CONTRIBUTION
Material Experimenting
3D modeling
Prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, molding)
TIME
Aug 2024 - Dec 2024
4 month
TEAM
Divya Srinivasan
This project redefines sustainable material through the lens of Material-Driven Design (MDD), showcasing the potential for heat-reactive, elastic, and shape-changing properties of algae-based bioplastics. It explores how these unique characteristics can inspire designers to craft innovative, sustainable aesthetics and functionalities that transcend conventional material norms. By focusing on biomaterials as a foundation, the project envisions new possibilities in CMF that reshape product interactions and redefine visual storytelling in design.
Is this how you think when hearing "bioplastics"?
There are few design techniques being developed tailoring to their properties, which results in stigma of bioplastics being unreliable, visually unappealing, and not practical. The underexploration of their materiality further hinders the development of suitable processing techniques, forming a vicious circle.
In this project, we aimed to explore and showcase the unique properties of bioplastic as an independent material. Instead of forcing bioplastic to perform like plastics, we celebrate the inherent materiality of bioplastic.
Instead, it is like a hidden gem containing unexpected elegance and transformative potential.
We decided on exploring the versatile forms of a single material─ algae bioplastics, aiming to unleash the undiscovered potential of sustainable materials.
Yes! They are all made of the same biomaterial.
Four series of material finishes are demonstrated, each showcasing techniques that transform the perceived disadvantages of bioplastics—such as shrinkage and heat sensitivity—into unique strengths. By embracing these characteristics, our approach unlocks new possibilities and inspires imaginative applications for biomaterials in everyday contexts. This innovation paves the way for a more sustainability-driven industry landscape.
The pre-cutting patterns on agar bioplastics sheets will morph, shrink, and expand along the cut lines consistently when heating up with a heat-shrinking gun. In addition to pattern changing, the saturation and stiffness of the shrinking area are enhanced, creating not only a stunning visual representation but also an interesting tactile effect.
Such morphing capabilities can inspire designers to incorporate dynamic, responsive features into applications such as environmental indicator, ventilation design, or active wears.
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As the agar gel dries to the agar bioplastics, the volume shrinks and cinches the fabrics underneath, creating a bumpy texture in the designated areas. The bumpiness can be applied in adding frictions to fabrics or accessible designs. Given the attribute of solubility in hot water, the fabrics can be restored and reprinted on any new patterns, which can be interesting in temporary feature implementations such as textiles that can adapt to seasonal needs.
The high viscosity of the agar mixture also makes it possible to trap air bubbles when mixing with a foaming agent, creating a spongy structure and an inviting tactile effect. Unlike traditional sponges, the structure memorizes the shape manipulation by pressing or squeezing after it dries, creating a distinct embossing texture–curvy edges formed by the flexibility of the material. We then designed various pressing jigs to shape the surface, which can be beneficial in quickly replicating heat insulation, soundproofing patterns, or temporal decorations.
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The viscosity of agar bioplastics captures high-resolution surface details, enabling complex shapes beyond flat, 2D surfaces. These details influence the opacity of the cast bioplastic film, creating intricate shadow effects under light. Utilizing agar gel's semi-solid state, we cast it onto Origami structures, achieving compressible outputs. This technique demonstrates the potential for rapidly replicating complex, functional surfaces in applications like interior/lighting design, flat-packed products, or cushioning structures.
The results were showcased at the 2024 MakerFaire and the UC Berkeley Master of Design Graduation Show, where attendees were captivated by the consistency and aesthetics of the samples. Our proposed techniques effectively highlighted the versatility of agar bioplastics, with observers frequently amazed that such diverse outcomes were created from the same material. This demonstration sparked meaningful conversations about potential applications, encouraging the public to reconsider how sustainable design can integrate into daily life and evolve into a trendy lifestyle. Moving forward, we aim to incorporate these findings and feedback from designers to develop real-world applications in collaboration with the Morphing Matter Lab.