Polymer clay 1 Polymer clay Two ounce and one pound blocks of polymer clay. Figurines made from polymer clay. Pasta-making machine conditioning polymer clay. Custom built clay conditioner for industrial use. Polymer clay is a type of hardenable modeling clay based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It typically contains no clay minerals, but like mineral clay a liquid is added to dry particles until it achieves gel-like working properties, and similarly, the part is put into an oven to harden, hence its colloquial designation as clay. [1] Polymer clay is generally used for making arts and craft items, and is also used in commercial applications to make decorative parts. History Bakelite, an early plastic, was popular with designers and was an early form of polymer clay, but the phenol base of uncured Bakelite was flammable and was eventually discontinued. Polymer clays were first formulated as a possible replacement for Bakelite. One of these formulations was brought to the attention of German doll maker Kaethe Kruse in 1939. While it was not suitable for use in her factory, Kruse gave some to her daughter Sophie, who was known in the family as "Fifi," who successfully used it as modeling clay. The formulation was later sold to Eberhardt Faber and marketed under the name "FIMO" (FIfi's MOdeling compound). [2] Composition Polymer clays contain a basis of PVC resin and a liquid plasticizer, [3] making it a plastisol. Polymer clay plastisol is also categorized as a plastigel because of its rheological properties. [4] It is a high yield thixotropic material; when a sufficient force is applied the material yields, flows like a viscous liquid until that force is removed, whereupon it returns to being a solid. This plasticity is what makes it useful as modeling clay as opposed to putty or paste. Plastigels retain their shape even when heat is applied, which is why polymer clay does not melt or droop when oven cured. [4] Various gelling agents are added to give it this property such as aminated bentonite, metallic soaps, or fumed silica. [5] The base resin can be modified in various ways. Mineral oil, lecithin, and odorless mineral spirits can be added to reduce its viscosity or alter its working properties. Small amounts of zinc oxide, kaolin, or other fillers are sometimes added to increase opacity, elastic modulus, or compression strength. Polymer clay is available in many colors, which can be mixed to create a wide range of colors or gradient blends. Special-effect colors and composites include translucent, fluorescent, phosphorescent, and faux "pearls," "metallics," and "stone." Polymer clay 2 Use Polymer clay remains workable until cured generally from between 265 °F ( °C) to 275 °F ( °C) for 15 minutes per 1 ⁄ 4 inches ( mm) of thickness. [1] This temperature is significantly less than for mineral clays and can be achieved using a home oven. The clay shrinks inconsequentially when cured, about 1–2%. Brands of polymer clay include Fimo, Sculpey, Cernit, Formello, Modello, and Kato Polyclay. A home pasta-making machine is a popular multi-purpose tool for polymer clay artists. It is used to create sheets of uniform thickness, to mix colors or created variegated sheets, and to condition (soften) the clay. [1] Polymer clay generally needs to be conditioned prior to use. This involves kneading the clay by hand, passing it between two rollers, or using a low-shear mixer to break up any resin particle adhesions. Once conditioned, the clay will remain pliable until the particles eventually re-adhere. Health and safety Polymer clay safety is the subject of concern specifically the long-term effects of exposure to certain phthalate plasticizers that have been classified as endocrine disruptors. [6] Plasticizers remain in the cured product and can leach out, making it a potential health hazard for both the modeler and end user. Restrictions on use of certain phthalates took effect in 2009 in both the European Union and United States. [7] Not all phthalates pose a health hazard and some are approved for medical applications. [8] References [1][1] Roche N. (1992). Rockville, Maryland.: Flower Valley Press. [2] "STAEDTLER® FIMO® - The history" (http://www.fimo.com/FIMO_history.Staedtler). 2011-05-10. . [3] Stopford W, Turner J, and Cappellini D. (2003-08-03). "Determination of the Magnitude of Clay to Skin and Skin to Mouth Transfer of Phthalates Associated with the Use of Polymer Clays" (http://duketox.mc.duke.edu/polymerclayresults2.pdf). Division of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. . [4] Sarvetnick HA. (1972). Plastisols and organosols.. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. [5] Severs ET, Lebanon M, & Frechtling AC. (1956-07-03). "Composition comprising a gelling agent and a dispersion of a vinyl resin in a plasticizer.". United States Patent Office, patent 2,753,314.. [6] Miller S. (2012). "Health Impacts of Toxins in Polymer Clays" (http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Plasticizers/ Polymer-Clays-Hazard-VPIRGJul02.htm). . Retrieved 2012-12-19. [7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Product_Safety_Improvement_Act [8] FDA (2012). "Guidance for Industry Limiting the Use of Certain Phthalates as Excipients in CDER-Regulated Products" (http://www.fda. gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM294086.pdf). . Retrieved 2012-1-1o. Article Sources and Contributors 3 Article Sources and Contributors Polymer clay  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=540650309  Contributors: 7Jackie, Acalamari, AlainV, Aleze, Algy3289, AndyAndyAndy, Angusotterson, Antonio Lopez, Aspinks60, Austin Spafford, Avocado, Azreno, B7T, Bahudhara, Bazonka, Beadyeyedbrat, Bearcat, Beetstra, Beland, Biscuittin, Blotto adrift, Borgx, Brian Kendig, Bugmaker, CambridgeBayWeather, CharlesC, Chimpex, Chlue, Ciaccona, Clay Critters, Color&light, Crimsonfeye, Dan Bollinger, Darkfred, Ddmcc, Dothage, Dougart, DreamGuy, E557, EddEdmondson, Edgar181, El.numbre, Extraordinary, FactChecker2007, Fpbear, Frank Koehler, Fuddyduddy33, Furby100, Gaius Cornelius, Gina5417, Grannieweatherwax, Greencolander, Groyolo, Heron, Howardsegal, Humblebee8, I am a lemon, Ilysa, Intelligentsium, Isthisthingworking, Kate, Khulhy, Kimdoyun, Lando5, Limeheadnyc, Lsw, Marietilla, McGeddon, Melaen, Melly004, Mike Rosoft, Mitchell k dwyer, Mrgammon, Neenadavies, Nickk1932, Nlvwarren, Nutznads, NyanCat9001, Orangeblossomspecial, Ospalh, Oxymoron83, Paulmmn, Penguintrax, Piano non troppo, Polysue, Pursemaker469, Quadell, R'n'B, Radical Mallard, RadioFan, Rdsmith4, Reinyday, RickieBeth, Riv61, Rjwilmsi, RomeoRichard, Ronz, Rttrt, Rubarb, Sarajane Helm, Sassf, SchreiberBike, SeymourSycamore, Shereth, Stnicknacks, Tesselene, Tgeairn, ThaddeusB, Theriac, Theroadislong, Timwi, Tlccreates, Tom harrison, Tz'unun, Ummit, William Avery, Woohookitty, 291 anonymous edits Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors File:Polymer clay examples.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Polymer_clay_examples.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: User:Dan Bollinger File:Figurines from Clay Critters.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Figurines_from_Clay_Critters.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: User:Clay Critters File:Polymer clay conditioning.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Polymer_clay_conditioning.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: User:Dan Bollinger File:Large polymer clay conditioner.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Large_polymer_clay_conditioner.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: User:Clay Critters License Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported //creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/