HyperGrill metal tiles are inspired by cellular constructions found in nature. The HyperGrill process approximates the efficiency of cellular compositions in biological surfaces, as well as creating a codified system of patterns that can generate endless tile shapes from a fixed number of sequences. The automated fabrication of these flat, perforated surfaces utilizing lasers or water jets allows for the creation of a variety of repetitive (periodic), nonrepetitive (aperiodic), and random designs that can be customized to different applications. [Contact:
Milgo/Bufkin, Brooklyn, NY.]
Labels: 10, interfacial, metal, process
Synlam is Cornerstone Research Group’s family of high-performance, syntactic-core, laminated composites. A unique material design and fabrication process incorporates thin layers of lightweight syntactic composite between carbon fabric layers. The syntactic core is a closed-cell foam consisting of hollow glass microspheres in a thermoset matrix. These spheres are typically 10 to 200 microns in diameter and are available in a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, and polymers. The combination of this low-density filler with high-temperature, cyanate-ester resin drastically reduces weight while maintaining structural strength and stiffness.
The fabrication technology of Synlam incorporates traditional composite methods and novel lay-up techniques. Specific stiffness of Synlam laminate is significantly greater than that of conventional composites. Coupons of 1/32 inch (.07 centimeter) thickness with .29 oz / in3 (0.5g / cm3) density yielded a flexure modulus of 33 GPa in three-point-bend testing. This is compared with the same thickness of 100 percent carbon-fiber composite, which yielded 21.7 GPa with .72 oz / in3 (1.25 g / cm3 ). The increased area of surface adhesion between laminate and core layers provides integrity superior to that of conventional sandwich composites. [Contact:
Cornerstone Research Group, Inc., Dayton, OH.]
Labels: 06, carbon fiber, glass, recombinant
Vectran is a high-performance multifilament yarn spun from liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Vectran fiber exhibits exceptional strength and rigidity and is five times stronger than steel and ten times stronger than aluminum by weight. The fiber’s positive characteristics include high abrasion resistance, excellent flexibility, minimal moisture absorption, excellent chemical resistance, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high impact resistance.
LCP polymer molecules are stiff, rodlike structures organized in ordered domains in the solid and fluid states. Vectran fiber is formed by meltextrusion of the LCP through fine diameter capillaries, during which the molecular domains orient parallel to the fiber axis. Based on their superior microstructure, Vectran fibers are used in high-demand applications where other materials fail to perform, including aerospace, ocean exploration and development, electronic-support structures, recreation and leisure industries, safety materials, industrial applications, ropes and cables, composites, protective apparel, and high-pressure inflatables. [Contact:
Kuraray America, Inc., Fort Mill, SC.]
Labels: fabric, fiber, ultraperforming
Mold almost always carries a negative connotation. However, landscape artist Stacy Levy celebrates the substance, enlarging its extraordinary floral architecture in a visual exploration that is as educational as it is beautiful. Levy’s Mold Gardens consist of enlarged images of common molds sandblasted onto glass plates. The depressions within the glass are then utilized as micro petri dishes, filled with a growth medium and inoculated with mold spores of Aspergillus and Penicillium. The mold grows suspended on the glass, creating a double portrait of the fungus, simultaneously life-sized and tremendously magnified. [Contact:
Stacy Levy, Valley Road, PA.]
Labels: 08, glass, living, recombinant
Moss and Lam is a custom art studio based in Toronto. The firm specializes in the design, development, and installation of custom art for high-profile commercial projects. Moss and Lam uses mixed media to create custom installations offering a particular interest and expertise working in plaster, fabric, leather, glass, paint, and paper. Moss and Lam thus continue to redefine the notion of the modern feature wall based on their background in theatrical and faux finishing. [Contact:
Robin Reigi, New York, NY.]
Labels: 09, multidimensional, paper, plaster
When water droplets fall on lotus leaves, they bead up into balls. Dubbed the "lotus effect," this phenomenon occurs because the infinitesimal hairs coating the surface of the leaves repel water. Super hydrophobic coating is the technology by which the lotus effect is scientifically engineered and was developed for use in special paints and coatings for self-cleaning and snow-repelling surfaces.
Designer Kenya Hara employs this technology in a natural humidifier with no electro-mechanical parts. Daring to use paper as his base material, Hara applied a coating of hydrophobic aerosol developed by NTT Advanced Technology Corporation. Imbued with a surface microstructure similar to that of a lotus leaf, the paper causes most of the water placed on it to turn immediately into round drops. With the transformation of a fixed amount of water into many small balls, the increased surface area accelerates the evaporation of the water and makes apparent the humidifying effect. Because the water need not be heated, the humidifier requires zero energy. [Contact: Kenya Hara,
Nippon Design Center, Tokyo, Japan.]
Labels: 23, hydrophobic, paper, ultraperforming, water
Strong Enviroboard (SEB) is a multifunctional wallboard and floorboard composed of magnesium oxide, aerated rock, and recycled cellulose from furniture manufacturing. When layers of ingredients are poured into a mold, the composition bonds exothermically at room temperature, thus requiring no added energy. SEB is made completely of nontoxic materials and cannot grow mold because it is not affected by water.
SEB has virtually no thermal expansion and is immune to freeze-thaw cycles. The combination of SEB with liquid mineral-system coatings offers a 100 percent breathable, fire-, mold-, and waterproof interior or exterior wall without primer. The screw or nail holes come precast, and the board is presanded to smoothness on one side and sanded to be rough on the other for varied surface coatings/attachments. The edges are tapered so that only narrow mud joints are required. [Contact:
E-Green Building Systems, Seattle, WA.]
Labels: 09, mineral, ultraperforming, wallboard
HyperGrill metal tiles are inspired by cellular constructions found in nature. The HyperGrill process approximates the efficiency of cellular compositions in biological surfaces, as well as creating a codified system of patterns that can generate endless tile shapes from a fixed number of sequences. The automated fabrication of these flat, perforated surfaces utilizing lasers or water jets allows for the creation of a variety of repetitive (periodic), nonrepetitive (aperiodic), and random designs that can be customized to different applications. [Contact: Milgo/Bufkin, Brooklyn, NY.]
