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
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
Underlit Flooring is a polished concrete-and-glass flooring system suitable for interior applications, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and various external applications, including gardens and terraces. Available by the square meter and in custom sizes and colors, the concrete tiles can be laid directly onto an existing floor. The glass lenses are lit by fiber optics laid directly under the tiles and powered by a single bulb that will effectively illuminate areas up to 1,076 square feet (100 square meters). The color of the light can be altered at the touch of a button or left to change automatically over a period of time, creating a subtly shifting ambiance. Underlit Flooring may also be installed as a wall cladding system. [Contact:
Concrete Blond, London, UK.]
Labels: 03, concrete, floor, light, recombinant
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
Luccon represents a new breed of light transmitting concrete. Unlike other versions that use acrylic rods or optical fibers, Luccon is comprised by translucent fabric cast layer by layer into fine-grained concrete in prefabricated molds. The result is a collection of fluid, organic lines captured within a sturdy panel.
Since the proportion of synthetic fibers to concrete is relatively low, and because the fibers have a small diameter, Luccon has the same strength and durability as conventional concrete. The virtually lossless light conduction allows light, shadows, and colors to project through the concrete with negligible degradation. [via Luccon; suggested by Karen Miller, Columbus]
Labels: 03, concrete, fabric, fiber, lighting, recombinant
