This is the Materia News Letter for February 2007, packed full of new materials, events and information. For your material inspiration, read on!
The Materia Team
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Latest additions
The Material Explorer has been updated with 20 new materials. You can see them here. Below the selection of the latest additions:
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In the spotlight!
Lauren Moriarty designs and manufactures products which explore the potential of pattern, materials and 3-dimensional textiles. They can be described as sensual materials: “Femine interiors are about more than pretty pastels and traditional floral prints, while patterns and colour is important. The simple sophistication of white is also appealing, with textures like lace and pleats adding interest. Sensuality is the key so choose tactile and intriguing materials that cast beautiful shadows.”
Her Noodle Block range of lighting, cushions and interior cubes came from a fascination for the effects that can be created when a pattern is put into repeat. Each structure can be squashed and bounces back to its original form. These are products with great visual and tactile appeal. Read on >>
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 3D Textiles by Lauren Moriarty: Various products, including cushions, lights and lace panels. The photo right below shows her work for the ZOE prototype by Renault Design in Paris. |
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Check this out!
Mother-of-Pearl inspires lightweight building materials
Mother-of-pearl, also called nacre, is composed of alternating layers of calcium carbonate (in a special crystal form called aragonite) and Lustrin-A protein. The combination of hard and elastic layers gives nacre remarkable toughness and strength, allowing the material to slide under compressive force.
Researchers Nicholas Kotov and his colleagues at Oklahoma State University have developed a nanoscale, layered material that comes close to mother-of-pearl's (nacre's) properties such as strength and flexibility. The ability to nanomanufacture artificial nacre may provide lightweight, rigid composites for aircraft parts, artificial bone and other applications. They do this by alternating layers of clay and a type of polymer called a polyelectrolyte.
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Glue from Mussels
Molecular biologists at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory are cloning five mussel proteins for use in a natural, waterproof adhesive. The mussel foot produces an epoxy with adhesive properties that rival any "super-glue" on the market. Not only does the epoxy remain intact in seawater, but it is created at relatively low temperatures, and is environmentally safe.
Although the bio mimetic epoxy is still in the development stage, researchers project that it will prove useful to the Navy, the private marine industry, the construction industry, and medical and dental fields.
See for more information; www.biomimicry.net
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Materia WebShop
The many requests for our latest book ‘Material Skills, evolution of materials’ have led us to open our own Materia WebShop, where you can order online and pay by credit card. All orders are processed automatically and shipped by our distributor. If you have not yet ordered your own copy of "Material Skills, evolution of materials", go to our WebShop and order now!
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A final word...
As you know, Materia is constantly on the lookout for materials with special sensorial or technical properties, or used in a special way. If you have any suggestions or tips for new materials or new applications of materials, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@materia.nl.
We hope to hear from you soon!
