5 New Materials and Processes for October You Need to See
Covering a variety of industries, these innovations offer revolutionary capabilities
MC# 1042901 Eco Vivo®
By: Clo Insulation
High-performance thermal insulation made from 93% recycled fibers (from plastic bottles) and 7% bico (bicomponent) fibers, such that 40 plastic bottles make up 1 kg of Eco Vivo. Vivo is a concept in which a series of tiny apertures are set within the insulation to enhance breathability without losing thermal performance. These holes in the insulation trap air to create an effective warmth consistency during low activity, but also allow for airflow when the body temperature increases, making this the most breathable insulation on the market. Applications are for outerwear, warm clothing, and sportswear.
MC# 1040801 Armalith® 2.0
By: Royotec
The world’s strongest denim that uses a patented technology where the warp is a reinforced yarn consisting of a cotton fiber that is spun around a UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) fiber and the weft is composed of cotton and lycra. This textile is capable of protecting against abrasion with a single layer of fabric, while still providing the comfort, look, and feel of classic jean fabric. The processing is less energy-intensive than traditional denim production by up to 70%, and the indigo dyeing process uses 60% less water. Applications are for apparel.
MC# 1026701 Authentic or Not Storytelling
By: Authentic or Not
A programmable microchip that can be embedded in various consumer products to create a new kind of interactive experience. It consists of silicon antennas enclosed in a PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) casing to protect the microchip’s functionality so it lasts the lifetime of the product. The button form factor can be embedded inside clothing, accessories, toys, non-metal tools, and boxes, to deliver personalized storytelling every time someone with a smartphone engages with the microchip. For example, a story with many chapters can be released over the course of a year, and the product will know what to show each person, and in which order, based upon the ID.
MC# 1012401 Soliquid
By: Soliquid
A unique large-scale 3D printing process conducted in a reusable gel. This patent-pending technology differs from traditional “layer by layer” 3D printing in that the printing material is deposited in a gel matrix rather than on the previous printing layer. It offers a faster process that makes it possible to design complex parts while saving material. This innovation revolutionizes prefabrication in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) and design sectors, by proposing a new industrial production method for complex and custom-made elements without the use of molds or supports. Outside of AEC, this printing solution is also suitable in the eco-design of marine elements (i.e. artificial reefs) and the medical sector for custom-made devices, prostheses, and orthoses.
MC# 994301 Algae Biomass for Solar Cells
By: Swedish Algae Factory
A technology that extracts material from algae to more effectively harness the light and enhance the performance of solar panels when applied to the surface by up to 4% percent. The algae shell traps light so efficiently that algae can survive on harnessed sunlight at the bottom of the dark Nordic sea, making it the ideal material for efficiently trapping visible light, blocking UV light, and in the uptake and release of chemical substances. The material has also shown the potential to be used as a natural UV filter in color, plastic, and sunscreens, as well as improve the capacity of batteries.
Learn about other materials and processes for October
