A light composite of textile and agar foil. The composite feels less flexible and less rubbery than the agar foil. It makes a crackling sound like paper.
### Physical form
**Physical form**
Solids
Solids
Color without additives: color of the textile used
Color without additives: color of the textile used
### Fabrication time
**Fabrication time**
Preparation time: 1 Hour
Preparation time: 1 Hour
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@@ -24,7 +22,13 @@ Need attention: N/A, let dry in place with lots of airflow
...
@@ -24,7 +22,13 @@ Need attention: N/A, let dry in place with lots of airflow
Final form achieved after: 10 days
Final form achieved after: 10 days
## Ingredients
**Estimated cost (consumables)**
0,50 Euros, for a yield of approx. 200 ml (enough to make a small composite and a sheet, or larger or multiple composites)
##RECIPE
###Ingredients
***Agar - 5 g** polymer (makes it hard)
***Agar - 5 g** polymer (makes it hard)
***Glycerine - 15 g** plasticizer
***Glycerine - 15 g** plasticizer
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@@ -32,7 +36,7 @@ Final form achieved after: 10 days
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@@ -32,7 +36,7 @@ Final form achieved after: 10 days
***A piece of textile** large enough to fit over the mold
***A piece of textile** large enough to fit over the mold
***A mold** for example a bowl, or other 2.5D or 3D surface
***A mold** for example a bowl, or other 2.5D or 3D surface
##Tools
###Tools
1.**Spoon**
1.**Spoon**
1.**Scale**
1.**Scale**
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@@ -41,12 +45,11 @@ Final form achieved after: 10 days
...
@@ -41,12 +45,11 @@ Final form achieved after: 10 days
1.**Thermometer (optional)** if you don't have a temperature controlled cooker
1.**Thermometer (optional)** if you don't have a temperature controlled cooker
1.**Small molds - 2x** such as two glass bowls of about 8 cm diameter (or equivalent) that slide into one another.
1.**Small molds - 2x** such as two glass bowls of about 8 cm diameter (or equivalent) that slide into one another.
###Yield
## Yield before processing/drying/curing
Before processing/drying/curing: approx. 200 ml this is enough to make a small 15x15cm composite and the agar foil found in this [recipe](../recipes/agarfoil.md)
Approx. 200 ml this is enough to make a small 15x15cm composite and the agar foil found in this [recipe](../recipes/agarfoil.md)
##Method
###Method
1.**Preparation**
1.**Preparation**
- Weigh your ingredients
- Weigh your ingredients
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@@ -70,9 +73,8 @@ Approx. 200 ml this is enough to make a small 15x15cm composite and the agar foi
...
@@ -70,9 +73,8 @@ Approx. 200 ml this is enough to make a small 15x15cm composite and the agar foi
- Dip the textile(s) into the hot liquid
- Dip the textile(s) into the hot liquid
- Take it out and position on the mold, press it down with the second bowl.
- Take it out and position on the mold, press it down with the second bowl.
- After an hour, take off the second bowl and let the composite airdry on top of the mold
- After an hour, take off the second bowl and let the composite airdry on top of the mold
###Drying/curing/growth process
###Drying/curing/growth process
Allow the foil to dry for a week for best results (or 3 days minimum).
Allow the foil to dry for a week for best results (or 3 days minimum).
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@@ -100,7 +102,7 @@ N/A
Not sure
Not sure
###Process
###Process pictures
*Waiting for the agar to dissolve, consistency of syrup, Loes Bogers, 2020*
*Waiting for the agar to dissolve, consistency of syrup, Loes Bogers, 2020*
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@@ -110,8 +112,7 @@ Not sure
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@@ -110,8 +112,7 @@ Not sure
*The composite inside the "two-piece" mold of the two glass bowls, Loes Bogers, 2020*
*The composite inside the "two-piece" mold of the two glass bowls, Loes Bogers, 2020*
###Variations
## Variations on this recipe
- Substitute part of the water with a dye
- Substitute part of the water with a dye
- Try or design different molds to create big spatial structures and objects
- Try or design different molds to create big spatial structures and objects
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@@ -119,7 +120,9 @@ Not sure
- Use a different matrix: biomaterials like beeswax or animal glue for example are thermoformable matrices (the ones you can form with the help of heat). And setting matrixes like bio epoxies, white glue (made of flour), alginate, gelatin and starch-based plastics, mycelium and kombucha.
