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
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
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
Developed by Japan-based Suzuran Corporation, Reben is an environmentally remediating paint made from 100 percent natural ingredients. Created as a response to sick-building syndrome and poor indoor-air quality, Reben emits no harmful volatile organic compounds and actually cleans the air.
The environmentally friendly coating, which means “alive” in German, is comprised of powdered Japanese washi paper, seaweed glue, scallop-shell powder, titanium dioxide, and natural pigments. Washi naturally controls humidity, absorbing moisture during the summer and releasing it during the winter. Scallop-shell powder prevents mold and bacteria growth, as well as flame-spread. Titanium dioxide acts as a photocatalyst, deodorizing the air and absorbing pollution when the paint surface is illuminated.
Despite its completely natural and edible composition, Reben is a durable coating that is preferable to wallpaper. Its textured surface conveys a plasterlike richness, and it is available in a variety of textures, colors, and integrated natural grasses. Reben has no chemical glues or dyes that would negate its positive effects. [Contact:
YDNY, New York /
JPHome.net.]
Labels: 09, intelligent, natural, paint, self-cleaning
Kerrigan ceramic architectural tiles are the result of Chicago-based designer Bryan Kerrigan's methodical exploration of dimensionality and texture of the ceramic tile. Designed and manufactured using high-temperature-fired stoneware clay, the tiles are very durable for both interior and exterior applications in all climates.
Beginning his work with ceramics in the early nineties, Kerrigan developed pottery and sculpture with fluid, organic shapes. His experiments in ceramic art led to the development of hand-sculpted tiles for architectural applications. Noting the extent to which the subtlest alterations of plan and edge affected the dimension of the forms, Kerrigan embarked upon several years of thorough ceramics research in order to produce his current collection. [Contact:
Bryan Kerrigan, Chicago, IL.]
Labels: 09, ceramics, mineral, multidimensional, tile
Green Planet Paints offers a clay paint with soy-based resin. Soy replaces the acrylic ingredient used in most conventional paints, which is typically derived from petrochemical sources. Natural mineral and clay-based pigments are added to the soy resin, in addition to titanium dioxide, for odor and pollution absorption.
Clay Paint is offered in both residential and commercial lines. The "boutique" line consists of forty-three colors of flat paint. The commercial line is comprised by a wider range of colors in matte, satin, and semi-gloss finishes. [Contact:
Green Planet Paints, Patagonia, AZ.]
Labels: 09, clay, paint, repurposed
The Fusionstone proprietary process involves ultra-clear glass permanently fused to exotic stone slabs to achieve superior surface protection while retaining and showcasing the beauty of natural stone. It eliminates adhesion lines, and the material appears entirely translucent from edge to edge. As a result, natural stone can be used in applications where it was once prohibited because intrusion of natural and chemical substances into porous marbles, sandstones, and limestones is completely prevented. LED lighting can also be integrated into Fusionstone for additional aesthetic enhancement. [Contact:
Architectural Systems, Inc., New York.]
Labels: 09, glass, recombinant, stone
