Smart plasticine, also known as hand chewing gum, is one of the most popular polymer children's toys for developing finger motor skills. Even adults are guilty of playing with him. Let's consider a way to give magnetic properties to smart plasticine, making it even more interesting.
Materials and tools:
- hand chewing gum Silly Putty, Thinking Putty, Thinking Clay or other;
- iron oxide powder;
- mixing container;
- Neodymium magnet;
- disposable gloves;
- respirator or face mask.
The magnetic property of plasticine will be given by iron oxide powder. It is black in color and is therefore used as a permanent pigment for paints. You can buy it at an art supply store or order it online at Ali Express.
Mixing proportions
Before work, you should protect your respiratory tract with a respirator to avoid inhaling iron oxide powder. It doesn't hurt to wear gloves. The plasticine is kneaded into a plate and placed on any container.
Powder is poured into the center of the pancake.
For a package of plasticine 24 g.you will need about a tablespoon of oxide. The more it is, the stronger the reaction to the magnet. However, if you overdo it, the plasticine will become brittle.
The plasticine and powder must be carefully mixed. In this case, the iron oxide will generate dust, so it is better to work without haste. To reduce dust, you should first cover the powder with the edges of the plate, like a filling when making dumplings or pies.
Knead the mixture for 3-4 minutes until well combined. Since oxide is a strong pigment, magnetic plasticine will turn black.
Interesting experiments with magnetic plasticine
Before experimenting with a magnet, the plasticine needs to be kneaded in your hand to make it plastic. If you move a neodymium magnet of sufficient strength towards it, the mixture will begin to be pulled in the direction of the field source. From the outside it looks very impressive.
If you put a magnet on plasticine, the plastic substance will surround it on all sides. It seems that the mixture comes to life and absorbs the magnet.
To make the toy last longer, you need to protect it from bulk substances while it is in a softened state. The addition of iron oxide only changes the color of the plasticine, while it retains the ability to melt from the heat of the hands, jump like a jumper, cut, etc. The polymer holds the pigment well, so playing with it does not get your skin and clothes dirty.
