Maya Ellison
Polymer clay is a synthetic modelling clay made from a plastic polymer base called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is a mixture of PVC resin and a liquid plasticizer, making it a plastisol. The clay is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets. However, it is important to note that polymer clay contains phthalate plasticizers, which have been classified as endocrine disruptors and can cause health issues. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to store polymer clay in compatible plastic containers, such as those made of polypropylene (PP) plastic. While polymer clay can be baked in the oven, it should not be used to hold or serve food or beverages due to testing requirements and regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | PVC powder, plasticizers, fillers, pigments, oils, binders, lubricants |
| Plasticizers | Chemicals that make plastic flexible and soft |
| Plasticizer Safety | Phthalate plasticizers are classified as endocrine disruptors and are restricted or banned in the EU and US |
| Curing Temperature | 265 °F (129 °C) to 275 °F (135 °C) for 15 minutes per 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) of thickness |
| Plastic Compatibility | Incompatible with most plastics; can cause softening or melting |
| Recommended Storage | Polypropylene (PP) plastic containers or bags |
| Biodegradability | Non-biodegradable |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
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What You'll Learn
Polymer clay is made from PVC powder and plasticizers
Polymer clay is a plastic clay made from PVC powder and plasticizers. It also contains fillers, pigments, oils, binders, and lubricants. The clay is workable until cured, and it cures at temperatures between 265 °F (129 °C) and 275 °F (135 °C) for 15 minutes per 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) of thickness. This can be achieved with a home oven.
Polymer clay is made from PVC powder, which is derived from salt, which produces chlorine, and oil, from which ethylene is derived. The PVC powder is mixed with a liquid plasticizer, which makes the clay soft and flexible. The plasticizer is a chemical that allows the clay to be workable and malleable. Different brands of polymer clay use different plasticizers, and some common plasticizers include soybean oil epoxidized, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate), and DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate).
The safety of polymer clay has been a concern, specifically regarding the long-term effects of exposure to certain phthalate plasticizers that are classified as endocrine disruptors. In 2009, restrictions on the use of certain phthalates came into effect in the European Union and the United States. These phthalates are known to cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. When used as a toy or childcare item in the United States, polymer clay should not contain more than 0.1% of any of the six restricted or banned phthalates.
Polymer clay should not be stored in plastic containers as the plasticizers in the clay can react with the plastic, causing it to soften and "melt." However, polymer clay is often sold in plastic packaging, which it does not react with. This is because the plasticizers become locked in and fused with the PVC particles after the clay is cured, making them mostly inert.
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It is a synthetic modelling clay
Polymer clay is a synthetic modelling clay. It is made from a plastic polymer base called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is a type of plastic clay made of plasticizers, fillers, pigments, oils, binders, and lubricants. The clay is workable until cured, and it can be shaped and reshaped numerous times without deteriorating. It is known for its versatility and pliability and is used by hobbyists and professional clayers, including children, movie makers, and crafters.
Polymer clay is available in various colours, including cherry red, mint green, midnight blue, and brilliant coral. It is non-toxic and safe to use around pets and children. It is also used to create memorable items, such as a baby's first footprint or handprint, or a memorial paw print of a beloved pet.
Polymer clay is cured in a conventional oven or toaster oven at temperatures between 265 °F (129 °C) and 275 °F (135 °C) for 15 minutes per 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) of thickness. This temperature is significantly lower than that required for mineral clays and can be achieved using a home oven. It is important to follow the baking instructions on the package to avoid burning the clay, which can release a small amount of hydrogen chloride gas that may cause eye or nose irritation.
Polymer clay has raised concerns regarding its safety and environmental impact due to the presence of plasticizers. Plasticizers are chemicals that make plastic flexible and soft. When polymer clay is in its raw, uncured state, its plasticizers can react with surrounding materials, including certain plastics, causing them to soften or "melt". However, after curing, the plasticizers become locked in and fused with the PVC particles, making them mostly inert.
To address safety concerns, restrictions on the use of certain phthalates, a type of plasticizer, have been implemented in the European Union and the United States. These phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors and can have negative health impacts. It is recommended to follow instructions, use separate utensils for clay and food, and wash hands after handling clay to minimize potential risks.
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It is non-toxic and safe for children
Polymer clay is a plastic clay made of plasticizers, fillers, pigments, oils, binders, and other additives. It contains a base of PVC resin and a liquid plasticizer, making it a plastisol. The clay is workable until cured, and curing occurs at temperatures from 265 °F (129 °C) to 275 °F (135 °C) for 15 minutes per 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) of thickness.
