Transmaterial » polymers

Power Felt

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:00:46 +0000

Scientists at the Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials at Wake Forest University have developed a thermoelectric fabric that converts body heat into electricity. The material is made of layers of interlocking carbon nanotubes and plastic fibers, and feels similar to felt. The thermoelectric technology develops electric current from temperature differences, such as the difference between anatomical temperature and room temperature.

According to Wake Forest researcher Corey Hewitt, “We waste a lot of energy in the form of heat. For example, recapturing a car’s energy waste could help improve fuel mileage and power the radio, air conditioning or navigation system. Generally thermoelectrics are an underdeveloped technology for harvesting energy, yet there is so much opportunity.”

The first prototypes of Power Felt yielded 140 nanowatts of power from 72 layers of nanofabric, and the researchers are currently attempting to increase the output of the technology.

“I imagine being able to make a jacket with a completely thermoelectric inside liner that gathers warmth from body heat, while the exterior remains cold from the outside temperature,” says Hewitt. “If the Power Felt is efficient enough, you could potentially power an iPod, which would be great for distance runners. It’s definitely within reach.”

Contact: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.

Textures

Blaine Brownell — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:00:47 +0000

R-Cast Textures acrylic material weighs half as much as glass but is 17 times stronger. It is also four times stronger than concrete. Textures are acrylic panels that feature customized patterns sculpted deep into the surface. Without any special illumination, the panels reflect available ambient lighting to produce deep and dramatic shadows. Textures panels are available in opaque, clear, and translucent colors, and may be but to custom shapes and sizes.

Contact: Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc., Grand Junction, CO, USA.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.

Lunalite

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:22 +0000

Lunalite decorative surfaces exhibit a range of effects, from rustic textures to metallic shimmer. This collection of sophisticated interlayers features materials like mica, gold flake and sisal fibers, giving surfaces depth and complexity. Custom fabrication ensures that each organic Lunalite surface is unique. Natural, metallic, holographic and recycled inclusions are embedded in a range of materials including glass and acrylic, and glass panels may be tinted to match virtually any color. Lunalite technology can be applied to doors, windows, dividers, walls, counter tops, and displays.

Contact: Architectural Systems, Inc., New York, NY, USA.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.

Expancel

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:00:21 +0000

Unexpanded Expancel thermoplastic microspheres are small plastic particles that contain a droplet of liquid hydrocarbon. When heated, the plastic shells soften and the liquid builds pressure causing the particles to expand. The result is gas filled, thin walled particles of extremely low density. The particles are compressible and resilient, and these properties are transferred to the material or component to which they have been added. The closed cell microspheres are good thermal and acoustic insulators.

Expancel is available in expanded or unexpanded forms for different applications. In the heat activatable, unexpanded form Expancel is used as a foaming agent for expandable coatings and gap-filling adhesives, intumescent coatings and sealants, puff ink, as well as extruded and molded plastic items. The pre-expanded form of Expancel is an ultra-low density, resilient filler used in thermoset polyester resins, compressible elastomers, vibration damping materials, paint, roof coatings, adhesives, sealants, and prosthetic devices.

Contact: Eka Chemicals Inc., Duluth, GA, USA.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.

Ambient Glow Technology

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:00:15 +0000

Ambient Glow Technology (AGT) is a proprietary blend of non-shrinking, extremely hard polyester resin and photoluminescent pigment. Exhibiting extremely high luminosity, AGT was specifically formulated for use in decorative concrete, concrete, stucco, plasters, cementitious overlays, terrazzo, and epoxy applications. AGT aggregates produce an unusual ambient light source, enhancing safety in low light level conditions for over 12 hours after exposure to sunlight for only 10 minutes. The application of AGT in exterior landscaping projects can actually reduce the need for electrically-powered lighting by up to 70% per evening. AGT’s daylight or ‘native’ color is off-white, and afterglow colors are available in yellow-green, aqua blue and sky blue.

Contact: Ambient Glow Technology, Pickering, Ontario, Canada.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.

SITumbra

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:00:22 +0000

SITumbra is a passive solar facade system that mediates between the seasons to reduce solar heat gain in summer and allow useful solar transmission in the winter. The shading configuration can be customized to suit regional locations and seasons. Not only does the system reduce solar heat gain, but it also provides thermal insulation. SITumbra is comprised by recyclable and renewable lightweight materials to offer structural strength, transparency and energy efficiency. The system is manufactured to customized specifications for size, geometry, color and materials.

Contact: SITumbra, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.

Terrewalks

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:00:22 +0000

Terrewalks is an alternative to concrete sidewalks, made of recycled tire rubber and reused PET plastic. Terrewalks is pervious and unbreakable, and suitable for all climates. The interlocking paving tiles assist groundwater recharge and heat island reduction, and provide a safe and comfortable walking surface. According to manufacturer Rubbersidewalks, one square foot of Terrewalks diverts 36 lbs. of waste rubber and plastic from landfills, and each 20 SF installation saves one tree from removal. In addition, the low-energy manufacturing process results in a low carbon footprint.

Contact: Rubbersidewalks, Inc., Fountain Valley, CA, USA.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.

Metal Series

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:00:37 +0000

B.lab Italia’s “Metal Series” surfaces contain liquids infused with metal particles that are trapped within resilient a polymer shell. The result is an interactive floor tile or horizontal surface that responds to pressure as well as electric charge. Building occupants’ footsteps are temporarily recorded by the movement of fluids, and a high-level static charge will actually allow a prolonged “drawing” within the surface.

According to designers Gianfranco Barban and Gregg Brodarick, B-Surfaces Metal Surfaces are intended to transform movement into memory, appropriating the floor as a tool for creative expression. The liquids contained within B-Surfaces are non-toxic, and tiles should be laid on smooth horizontal surfaces for best effect.

Contact: B.lab Italia, Gallarate, Italy.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.

Jali Cascata Zari

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:00:35 +0000

Sensitile Systems’ Jali Cascata Zari panels combine the light refractive properties of their Jali series of panels—acrylic-based composites designed to harness and extend the intensity of ambient illumination—with the color dispersion of a dichoric film layer. The result is a visually-arresting array of multiple colors that dynamically respond to changing viewing angles, producing unexpected changes in tandem with contextual lighting conditions.

Contact: SensiTile Systems, Ypsilanti, MI, USA.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.

Lumisty

Blaine Brownell — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:00:40 +0000

Lumisty first drew widespread attention when it was used on the windows of Pleats Please, Issey Miyake’s clothing boutique in SOHO.

Upon first encountering the product, people are often struck by what seems like an optical illusion. Walking past a window with Lumisty applied, a perfectly clear, transparent glass surface becomes partially fogged. Two or three steps later, the same window is completely fogged. As the viewer’s angle shifts, so does the transparency or translucency of the film.

Contact: Madico Inc. / GlassFilm Enterprises Inc., Woburn, MA, USA.
Find more information in Transmaterial.