Cross-linking Polyvinyl Alcohol

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on creating a food-safe, stringy slime using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with edible compounds. Participants suggest alternatives to traditional disodium tetraborate, including Carboxymethyl cellulose, Methocel, and extracts from boiled okra for achieving the desired texture. The use of food-grade aldehydes is also mentioned as a potential solution, although sourcing trustworthy options poses a challenge. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for experimentation with various edible polymers to replicate the mechanical properties of the slime seen in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) properties and applications
  • Familiarity with edible cross-linking agents like Carboxymethyl cellulose and Methocel
  • Knowledge of food-safe polymers and their mechanical properties
  • Basic chemistry concepts related to viscosity and emulsification
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of Carboxymethyl cellulose in food products
  • Explore the use of Methocel as a thickening agent in edible formulations
  • Investigate the extraction and properties of mucilage from okra for slime production
  • Learn about food-grade aldehydes and their potential uses in cross-linking edible polymers
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for food scientists, culinary professionals, and special effects artists interested in creating edible slime with specific mechanical properties for culinary or entertainment purposes.

SkepticJ
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Some friends and I are working on a movie, and we need a very stringy clear slime; like is produced with polyvinyl alcohol cross-linked with disodium tetraborate. Only we need it to be food-safe, so we can't simply use that. Is there another way to cross-link PVA into a stringy slime using edible chemicals?
 
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A few days ago I watched the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and therein was a slime that had pretty much the mechanical properties I'm looking for, and was edible. It wasn't transparent, but milky translucent. And green -- but that's just food coloring. What could it have been made of?

Is cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol using an edible compound just not possible, at least yet?
 
It probably wasn't PVA-based. It could be any number of starches, gums or soluble polymers. Have you seen Guar gum by itself or Carageenan? How about plain Methocel or Ethocel?
 
OP ,

I happen know that PVA with suitable macromers in water formulation would have the properties that you've mentioned ; also you can experiment with saturating water with the PVA and perhaps PVAc in water .
 
Thanks, guys. :smile:

Re: Methylcellulose

I got some of it weeks ago, and tried it out. It's not the right texture. It's not stringy at all, but more like a yogurt.

The other stuff mentioned looks like it will work.
 
Are you referring to Carboxymethyl cellulose ? From what I remember this is not exactly clear in water except at lower concentrations . It can get viscous as it is used as a lubricant .
 
Use the methocel to provide the base viscosity and blend with an extract of boiled okra for the stringiness.
 
I see that galactose dialdehyde can be used as http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TFF-43HJRBJ-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=bb39c841992b0482f858b0de5a3ea6bd"

Finding a food grade aldehyde that I would trust will be a problem though.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
chemisttree said:
Use the methocel to provide the base viscosity and blend with an extract of boiled okra for the stringiness.

Ah, mucilage - brilliant idea, there. :smile:
 
  • #10
GCT said:
Are you referring to Carboxymethyl cellulose ?

I don't think so, but I wouldn't rule out that being what it is. The container just says methylcellulose -- bought it from a special FX supply company.

It looks quite clear in water to me; though if I mix up a really thick batch (a ball of it will hold its shape against gravity, mostly), it's translucent.
 

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