Agar-Based Adaptable DIY Materials

Abstract

Several types of agar-based polymeric materials were developed for the use of designers, engineers, makers, and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts. Simple recipes and procedures were determined for the adaptation and use by anyone who is interested to use sustainable, non-toxic, and even edible plastic-like materials without the need for a scientific background. The recipes and procedures were developed by controlled laboratory experiments. The main recipes contain different combinations of agar strips, water, glycerine, and vinegar. A variety of films with different sensorial properties (soft, hard, flexible, stiff clear, coloured, textured, with or without spicy odour, etc.) were prepared by heating the ingredients in a saucepan, mixing, pouring on a flat surface, and drying for a few days. These were evaluated by tinkering and user studies that involved students from design, food engineering, culinary arts, and other fields. Based on these studies, several applications were suggested for product, fashion, service, and food design.