Project
Plant-based waterproof coating for dried clay tableware
Stichting Fabrikaat is a non-for-profit organisation in Nijmegen, located at the shore of the river Waal. They make products using locally sourced materials and share these with the public in their café, in workshops, and in various events. In this way, the traditional craftsmanship concerning the processing of local resources into end products is kept alive in the area. Moreover, the products are used to inspire people to reflect on the value of their surroundings and on the products they use.
In this Science Shop project, multiple routes towards a suitable plant-based coating are being explored. Students work in the laboratory using commonly used ingredients as well as less-known ones to produce coatings, apply them onto clay, and test the resulting properties. The best coating will be waterproof, safe to produce and use, based on locally sourced ingredients, and last for a long time.
Next to that, the project will give attention to the meaning of abstract and context-dependent concepts such as ‘sustainability’ and ‘circularity’ in relation to the beaker. Students will also explore how to engage with citizens in this context.