Polymer clay is non-toxic and safe for children. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the package to avoid burning the clay, as this can release toxic fumes. If the clay is baked at low temperatures for short periods, as instructed, it will not burn. If the clay does burn, it can release hydrogen chloride gas, which can cause eye and nose irritation.
It is also important to note that polymer clay is not intended for use with food or beverages. While it is generally non-toxic, the plasticizers in the clay can leach out and potentially cause health issues for the user. This is why it is recommended to avoid storing unbaked polymer clay in plastic containers, as the clay can react with the plastic and change its properties.
Additionally, different brands of polymer clay may have different chemical compositions, so it is always a good idea to read the instructions and safety information provided by the manufacturer. Overall, as long as polymer clay is used correctly and safely, it is a fun and safe material for children to work with.
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It can be cured in a home oven
Polymer clay is a plastic clay made of plasticizers, fillers, pigments, oils, binders and other materials. It can be cured in a home oven, which is an easy process. The oven needs to be preheated to a temperature between 110°C or 230°F and 135°C or 275°F for 20 minutes. The clay should then be cured for at least 30 minutes. The temperature is more important than the time, as curing at a low temperature for a long time is better than curing at a high temperature for a short time. The clay should be baked for 15 to 30 minutes per 1/4 inch of thickness. The clay should then be allowed to cool for 30 to 60 minutes. If the clay bends before breaking, it is cured. If it breaks easily, it needs to be returned to the oven.
Polymer clay is cured at a significantly lower temperature than mineral clays, which is why it can be cured in a home oven. The curing temperature for polymer clay ranges from 265°F (129°C) to 275°F (135°C). This temperature range is safe for a home oven. The clay should be placed on a flat baking tray or in a roasting tin. The tray can be lined with greaseproof paper, foil, or regular paper. The curing process can cause the clay to smell, so it is recommended to tent' the clay with foil to contain the smell. The clay will be fixed in the shape it is baked into, so it should be shaped before curing.
Polymer clay does not melt or droop when oven-cured because of the addition of gelling agents. After curing, the plasticizers in the clay become locked in and fused with the PVC particles, making them mostly inert. This prevents the clay from melting. The clay will remain soft in the oven and will only harden once it is removed and cooled.
It is important to follow the curing instructions to avoid burning the clay. If the clay is burned, a small amount of hydrogen chloride gas could be released, which can cause eye and nose irritation.
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It is incompatible with some plastics
Polymer clay is a synthetic modelling clay made from a plastic polymer base called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is a mixture of PVC resin and a liquid plasticizer, making it a plastisol. The plasticizers in polymer clay are susceptible to reacting with surrounding materials when the clay is in an unbaked or raw state. This means that if a piece of raw polymer clay is placed on the surface of an incompatible plastic, it can cause the plastic to soften or "melt".
Different brands of polymer clay have different chemical compositions and use different plasticizers, so they may react differently to different plastics. Some polymer clays react quite badly with some plastics, eating into the surface and changing the properties of the clay. This is because, in its raw state, the plasticizers in the clay are "wet" and can leach out and react with whatever material they are in contact with.
It is therefore important to store unbaked polymer clay in a compatible plastic container. Recommended storage containers or bags are made of polypropylene (PP) plastic, which has the recycling symbol #5. Plastics that are not compatible with polymer clay include those made with a combination of different plastics like polycarbonate, Teflon, nylon, and acrylics.
The compatibility of polymer clay with plastics is a complex issue, as there are many different types of plastics and formulations of polymer clay. It is always best to test for polymer compatibility when dealing with plastics that are not marked with any known recycling symbols.
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Frequently asked questions
No, polymer clay is a synthetic modelling clay made from a plastic polymer base called polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Polymer clay contains a PVC resin base and a liquid plasticizer, making it a plastisol. It also contains texture-enhancing fillers, colouring agents, oils, binders, and lubricants.
Yes and no. Polymer clay is non-toxic, but there are concerns about the long-term effects of exposure to certain phthalate plasticizers, which have been classified as endocrine disruptors.
Yes, but it depends on the type of plastic. Polymer clay should be stored in containers or bags made of polypropylene (PP) plastic. It should not be stored in containers made of other types of plastic, such as polyethylene, as the plasticizers in the clay can soften and melt the plastic.
