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Six Different 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.