Plastics, Resins and Impregnated Derivates

Casein-based Bioplastic

Robert Murray-Smith. 2020. Step By Step: Hemp–Casein Bioplastic. Video. Retrieved from youtube.com/watch?v=BY-kGCs4jXw (Members only).

From the video's description, “This should give all the instructions needed as well as an indication of what you can do to make it all your own - best of luck and I hope it helps.”

→ Read more...

Fibre-Reinforced Plastics

Graphene-impregnated Plastics

Robert Murray-Smith. 2019. Making Graphene Filled Plastic. Video. Retrieved from youtube.com/watch?v=oFYblc4vcCU

In this video, the process of preparing the graphene–(presumably) glycerine suspension for mixing into the plastic is explained.


Robert Murray-Smith. Bullet Proof Graphene Plastic. YouTube Playlist. Retrieved from youtube.com/watch?v=aF1wWOD83-8&list=PLbQqm4rNo624O3Nbt6sgBylDivFFtjUBJ.

In addition to its hardness, the conductivity (of approx. 2.5Ω/cm) is also demonstrated.

See also:


Casein-based Reinforced Plastics

Casein–Paper Reinforced Tubing

Robert Murray-Smith. 2021. 1165: A Paper Bicycle Made From Old Newspapers. Part 1: Making The Tubes. Video. Retrieved from youtube.com/watch?v=EWXeZAHTvZ8.

Robert Murray-Smith. 2021. 1166: A Paper Bicycle: Some Information. Video. Retrieved from youtube.com/watch?v=nwiXbQybYi8.

Robert Murray-Smith. 2021. 1167: A Paper Bicycle: Building The Frame. Video. Retrieved from youtube.com/watch?v=2r5eJ-eq-tQ.

Robert Murray-Smith. 2021. 1172: Breaking A Stixx. Video. Retrieved from youtube.com/watch?v=-E3oFtLayPQ.


Also, how this might be adapted to that papier-maché / 3D-printed moulding process (more generally, but also in the context of producing the joinery for the bike):

XYZAidan. 2019. Recycle Cardboard into Anything with 3D Printing!. Video. Retrieved from youtube.com/watch?v=0ItPfhx3ulw.


Casein–Fabric Reinforced Sheeting

Can the technique presented in NightHawkInLight (2022) be modified to use Casein instead of the Silicone–Nafta mix to produce translucent, semi-stiff sheeting?



Impregnated Materials

Silicone-Impregnated Materials

Silicone-Impregnated Fabric

NightHawkInLight. 2022. Recycled Bedsheets Make The Best Waterproof Tarps. Video. Retrieved from youtube.com/watch?v=z_R0gEDZhAI

In this video, a method of creating strong, water-proof tarpaulins using fabric and a silicone–naphtha solution is presented.

Specifically, a volumetric ratio of 1 part dry 'compressed' fabric to 0.75 parts naphtha to 0.15 parts 100% silicone sealant was used. The silicone-naphtha solution is prepared in advance, with the mixture being lightly agitated in a tough plastic bag until it achieves the consistency of a light maple syrup; the fabric to be treated is then placed in the bag too, let to sit until it absorbs as much of the solution as it can, and then kneaded to try and achieve an even distribution. (Any spots that weren't suitably impregnated can be placed, face-to-face, with a well-treated area and wrung together afterwards.) Finally, the impregnated fabric is hung to dry / cure for approx. 24 hours.

As an aside, it is also mentioned that, when waterproofing backpacks, etc., using this technique, a 1:1 mix of silicone and naphtha should be used and applied to the item using a brush instead.