, then mixed in bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartare (the acid) and put it back in the oven to rise. The result was almost identical in texture to a sponge cake .]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930194 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930195 Ingredients:
1 Sainsburys bag
1tbsp oil
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 
1tsp cream of tartare  

Method:
Cut up plastic bag, and to bowl with coconut oil. Melt in oven at 160°.
Mix until homogenous. Stir in bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartare. Place back in oven until risen.

]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930195 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930197 please leave feedback/comments/ideas here .]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930197 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930199 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930199 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930201 -great presentation on padlet, I like the clear titles and really nice photos!

-I also like the story that you have, outlining the issues with festivals and getting viewers on board with your process

-very cool samples with the bracelet and the sponge, they're very different and show the different ways you can manipulate the material

-next steps could include more testing of the materials to see what they can do, how far they can go

-and also maybe think about ways you could use the new materials (potential to find use at a festival and come full circle???)]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930201 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930203 Really like the textured plastic. Looks like armour

Such a clear presentation! Really easy to follow!

You've managed to create materials with so many different properties so I feel like there are so many different directions you could go with this project!

I also think the colour that you've managed to achieve by using sainsburys bags is fab.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930203 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930204 Very clean and easy to follow presentation, lot's of information. Matching the colour scheme to the orange of the plastic is nice.

The samples you have made are really cool, having videos to a show they behave is very helpful. All the different material properties creates lots of opportunities  and it's good to see product ideas forming  

Next steps could be testing some samples to destruction or adjusting the recipes slightly to find the best ratios.




]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930204 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930206 I conducted some quick preliminary tests to establish the material properties of my initial material. The basic properties are as follows:
-relatively high melting point (solid at room temp)
-low plastic bending moment (has very little elasticity, so when stretched it will deform  plastically, and will not return to its original shape)
-not brittle
-can be torn by hand
-cuts easily with scissors or knife
-flexible, not hard or rigid
-soft to touch
-does not conduct heat or electricity
-flammable, and burns for a long time.
-non-biodegradable

]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930206 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930207 I later reattempted this experiment, placing the plastic in a mold to begin with and applying significant pressure after heating. This achieved a much more uniform, reliable material. (shown as MATERIAL A in picture of complete sample collection)]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930207 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930209 Scientific reinforcement of the claims I made whilst testing the material by hand.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930209 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930210 At first I considered mixing different types of plastic waste together, but researched before doing so to ensure there was no possibility of producing a toxic mixture of gases. I discovered that mixing plastics results in a very brittle, unmanageable material so ruled it out of any possible experiments.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930210 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930211




]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930211 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930213 The most obvious method of applying heat to the plastic was to iron it (using greaseproof paper to protect the iron!), and, as expected, it resulted in plastic with the exact same properties as before, but less wrinkly. I tried folding the plastic and re-ironing, then repeating this process until it was too small to fold again.  This exploited the "puff-pastry" properties on material A, but the more distinguished layers between the sheets allowed more flexibility . The resulting material was still very tough and rigid, but much less hard than material A and more flexible.  For this experiment i cut the plastic into small pieces before ironing]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930213 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930215 To make the material even tougher, i considered adding a material that exhibits uniaxial strength, to reinforce the plastic and make it stronger when pulled in a certain direction whilst still maintaining its flexibility. This could be beneficial in products such as bag straps, for example. I tried two materials, both of which are waste materials. 


