It is then blended to a smooth consistency. Calcium Chloride : 25g Deionized water : 500ml The calcium solution calcifies and seals the perlite with a coating to create the bead. In this experiment, the Perlite solution was added to the shape of the mould. The immediate result is a rubbery gel bead however they should be soaked in water before being dried as the calcium causes the beads to shrink otherwise.
perlite alginate cellulose Water : 70ml Alginate : 2g Perlite : 4g Cellulose : 4g Glycerine : 3ml This was a valuable recipe development because the beads held shape more. Their overall form however is less like a hydrogel. The experiment was tried again with a different measurement of ingredients. Water : 40ml Alginate : 2g Pertlite : 1g Cellulose : 1g Glycerine : 7ml The outcome of this recipe improved with added glycerine however it still does not sustain a gel-like consistency. On reflection these experiments have been an essential starting point to creating bioceramic composites – or that of similar properties. The engi-
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