Starch Based Dilatant Composition for Moldable Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing starch-based dilatant compositions are prone to settling, drying out quickly, and are not well-suited for molding due to their crumbly or runny textures, lacking stability and being non-dilatant, while synthetic alternatives are costly and non-biodegradable.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a starch gel with added dry uncooked starch, particularly waxy corn starch high in amylopectin, which forms a kneadable solid that remains workable for a long period, allowing for repeated molding and is biodegradable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If uncooked starch is suspended in water to create a dilatant composition, then shear thickening properties are achieved, but the material immediately begins to settle out of suspension and rapidly dries out when exposed to air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of starch from uncooked suspended particles to cooked gelatinized starch, transforming the material from a unstable suspension to a stable gel that maintains workability for extended periods while retaining shear thickening properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining gelatinized starch with various additives including polyols (glycerin, sorbitol), plasticizers, and optional ingredients like borax and salt, forming a stable kneadable composition that resolves the settling and drying issues of pure starch suspensions
2Stability of the object's composition
If uncooked starch mixed with water is used, then the material is dilatant, but it yields a crumbly or runny texture that is not well suited for molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms starch from uncooked to cooked gelatinized state, changing its physical properties from crumbly/runnym to a pliable, moldable consistency that maintains structural integrity during shaping while preserving dilatant behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds specific functional components (polyols for plasticity, plasticizers for flexibility) to the starch gel at controlled concentrations to achieve optimal local properties for moldability without compromising overall stability or dilatant characteristics
3Stability of the object's composition
If silicone putty is used as a dilatant material, then dilatant properties are achieved, but it cannot be formed and dried, is expensive, stains objects, and is not biodegradable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, persistent synthetic silicone putty with inexpensive, biodegradable starch-based composition that can be safely discarded after use, eliminating staining and environmental persistence issues while maintaining dilatant functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses starch gel as an intermediary material that provides the desired dilatant effect temporarily during play, then naturally degrades and can be easily cleaned up, mediating between the need for stable dilatant properties and the desire for non-harmful, biodegradable materials
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition is stable, non-toxic, easy to clean, and biodegradable, maintaining a fun, moldable consistency for extended periods, with additives like glycerin and borax enhancing shelf life and antimicrobial properties.
Implementation Method 1
a starch gel with added dry uncooked starch, particularly waxy corn starch high in amylopectin, which forms a kneadable solid
Implementation Method 2
the specific mechanism causing this is not well understood, this appears to take the form of water being released from the starch gel
Implementation Method 3
Dilatant compositions made with uncooked finely divided starch suspended in water are well known. They are often used to demonstrate shear thickening
Implementation Method 4
Separately, if exposed to the air, water will evaporate and the material will dry and become solid
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a novel a non-toxic self-adhesive shear thickening dilatant fluid and process for the formation thereof comprising the sequential steps of forming a gel comprising a first portion of starch and water and adding a sufficient second portion of dry non-toxic solid material to said gel to form a kneadable solid which is dry to the touch. In particular it is directed to a material whose base is corn starch.