]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930215 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930216 The first waste material  I tried using to improve the uniaxial strength of the ironed out plastic was floss. Most floss is synthetic, consisting of many individual fibers twisted together. the fibers separate  latitudinally from each other easily, however are near impossible to break when  stress is applied longitudinally. I placed several strands on the sheet of plastic before folding it over on top of them, and ironing over. this completely concealed and trapped the floss, and the tensile strength in the direction of the floss was improved.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930216 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930217 After experimenting with the acid-base reaction of bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartare, I decided to try using a liquid acid instead to see if the results would differ. I excluded the bicarbonate of soda from this experiment, using only the plastic and oil combination with vinegar added. The addition of oil was necessary, as vinegar is water bases, so would evaporate before the plastic was hot enough to melt. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930217 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930218 Oil and vinegar famously do not mix together, so this experiment was a goof way of working out whether or not the oil and plastic were truly combining to make a new material, or if the oil was simply acting a vector for heat transfer before separating out. 
The vinegar reacting with the plastic-oil mixture without any separation occurring, suggesting that the plastic and oil have in fact combined fully.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930218 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930220 Using oil to achieve a homogenous liquid state of the plastic, I then used a foot pump to force air into the mixture. At some points I managed to create very thin bubbles, but they popped quickly. It was more beneficial to create a texture out of the entire block of material rather than create small individual bubbles.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930220 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930223 I was happy with the properties of material C, but wanted to find a way of changing its texture without producing any extra waste or by-products. I did this by adding flaky salt while the material was still in liquid state, then running the sample under water once it had cooled. This left indentations and air pockets in the sample, and the salt water produced can be evaporated off to retrieve the salt in its original form which can then be reused for the same purpose!]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930223 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930224 One of the most notable material properties of plastic is that it does not conduct electricity, so I wanted to see if i could change this. I started by breaking up an 8B pencil (high carbon content) and grinding the lead into a fine powder. I mixed this powder into my usual plastic-oil liquid mix, and left it to cool. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930224 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930226 So far, the majority of my experiments had resulted in relatively rigid materials, that held the shape they were set in. To change this, I started by burning a bag down to ash. I then mixed the ash with a small amount of cornflower and coconut oil, and melted it all down together to become homogeneous. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930226 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930228 Referring back to the  recommended text about circular economy, I focused on finding a way to use these materials in the same circumstances the were originally collected from. The materials created were so versatile and  displayed a vast range of properties, giving potential for a wide range of festival-related products being produced. 
Waste production at festivals is so high because festival-goers don't want to carry extra unnecessary luggage home, so items such as tents, sleeping bags and mats, clothes and shoes and many more are left behind. Creating a circular economy would mean collecting waste, transforming the waste into products, collecting the products once they are left behind as waste, and transforming them again!]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930228 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930231 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930231 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930232 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930232 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930234 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930234 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930236 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930236 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930239 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930239 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930243 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930243 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930246 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930246 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930248 Another waste material I tried was wooden skewers. I soaked them in water first to prevent them burning under the iron, which also made them easier to break up into individual fibers. The plastic completely encased the wood after being melted, which meant the water couldn't escape or evaporate off once the plastic was dry. This allows the wood to remain flexible , so the resulting material was very tough but could still be bent and moved in all directions. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930248 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930250 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930250 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930251 This material was really tough, I couldn't rip it and struggled to cut it., even though it was extremely thin. The air gaps between layers of plastic noticeably  gave more plastic deformation allowance, as even when the material is doubled over, it still shows no signs of stretching or tearing. There is definitely less give in the direction that the wood fibers are pointing. Both versions of this material are extremely light, however the material which uses floss as a strengthener is more practical, as the wood would need to be separated from the plastic in order to make the material recyclable. The synthetic fibers of the floss would also be less likely to degrade over time, making the material durable. It was extremely flammable (video evidence provided) which I think was worsened by the addition of wood.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930251 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930252 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930252 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930253 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930253 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930255 This material had really interesting properties. It was compressible, but returned back to its original shape and volume after being distorted. It is sturdy and tough, and the texture will provide a high coefficient of friction, making it appropriate for uses such as outdoor flooring. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930255 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930257 Not really.
I did a lot of research into which oils are the most ethically friendly. I concluded that there are two options that would satisfy my own moral requirements :
- coconut oil which is cold-pressed, fair-trade, organic,  and unbleached
- used cooking oil

