HDPE Photo Stand(in Pressure Cooker)

This instructable is about recycling plastics in home itself(a simple DIY).

we will be recycling an hdpe container or bottle into an useful home decor. This instructable explains you how to recycle HDPE <2> plastic which we have been using in our daily life without the use of an oven or electrically operated heating devices.Instead we will be using only a pressure cooker.........!

Step 1: What Is HDPE?

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. It is sometimes called "alkathene" or "polythene" when used for pipes. With a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, and plastic lumber. HDPE is commonly recycled, and has the number "2" as its resin identification code.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most commonly used plastics in the United States. Labeled as #2 plastic, it is typically found in milk jugs, plastic bags and refillable plastic bottles. In addition to plastic lumber and recycled plastic furniture, recycled HDPE is used to manufacture lawn and garden products, buckets, crates, office products and automobile parts.

Thus you can see this symbol mainly in shampoo bottle,toilet cleaner,oil cans....... Thus getting this is very simple job!

Step 2: Prepare the Raw Material

now the bottle is cut into thin strips as shown in the image.cut out the cap portion and the bottom as they will be comparatively thick and will take more time to melt while heating together.Try to have different colour of strips as they will add good appearance at the end of the work.

Step 3: Prepare the Mold

Try to make the mold in wood as it will sustain the heat of the hot plastic.the mould should be made rigid and strong as it has to withstand lot of pressure.the inner surfaces of the wood should be made smooth by using emery papers.

The mold can be of any shape as you desire.

Step 4: Heating the Plastic

*Now take an old pressure cooker with a fairly thick bottom and fill the bottom with mud (for about 4 cm) from your garden with slight moisture,gently tap the surface and make it flat.

*now take an waste steel plate and grease it well with your vegetable oil that you commonly use. *place the steel plate inside the pressure cooker and keep the flame to ON position. *now place the HDPE plastic strips on the steel plate one by one in mixed patterns of colors. *keep the lid closed so that we have created an oven like atmosphere inside the cooker(remove the rubber rim on the lid). *now let it heat for about 10-15 minutes on medium flame and convert into plastic state.(open the lid periodically and check for an wet appearance on the plastic) *then it's the time for removing it.

Step 5: Moulding

*now carefully remove the plate using suitable tools it will be too hot!

*then knead the plastic on the plate itself using an fork.

*then take the hot plastic substance to the mold and compress it with a huge force.

*leave it for an while and let it cool down!

*now carefully remove it from the mold.

Step 6: Cut Out Slot to Place Photo!

*now make a small slot to place a photo in it.

*this can be made by heating up a knife and cutting the slot on the HDPE block made. *then prepare a photo of suitable size and place it in the slot. *thus you have made a decor for your desk with no money!

Step 7: Finished Project!

thus the project is completed!

you may also try making different things like key chains,ornaments,...... But be safe while working with hot plastics as it could hurt you.