published in LOFT The Nordic BOOKAZINE Autumn 2009 Issue, Volume #10
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Material ConneXion - 12 New Materials

Material ConneXion is the leading global platform for material innovations and solutions. Built on the belief that Every Idea Has A Material Solution™, Material ConneXion is the trusted materials consultant to Fortune 500 corporations, smaller forward-thinking companies and government agencies seeking a creative, competitive, or sustainable edge through strategic material selections. With offices in New York, Milan, Cologne, Bangkok, and Daegu, Korea, Material ConneXion’s international network of material specialists provides a global, cross-industry perspective on materials and their potential uses. Material ConneXion maintains the largest Materials Library of innovative materials and processes in the world – an indispensable asset to a wide audience of designers and architects and a vital tool for the development of design, industry and economy.

This is a shortened version of an article published in Matter vol 6.1, a publication of Material ConneXion. For more information about the materials featured, please visit Material ConneXion’s website.

www.materialconnexion.com

MC#: 6347-01
FSC Certified patterned wood cellulose veneers, formed by a proprietary digital printing process that achieves an abrasion resistant surface while maintaining porosity to accept pigments and coatings. This material is water repellent, fire retardant, resistant to scratch, abrasion, impact, mold and mildew, and has no VOC’s or formaldehyde emission. The flexible veneers can be laminated onto a variety of substrates and are designed to accept stains. Offered in matte, satin and gloss finishes, applications include lighting design, furniture and wall and ceiling panels.

MC#: 1627-08
Aluminum composite panel with a distinctive finish that combines the uneven raised texture of traditional stucco plaster with a highly reflective surface. The effect is achieved by a special aluminum cover layer that is anodized after embossing, resulting in an extremely tactile and scratch resistant surface. The panel’s UV resistant polyethylene core makes it suitable for internal and external use. Available in standard sizes and thicknesses, it can processed using a variety of techniques but is not suitable for printing, laminating or CNC milling. Typical applications include bars and counter-tops, furniture, and displays.
 

MC#: 6322-01
Thermoplastic biopolymer with properties similar to petrochemically produced polypropylene, comprised of PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate), a biomass produced from the fermentation of sugar or starch. Toxicologically harmless, parts produced from this material are microwave proof and resistant to UV rays, heat, water and most fats and oils. The polymer is completely biodegradable, releases no toxic byproducts and has a biodegradation rate comparable to hardwood. Applications are for highly perishable products, packaging and containers for sterilization, storage care products and microwave-proof kitchenware.

MC#: 6156-02
A super-absorbing polyester non-woven for active moisture control. Its ability is based on a reversible mechanism, resulting in consistent performance over long periods of time. The non-woven can be dry cleaned and is available with FDA approval for food contact. It can also be cut, die cut, laminated, glued and stitched. For use wherever water management and climate comfort are required, including the textile, footwear and automotive industries, as well as for medical applications and personal hygiene.
 

MC#: 3597-02
Laminated glass panels which exhibit color shift effects. These panels are comprised of glass, urethane resin and a proprietary dichroic polymer. The resins used are VOC free. Common float glass is primarily used, either annealed or tempered, although acrylic or polycarbonate can be used as top surface (with scratch-resistant coatings optional). Then a laminated layer of clear resin with color-changing patterned backing is applied followed by a protective felt backing. Applications include wall tiles, wall panels, conference table tops, inlay panels into furniture and fixtures, partition panels, and bar tops.

MC#: 6333-01
Flexible, durable, elasticated metal mesh fabric made of interlocking anodized aluminum and rubber links. This lightweight “chain mail” is fabricated on proprietary machinery and can be produced in a variety of link diameters (to achieve transparency or opacity), thicknesses and weaves. It is available in continuous lengths and can also be joined to create unlimited width fabrics. It is currently used in architectural curtains, lighting fixtures, art objects and surface treatments for interior and exterior application. It can also be used as chain mail.
 

MC#: 1641-02
A waterproof woven carpet with a smooth surface laced with colorful silvery yarns and a skid-proof backing. The carpet is custom produced with a maximum width of 67 in (1.65 m) and comes in several attractive colors. Stains can easily be removed with a neutral cleaning agent and a sponge. The carpet is ideally suited for applications in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, balconies as well as public sauna and swimming pool facilities.

MC#: 6366-01
This lightweight material is comprised of wood shavings, expanded PS (polystyrene) and a bonding agent, and is 30 % lighter than common particle boards with nearly the same technical properties (e.g. load capacity and processing quality). The weight reduction is achieved by replacing about 250 kg wood per cubic meter wood with a polymer. The material is class B2 fire rated, can be coated and processed like a particle board, is available in various thicknesses, and is offered with melamine or finish foil coating. Applications are for furniture, countertops, shipbuilding and caravan construction.
 

MC#: 4849-10
Three-dimensional woven mesh used for decorative applications as room dividers and curtains. This woven structure is a combination of monofilament, paper yarn and stainless steel yarn creating a wave like pattern. The drawn steel wires create a semi-rigid structure allowing it to be shaped and sculpted. The fabric is available in 110 cm (55 in) widths. Used for residential interiors, restaurants and hotels.

MC#: 6365-01
Air permeable ventilation element that seals itself airtight if necessary. The core element is the luquafleece (developed by BASF) with special superabsorbers between its fibers, which absorb water and thus expand their volume explosively. Upon drying, the volume of the superabsorbers goes quickly back to the original state. The reaction rate of the superabsorbers can be adjusted. The element withstands a unit pressure of 3 bar. Applications are for shoes, tents or sleeping bags, headdresses or medical wound dressing.

MC#: 6344-01
Aluminum sheet that has been treated with an etchant to create decorative surface effects. The etching process does not require heat, but uses a photosensitive film to mask areas that are not to be affected. The process enables etching of a very fine resolution patterns, text and graphics, as well as the incorporation of color as part of a final anodizing procedure. A final application of a protective coating is used to ensure that the surface is not scratched or stained. Suitable for applications such as automotive interiors, the key pads of mobile communications devices, furniture and apparel accessories
 

MC#: 3572-07
These honeycomb panels with tubular clear 1/4 in (6.35 mm) diameter cells are directionally transparent, have a high strength to weight ratio, and require minimal structural framing. The product is manufactured without the use of fuel based energy and the use of this material can contribute to LEED credits. The panels can be curved with special order and are available in thicknesses of ¾ in (19.05mm) for clear and 7/8 in (22.23mm) for colored and satin. Applications include partitions, sliding and suspended ceiling panels, and backlit and feature walls.