Unfortunately I don't have access to a large quantity of used cooking oil, but I do regularly use coconut oil for hair masks, makeup removal and general cosmetic purposes, so I already had a large amount at my disposal which satisfied the previously stated ethical conditions. This is the oil that I used for every sample which required oil, keeping the results consistent.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930257 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930259 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930259 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930262 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930262 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930264 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930264 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930267 After deciding to use bicarbonate of soda to create air bubbles in the plastic, and realising how drastic and beneficial the effect is, I researched the background of bicarbonate of soda to see if it is ethically viable to be used on a large scale. Even though it is mined, making it a finite resource, and can be energy and chemical intensive to produce, it is generally considered a very environmentally friendly product, as it itself contains to harsh chemicals, so is safe for water, the air and animals. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930267 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930269 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930269 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930270 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930270 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930273 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930273 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930274 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930274 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930275 This material reacted in a similar way to material E, with small bubbles forming in the plastic. However, the bubbles were larger and more sparse than in material E, and the overall material was much harder and less compressible. This can be useful in circumstances where both thermal insulation and rigidity are required.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930275 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930282 Typically, cornflour mixed with liquid would simply create a non-newtonian liquid, but in this case it created more of a putty, acting as neither a solid or a liquid regardless of applied force. The putty was completely waterproof. It didnt stick to my hands as I was playing with it , and it reacted well to the heat of skin, becoming more pliable then setting to a harder material when cold. This material could be beneficial for purposes such as temporary repair of burst pipes, holes in tents or even as a general art supply. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930282 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930285 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930285 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930287 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930287 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930288 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930288 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930289 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930289 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930293 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930293 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930295 -Wellies (Combination of several materials, including material E for soft insole)
-Wristbands (material B)
-Temporary water pipe repair (material I)
-tent repair (material I)
-outdoor flooring (material D, F, G)
-sunglasses (material A)
-electrical wires (material H)
-temporary wire repair (if material H and I were combined)
-tents (material B)
-bags, hats, belts (material B)
-sleeping mat (material E)
-cups (material A, C)
-hot drink holder (material E)










]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930295 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930297 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930297 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930298 I was really excited by the concept of using several materials types in one product, so of course had to make the wellies! They consisted of 3 different materials, all derived from plastic bags. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930298 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930301 I shredded the plastic bags to make them easier to melt. I cut up 3 -pastiche bags for this part of the project, but not all of it was used. I then added 1 tablespoon of organic, unrefined, fair trade coconut oil and melted the mixture until homogenous. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930301 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930303 The first step was collecting the waste material. I have a sainsburys down the road from me so already had a lot of bags from there, and they provide a nice colour without having to add extra dyes which can make a harmful impact on the environment.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930303 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930304 To create the boot, I used the mixture from step 2 and rolled it out until thin (about 2mm). Once cool, I cut it into two shapes which would later be joined together. I put these pieces back into the oven to re-melt, and formed them around a pre-existing wellie once the were removed. I let them cool in this position so they would retain this shape.]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930304 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930306 To make to soles, I created a silicon mould using a pair of wellies I already owned. I used the mixture from step 2, poured it into the mould, and left it outside to cool (it was -4° out there)]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930306 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930307 To create the insole, I used the same mixture as the previous steps, but melted it in a pan to make it easier to mix in bicarbonate is soda and cream of tartare (1 tsp of each). I let it cool on a flat mat then cut it to shape once cool. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930307 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930308 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930308 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930309 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930309 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930311 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930311 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930313 I joined all of these parts together using a soldering iron. ]]> 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930313 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930315 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930315 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930318 2021-01-07 19:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064930318 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064991185 2021-01-07 20:00:32 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064991185 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064993750 2021-01-07 20:01:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064993750 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064995805 2021-01-07 20:01:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1064995805 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1065026750 -spongey
-can be squashed and compressed, but does not bounce back immediately afterwards
-added air pockets so combines passive and active insulation
relatively easy to tear and crumble, however this changed after i adjusted the quantities of components added (see wellie boot insole for same material but much sturdier and durable)
-doesn’t regain water like a sponge
-soft ]]> 2021-01-07 20:09:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1065026750 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1065054863 2021-01-07 20:17:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1065054863 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1065337698 This process was too chaotic to video, but I have provided a picture for clarification ]]> 2021-01-07 21:53:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1065337698 kgibson117 https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1065343630 2021-01-07 21:56:09 UTC https://padlet.com/kgibson117/tguct0n9rfc14266/wish/1065343630