- Use a different matrix: biomaterials like beeswax or animal glue for example are thermoformable matrices (the ones you can form with the help of heat). And setting matrixes like bio epoxies, white glue (made of flour), alginate, gelatin and starch-based plastics, mycelium and kombucha.
- Textiles can be used as scaffold in many other ways too: by growing mineral crystals on it, in concrete form work, leather moulding (cuir bouilli), and in combination with lasercut wood patterns.
- Textiles can be used as scaffold in many other ways too: by growing mineral crystals on it, in concrete form work, leather moulding (cuir bouilli), and in combination with lasercut wood patterns.
### Cultural origins of this recipe
##ORIGINS AND REFERENCES
**Cultural origins of this recipe**
See also the recipe for [agar foil](https://class.textile-academy.org/2020/loes.bogers/files/recipes/agarfoil/).
See also the recipe for [agar foil](https://class.textile-academy.org/2020/loes.bogers/files/recipes/agarfoil/).
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@@ -129,17 +132,23 @@ All composites (even simple ones) are engineered materials. One of the great ben
...
@@ -129,17 +132,23 @@ All composites (even simple ones) are engineered materials. One of the great ben
**Needs further research?** Not sure
**Needs further research?** Not sure
### This recipe draws together information from these other recipes
###Key sources
**Information from these other recipes was used to create this recipe:**
This is an adaptation of **Flexible bio-foil** by Cecilia Raspanti, TextileLab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view). A longer cooking time is recommended to create a thicker foil.
This is an adaptation of **Flexible bio-foil** by Cecilia Raspanti, TextileLab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view). A longer cooking time is recommended to create a thicker foil.
### Known concerns and contestations
###Copyright information
Raspanti's recipe above is published under an Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial licence.
##ETHICS & SUSTAINABILITY
Concerns and contestations are largely determined by the choice of constituent materials in a composite. An issue with most composites however, is that the process of recycling is complicated when constituent materials cannot be separated after use. For example salvaging the carbon fibre used in sports sailing equipment requires quite a lot of (toxic) chemicals and dissolves the other constituent material in the sail. The big thing to consider with composites is how might be be recycled and/or reabsorbed in nature without wasting resources.
Sustainability concerns are largely determined by the choice of constituent materials in a composite. An issue with most composites however, is that the process of recycling is complicated when constituent materials cannot be separated after use. For example salvaging the carbon fibre used in sports sailing equipment requires quite a lot of (toxic) chemicals and dissolves the other constituent material in the sail. The big thing to consider with composites is how might be be recycled and/or reabsorbed in nature without wasting resources.
"Green" composites would be made of biopolymers (e.g. agar-based bioplastic) and natural fibres (e.g. cotton, hemp, corn cobs, wood dust) as reinforcement), making the composite fully degradable if not compostable.
"Green" composites would be made of biopolymers (e.g. agar-based bioplastic) and natural fibres (e.g. cotton, hemp, corn cobs, wood dust) as reinforcement), making the composite fully degradable if not compostable.
### Sustainability tags
**Sustainability tags**
- Renewable ingredients: yes
- Renewable ingredients: yes
- Vegan: yes
- Vegan: yes
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@@ -151,13 +160,7 @@ Needs further research?: Not sure
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@@ -151,13 +160,7 @@ Needs further research?: Not sure
Should not be recycled as part of PET-plastics waste: this causes contamination of the waste stream. Compost bioplastics in a warm environment with sufficient airflow.
Should not be recycled as part of PET-plastics waste: this causes contamination of the waste stream. Compost bioplastics in a warm environment with sufficient airflow.
## Material properties
##PROPERTIES
### Comparative qualities
The composite feels less flexible and rubbery than the agar foil. It makes a crackling sound like paper.
### Technical and sensory properties
-**Strength**: medium
-**Strength**: medium
-**Hardness**: resilient
-**Hardness**: resilient
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@@ -182,48 +185,37 @@ The composite feels less flexible and rubbery than the agar foil. It makes a cra
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@@ -182,48 +185,37 @@ The composite feels less flexible and rubbery than the agar foil. It makes a cra
-**Surface friction:** medium
-**Surface friction:** medium
-**PH modifiers:** none
-**PH modifiers:** none
## About this entry
##ABOUT
### Maker of this sample
**Maker of this sample**
- Name: Loes Bogers
- Name: Loes Bogers
- Affiliation: Fabricademy student at Waag Textile Lab Amsterdam
- Affiliation: Fabricademy student at Waag Textile Lab Amsterdam
- Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Date: 16-03-2020 – 24-03-2020
- Date: 16-03-2020 – 24-03-2020
### Environmental conditions
**Environmental conditions**
- Humidity: not sure
- Humidity: not sure
- Outside temp: 5-11 degrees Celcius
- Outside temp: 5-11 degrees Celcius
- Room temp: 18 – 22 degrees Celcius
- Room temp: 18 – 22 degrees Celcius
- PH tap water: 7-8
- PH tap water: 7-8
### Recipe validation
**Recipe validation**
Has recipe been validated?
