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Eggshell + Alginate Clay

OVERVIEW

This clay biomaterial uses eggshell and alginate to build strength and form a composition that recycles agricultural waste. The added layer of grass biomaterial brings another element of biodegradability and environmental contextuality that makes this protocol accessible to the general public.

Created By:

Vicky Sindac, Jhostine Chalen Ulloa

Time:

 

Eggshell Clay: 5-10 minutes (additional time needed for drying; depending on the amount of water)

Grass Sheets: 2 hours minimum (additional time needed for drying; at least 24 hours)

Difficulty:

5/10

COMPOSITION

Water 

65mL of water

Calcium Carbonate

30g eggshells

Sodium Alginate

10g of sodium alginate

Corn Starch

10g of starch

Grass

1 handful of grass

method

Eggshell Clay

1. Collect eggshells.
1. Collect eggshells.
2. Crush and boil eggshells, removing excess egg whites as you go. Dry either in the oven or laying out.
2. Crush and boil eggshells, removing excess egg whites as you go. Dry either in the oven or laying out.
4. Grind eggshells into powder.
4. Grind eggshells into powder.
5. Sieve eggshell powder to separate calcium powder from chunky eggshell membrane.
5. Sieve eggshell powder to separate calcium powder from chunky eggshell membrane.
6. Add water, cornstarch, and alginate to eggshell powder.
6. Add water, cornstarch, and alginate to eggshell powder.
7. Knead into eggshell clay.
7. Knead into eggshell clay.
8. Roll clay into desired form, using the grass sheets as insulation.
8. Roll clay into desired form, using the grass sheets as insulation.

Grass Sheets

1. Pick grass.
1. Pick grass.
2. Boil grass for 1 hour, then pound flat.
2. Boil grass for 1 hour, then pound flat.
3. Flatten into Mould and Deckle.
3. Flatten into Mould and Deckle.
4. Let dry for 24 hours.
4. Let dry for 24 hours.

RESULTS

IDEATION