Play-doh--- Why it is what it is.

I'm sure that we've all seen and used play-do before, either as kids or from our kids. This mooshy modeling clay is soft and movable, unlike normal clay, but easily dries. So, how does it work? Well this substance is essentially made of these vital ingredients:

1)Water
2)A starch-based binder (fancy name for sticky stuff)
3)Salt (gives it its salty smell)
4)Lubricant (to make it soft and moldable)
5)Preservative (to stay moldable longer)
6)Hardener (speaks for itself)
7)Fragrance (the salty smell everyone remembers)
8)Color

Together, these and a few other not-as-important items make play-doh. The reason that Play-Doh is not like ordinary clay is the reaction between a starch-based binder and water. When these two items meet, the water penetrates and fills the starch. Eventually, Amylose, a part of the starch, leaves the starch. This causes the surrounding water to thicken and stabilize, giving Play-Doh its thick, but "able to be modeled" texture.