Biomateriales DIY / Biopolímero Artesanal de Aguacate

Summary

This video tutorial demonstrates the process of extracting starch from avocado to create a bioplastic film. It guides viewers through the step-by-step procedure: grating the avocado pit, soaking it in water, straining the mixture, and letting the starch settle. The starch is then dried and ground into a fine powder. The video proceeds to show how this powder, mixed with water, glycerin, and vinegar, is used to create a bioplastic film by heating and pouring the mixture into molds. After drying, the bioplastic is ready, showcasing the potential of sustainable materials.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rasp the pit of the avocado using a manual metal grater to prepare for starch extraction.
• 😀 Soak the grated avocado in cold water (previously boiled or filtered) for 30 minutes to an hour until the water turns orange.
• 😀 Use a fine cloth as a filter to separate the grated pieces from the liquid, squeezing out any remaining starch.
• 😀 The remaining liquid will contain the starch, which will settle at the bottom of the container.
• 😀 After decanting the liquid, discard or reuse the orange-colored water for other biofabrication purposes.
• 😀 Wait for the starch at the bottom of the container to fully decant and settle.
• 😀 Carefully pour out the liquid, leaving the starch behind in the container.
• 😀 Allow the starch to dry for a day or until fully desiccated.
• 😀 Grind the dried starch into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
• 😀 To create biofilm, combine the starch with avocado-colored water, glycerin, and vinegar, stirring carefully for a uniform mixture.
• 😀 Heat the mixture over medium heat until it becomes dense and viscous, then pour it into a mold to shape the biofilm.
• 😀 The drying process can take up to five days, depending on temperature and humidity, or can be sped up using a dehydrator or oven with a fan.
• 😀 The biofilm may have natural textures and imperfections, depending on the drying time and environmental factors.

Q & A

What is the first step in extracting starch from an avocado seed?

The first step is to grate the pit of the avocado using a manual metal grater.

Why is it important to use water that has been previously boiled or filtered?

Using water that has been boiled or filtered ensures that the water is free from impurities, which can affect the extraction process.

How long should you let the grated avocado pit soak in water?

You should let the grated avocado pit soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the starch to be extracted into the water.

What role does the fine cloth play in the extraction process?

The fine cloth acts as a filter, separating the grated avocado pit from the water while also helping to extract the remaining starch.

What should you do with the leftover grated avocado pit after straining it?

You can save the leftover grated avocado pit to create a bio-compound for other purposes, such as bio-fabrication.

What happens after the starch has settled at the bottom of the water?

Once the starch has fully decanted and the water is clear, you should carefully pour out the liquid to leave the starch at the bottom.

How long should you wait for the starch to dry after decanting?

You should wait for a day, or as long as necessary, for the starch to completely dry out.

What is the purpose of grinding the dried starch with a mortar?

Grinding the dried starch with a mortar turns it into a fine powder, making it easier to work with for further bio-fabrication processes.

What ingredients are needed to make biofilm from the avocado starch?

To make biofilm, you will need the pigmented water from the extraction process, avocado starch, glycerin, and vinegar.

What should you do after preparing the biofilm mixture?

After preparing the mixture, you should heat it in a pot on medium heat while stirring until it becomes thick and viscous. Then, pour it into a mold and allow it to dry.