For this project, we were required to develop our own organic material (bio-material). This would be executed by devising our own methods and tools to create our own product. Research will be undertaken to gain clarity on these processes and methods. Once the material tests are undertaken, the data and samples will be used to develop future personal protective equipment (PPE).
I carried out various tests in which I explored bio-plastics, fibres from plants and orange pulp. In this entry, you will see each step taken to prepare these bio-materials, as well as accurate ingredients used followed by test outcomes. The process which I followed to come to my orange leather will also be looked at.
Research was done focusing on two main blocks: Materials and PPE.
I researched what can be used to make bio-materials to make sure I understood the concept. Thereafter, I looked at products that could be formed using these materials.
We are required to design any sort of PPE and research was done to broaden the scope on what can be designed and how it should be designed.
Thereafter, I looked at how fashion and PPE are becoming trends and people all around the world are making custom-made masks that are branded or made with fancy textures to match outfits. The problem here is that, while this is looks good, it isn't good for the environment.
The objective of the experimentation stage is to be extremely broad and not pre-defined by any existing products. The utilisation of available biological and organic materials will be used to undertake these tests.
Ingredients were heated in a pot until it fused into a thick substance.
The material didn't handle stress well, it crinkled up.
Flexibility: 6/10
Strength: 4/10
Ingredients were heated in a pot until it fused into a thick substance.
Once dried, it started to break into several pieces and felt a bit like sandpaper.
Flexibility: 5/10
Strength: 3/10
Ingredients were heated in a pot until it fused into a thick substance.
This test dried into a much tougher material and eventually crinkled more and more.
Flexibility: 3/10
Strength: 6/10
The vinegar was heated in the microwave for 1 minute then added the gelatine and heated for a further 30 seconds and stirred quickly.
It formed a syrup like liquid and dried into a jelly form after 15 min.
I stuck cardboard to cardboard which couldn't come apart
Cardboard to wood and it tore off
Wood to wood and the two pieces couldn't be separated
First the orange peels were dried in the sun and then grinded. Thereafter I placed it into the oven to speed up the process. Once it dried, I grinded it again.
The glue from the previous test was combined with the ground orange peels to form a composite.
Good elasticity as it returns to its original shape. Too much stress and it tears.
Flexibility: 6/10
Strength: 7/10
Elasticity: 8/10
Ingredients were heated in a pot until it fused into a thick substance.
As I took it out of the mould, it all crumbled into fine particles and wouldn't suit any type of PPE.
Flexibility: 0/10
Strength: 0/10
I squeezed the oranges and grinded the pulp to get a finer consistency. I poured it it onto a tile and left it to dry for 2 days.
The outcome was really good and formed a sheet that has fabric-like qualities.
Flexibility: 9/10
Strength: 7/10
The same steps were followed as in the previous test, however this one was boiled in a pot with these added ingredients.
Results were similar but this seemed stronger, more translucent and smelled less of oranges.
Flexibility: 9/10
Strength: 8/10
A knife was used to shave the green of the plant until the white fibres were clean. Then it was washed to removed excess plant matter and then finally it was plaited to make a rope.
It could easily hold 40kg.
Ingredients were heated in a pot until it fused into a thick substance.
The result was a clay-like substance that could be moulded into any shape and it would retain that form.
After a week, fungus started to grow on it.
Ingredients were heated in a pot until it fused into a thick substance.
Very flexible and crumbly jelly-like substance. It also tears very easily.
Flexibility: 8/10
Strength: 1/10
Ingredients were heated in a pot until it fused into a thick substance.
Almost felt like dried guava rolls. It is a tough material but tears fairly easily. Fungus formed after a week.
Flexibility: 6/10
Strength: 5/10
Judging from the different tests that were undertaken, the most successful ones were tests 5, 7 and 8. All these included parts of an orange and I have decided to move further into this direction. Test 9 (sisal rope) also proves useful for many applications and will be considered as well.
After receiving feedback from the class and the lecturer on what types of PPE my different materials could be used to make; I have decided to focus on protective gowns/coats used by nurses or any person that requires a body protection, even in isolation cases.
Disposable gowns are made from materials such as: polypropylene, polyester or polyethylene. Rather than sown, the garments are typically assembled using thermal, chemical or mechanical seaming.
The current processes are harmful to the environment and these materials are not eco-friendly. Using the cradle to cradle model, the new garments that will be designed will be made from materials grown from the earth, which can become a source of food for another application once the garment is to be disposed, without harming our environment.
I will now unpack the different elements regarding existing gowns and coats before designing my own.
Here I will unpack existing protective coats to gain a better understanding of the product.
Anthropometric study/mock-ups
The final prototype
Engineering Drawings
