SIX SIMPLE PLASTICS FORMULAS

SIX SIMPLE PLASTICS FORMULAS

SIMPLIFIED PLASTICS

This is the age of plastics! One of the most amazing

developments in this age of wonders . . . NEW developments and

discoveries are constantly being made in the plastic field. Here

is a truly rich field for experimentation. There are big

opportunities in this field.

The history of Plastics dates back to about sixty years after

the signing of the Declaration of Independence. About that time

two chemists, Leibig and Wehier, first succeeded in combining

certain elements to form UREA, thus creating a synthetic

substance from inorganic materials.

In 1868 John Wesley Hyatt, in his search for a substitute for

making billiard balls, created a substance which became known as

CELLULOID. This was the first real plastic and marked the

beginning of the plastic industry in the United States.

Years later, Dr. Leo Backeland, developed a new material,

non-inflammable, and one that could be molded into strong

products. This PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE product became known

as BAKELITE. These Phenolics are among the most widely used of

all resin plastics. They may be cast into fine costume jewelry, or

molded into large gears and other industrial machinery. Resins

may be purchased form producers in liquid, granular, or powder

form, and performs for whatever type of work the molder desires.

Plastic compounds are heavily covered by patents and many are

beyond the means for the small manufacturer to produce. There

are, however, numerous plastic compounds that may be produced

from common everyday substances without expensive equipment and

which can be profitable to be used for making novelties of all

kinds. While some may challenge the term plastics for some of

these compounds - the following formulas, nevertheless, will

give the home manufacturer the opportunity of creating plastic

like substances from materials which are generally obtained

quickly and easily.

It is to be understood that although the amount of ingredients

used in these various formulas is considered to be correct, it

is often necessary for the molder to use his own judgment and do

some experimenting upon his own. For instance: In Formula 1 -

the resultant factor may be that five parts of Wood Flour may

not become sufficiently kneadable with fifteen parts of Sodium

Silicate. Room temperatures may be lower in some cases and

therefore an addition of more Sodium Silicate has to be added to

obtain the proper flow properties.

FORMULA 1:

Wood Flour . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 parts

Water Glass (Sodium Silicate) . . . . 15 parts

Mix the Wood Flour and Sodium Silicate together. Add more water

if necessary until a dough like mixture is formed by kneading

with the hands. This material may be molded into hard objects

by pressure. Colors may be added while kneading. Use aniline

dyes or dry colors. This material is suited for plaques,

book-ends, statues, etc.

FORMULA 2:

A. Dissolve 20 parts of flake glue in water or a double boiler.

Add the dissolved glue to 90 parts of gelatine.

B. To 50 parts of finely screened sawdust (or wood flour) add

300 parts of powdered Chalk.

PROCESS:

Mix A and B together to make a heavy batter. This is done in

enough warm water to "loosen the material". Add dry colors

(obtainable at paint dealers) and mold under pressure.

FORMULA 3

A. To about 100 parts of ZINC OXIDE add 4 parts of SILICIC ACID.

B. To 2 parts of POWDERED BORAX add 2 1/2 parts of

POWDERED GLASS.

PROCESS:

Mix A and B together well. Grind until fine and then bring it

into solution by adding a concentrated ZINC OXIDE solution.

This is an ideal material for small objects but it must be

worked fast because of its rapid drying qualities. Color in

usual manner. It may be pressed with regular hand press or in a

drill press.

FORMULA 4:

Dissolve one pound of flake or powdered glue in water by

boiling. Shred enough tissue paper into the solution to give

body and then stir until a thick batter results. Add one cup of

LINSEED OIL into the solution and one cup of POWDERED CHALK.

Stir well and then remove this mass from the double boiler and

when cool enough, knead with the hands and press into molds. A

pair of old gloves, slightly oiled with pure light oil may be

used to protect the hands when kneading these materials.

It takes a few days for this material to thoroughly harden but

at the end of that time, it should be as hard as stone and

resembles carved wood. It will make excellent art goods such as

book ends, tie racks, coat hangers, statues, etc.

FORMULA 5

To 11 parts of EPSOM SALTS, add 36 parts of FRESHLY

CALCINED MAGNESITE. Mix well and then add 2 1/2 parts of LEAD

ACETATE. Mix all of the above THOROUGHLY. Then add just

enough water to hold the material together and mold under pressure.

Many outdoor decorations may be made form this material such as

small ducks, birds and other garden ornaments. Objects may be

painted after molding.

FORMULA 6

To 12 parts of PITCH add 6 parts ROSIN. To this mixture add a

mixture of 1/2 part of CASTOR OIL and 1/4 part WAX. Powder this

mixture by using a tamper and melt at 250 to 260 degrees F.

Press while hot into cold die. Many useful articles may be made

form this material.