Exfoliated Graphite Nano-Platelets (xGnP) are new types of nanoparticles made from graphite. These nanoparticles consist of small stacks of graphene that are 1 to 15 nanometers thick, with diameters ranging from sub-micron to 100 microns. Since xGnP is composed of the same material as carbon nanotubes, it shares many of their electrochemical characteristics, although not their tensile strength. The platelet shape, however, offers xGnP edges that are easier to modify chemically for enhanced dispersion in polymers.
Composite materials made with polymers, like plastics, nylon, or rubber, can be made electrically or thermally conductive with the addition of small amounts of xGnP. These nanoparticles can change the fundamental properties of plastics, enabling them to perform more like metals with metallic properties. These new nanoparticles also improve barrier properties, modulus, and surface toughness when used in composites. [Contact:
XG Sciences, Inc., East Lansing, Michigan.]
Labels: 09, metal, recombinant
The depth of designer Kazuko Akamatsu’s Lumi-Line tabletop is only 1/8 inches (.3 centimeters), thanks to engineering ingenuity and a synergistic combination of materials. Akamatsu adhered bundled fiberglass threads to a nonstructural, translucent plastic sheet with a translucent liquid glue. The pattern of the reinforcing “strings” is not random, but rather the result of a structural study to determine how to construct the thinnest tabletop possible. The table surface, reinforcing, and legs all act together as one system in order to resist loads and allow the legs to be placed away from “expected” locations.
While Lumi-Line allows light to pass through its milky surface by day, it assumes an entirely different character at night. Akamatsu imbued the fiber strands with phosphorescence, thus rendering the strings as sharp glowing lines floating midair in the dark. [Contact:
CAt, Tokyo, Japan.]
Labels: 12, light, plastic, recombinant, table
XURF (EXpandable SURFaces) Systems generates continuously morphable curved surfaces. Inspired by biological membranes, the resulting surfaces are rigid yet pliable and are able to respond to a variety of surfacing needs. Developed by Milgo/Bufkin, XURF allows the transformation of any flatsheet material into a three-dimensionally curved surface and can accomplish compound curvature with relative ease. Applications include interior and exterior architectural surfaces, structures, sculpture, and a variety of design products. Milgo/Bufkin has developed prototypes primarily using steel, which range from containers and lamps to structural ceiling and wall systems. [Contact:
Milgo/Bufkin, Brooklyn, NY.]
Labels: 41, digital, metal, multidimensional, process
Furore is a porous, synthetic-fur fabric inspired by expanded-metal technology. Designers Yvonne Laurysen and Erik Mantel developed the product for LAMA Concept using a special cutting technique. Furore is soft, light, and very flexible and is available in long- and short-hair formats as well as in various colors. The Interior collection includes plaids, bedspreads, and cushions, while the Fashion collection includes scarves, hats, and hair bands. [Contact:
LAMA Concept, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.]
Labels: 12, fabric, recombinant
S. Lövenstein BV integrates luminescent particles within gravel floors in order to enhance the emergency-exit signage within a building. The particles can be masked and evenly distributed throughout the surface of the seamless floor, or grouped in patterns like circles, lines, or arrows. They may also be used in combination with various colors of gravel. In the absence of light, such as in the event of a power outage, the particles become immediately recognizable as an evacuation guidance system. Autonomous, reliable, and maintenance free, Luminescent Gravel thus enhances emergency exiting while mitigating panic. [Contact:
S. Lövenstein BV, Gelderland, The Netherlands.]
Labels: 09, floor, light, mineral, safety, transformational
Unlike conventional petroleum-based plastics, polylactic acid (PLA) plastic is mass produced by chemical synthesis using raw materials derived from corn. The production of PLA contributes less CO2 to the atmosphere than that of conventional plastics and offers superior biodegradability after disposal. Because PLA plastics are often more expensive than conventional ones, researchers are developing ways to add value to PLA plastics.
NEC Corporation’s Dr. Masatoshi Iji has developed a PLA-based bioplastic with shape memory and recyclability. The polymer deforms with heat and external pressure and remains in that altered shape when cooled. Once reheated, the plastic returns to its original shape. Shape memory conventionally requires plastics with a cross-linked structure, which prohibits melting and thus recycling. However, NEC’s shape-memory polymer utilizes a characteristic called thermo-reversible cross-linking. The material can be deformed and restored to its original shape by heating at the temperature of a hairdryer (approx. 140°F [60°C]), but if heated to a typical molding temperature 320°F (160°C) the cross-linked structure dissociates, causing the material to melt and enabling easy recyclability.
This recyclable, shape-memory bioplastic allows users to deform the material into any shape, making possible all kinds of new products and applications, like futuristic wearable electronic equipment. [Contact:
NEC, Tsukuba, Japan.]
Labels: 06, plastic, transformational
Fiber Wall
Designer John Hoiby characterizes green composites as fully biodegradable and consisting of plant fiber and plant-based resin. Developed as a collaborative thesis between the Department of Architecture and Department of Textile and Apparel at Cornell University, Fiber Wall was designed to combine properties such as high structural stiffness, light transmittance, and the appearance of natural fiber. In its final form, Fiber Wall functions as a self-bearing, translucent space divider.
Fiber wall consists of three shapes of double-curved panels. The variation in shapes is kept to a minimum because the hot-pressing manufacturing process requires a different aluminum mold for every unique shape. The composite panels are made from sisal fiber, linen textile, and soy-protein resin and have a combinatorial logic that allows for growth in multiple directions. Circular cutouts create multiple possibilities in transparency and light filtering. [Contact:
John Hoiby, Waldermarshage 6, Oslo, Norway 0175.]
Labels: 09, fabric, intelligent, renewable
