The Study of the Appropriate Ratio between Substitute Materials and Adhesives for Molding with Pre-Made Molds, and Some Physical Properties of Pots Made from Substitute Materials

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the appropriate proportion of substitute materials and adhesives for molding with pre-made molds, some physical properties of pots made from substitute materials, and user satisfaction with pots made from substitute materials. The study was conducted in 6 stages, following the steps of STEM education project approaches. The study examined 5 sets of experimental samples made from substitute materials, including chicken bones, chicken eggshells, and the adhesive which is cement glue. The physical properties studied included strength, water absorption, swelling, and heat absorption. The study also used a questionnaire to assess user satisfaction with pots made from substitute materials. The results showed that there is an appropriate ratio between substitute materials and cement glue for molding with pre-made molds, allowing the production of pots in all 5 experimental sets. The physical properties of pots made from substitute materials varied across experimental sets, with strength being normal in sets 1, 3, 4, and 5, but set 2 had 3 cracks; the best water absorption was found in set 2 at 27.14%, the best swelling was found in sets 1, 2, 3, and 5 at 6.25%, and the least heat absorption was found in set 3 at 21.29%. Therefore, experimental set 3 was found to be the most suitable for use as a plant pot due to its strength, low heat absorption, and good swelling properties. It is suitable for the growth of plants and could be marketed as a souvenir product due to the high user satisfaction rating towards pots made from substitute materials with excellent overall quality.