Has recipe been validated?
Yes
Yes, by Cecilia Raspanti, TextileLab, Waag Amsterdam, 9 March 2020
By Cecilia Raspanti, TextileLab, Waag Amsterdam, 9 March 2020
**Images of the final sample**
### Estimated cost (consumables) in local currency
0,50 Euros, for a yield of approx. 200 ml (enough to make a small composite and a sheet, or larger or multiple composites)
This is an adaptation of **Agar biofoil** by Cecilia Raspanti, TextileLab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view).
It is published under an Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial licence.
##References
##REFERENCES
-**Agar biofoil** by Cecilia Raspanti, Textile Lab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view).
-**Agar biofoil** by Cecilia Raspanti, Textile Lab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view).
-**Textile as Scaffold** by Anastasia Pistofidou for Fabricademy, 30 October 2018: [link](https://class.textile-academy.org/classes/week088/)
-**Textile as Scaffold** by Anastasia Pistofidou for Fabricademy, 30 October 2018: [link](https://class.textile-academy.org/classes/week088/)
-**Textile Composite Materials** by Ashok Hakoo for Textile School, 14 April 2019: [link](https://www.textileschool.com/4474/textile-composite-materials/)
-**Textile Composite Materials** by Ashok Hakoo for Textile School, 14 April 2019: [link](https://www.textileschool.com/4474/textile-composite-materials/)
-**Textile Composites** by Waqas Paracha via Slideshare, 5 April 2010: [link](https://www.slideshare.net/wakasyounus/textile-composites)
-**Textile Composites** by Waqas Paracha via Slideshare, 5 April 2010: [link](https://www.slideshare.net/wakasyounus/textile-composites)
-**What is Biocomposite?** by Ashish Kumar Dua, for Textile Learner, July 2013: [link](https://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-is-biocomposite-fibers-used-in.html)
-**What is Biocomposite?** by Ashish Kumar Dua, for Textile Learner, July 2013: [link](https://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-is-biocomposite-fibers-used-in.html)
A vegan flexible, transparent foil that can resist water and moderate heat (up to 85 degrees C) quite well without transforming.
A vegan flexible, transparent foil that can resist water and moderate heat (up to 85 degrees C) quite well without transforming. This foil feels rubbery and flexible, and can remain a little sticky (more than e.g. the alginate and gelatine-based foil). It's not as sticky as cling film or cellophane, it's more comparable to a transparent PVC foil for example.
### Physical form
**Physical form**
Surfaces
Surfaces
Color without additives: transparent, slightly yellow/beige when folded
Color without additives: transparent, slightly yellow/beige when folded
### Fabrication time
**Fabrication time**
Preparation time: 1 Hour
Preparation time: 1 Hour
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@@ -24,7 +22,13 @@ Need attention: N/A, let dry in place with lots of airflow
...
@@ -24,7 +22,13 @@ Need attention: N/A, let dry in place with lots of airflow
Final form achieved after: 10 days
Final form achieved after: 10 days
## Ingredients
**Estimated cost (consumables)**
0,50 Euros, for a yield of approx. 200 ml
##RECIPE
###Ingredients
***Agar - 5 g**
***Agar - 5 g**
* Polymer (makes it hard)
* Polymer (makes it hard)
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@@ -33,7 +37,7 @@ Final form achieved after: 10 days
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@@ -33,7 +37,7 @@ Final form achieved after: 10 days
***Water - 250 ml/g**
***Water - 250 ml/g**
* Solvent, to dissolve and heat the agar
* Solvent, to dissolve and heat the agar
##Tools
###Tools
1.**Spoon**
1.**Spoon**
1.**Scale**
1.**Scale**
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@@ -43,11 +47,11 @@ Final form achieved after: 10 days
...
@@ -43,11 +47,11 @@ Final form achieved after: 10 days
1.**Mold** of about 20 cm diameter (or equivalent). Optional: you can also cast on a surface like an acrylic sheet but your sheet will be thinner
1.**Mold** of about 20 cm diameter (or equivalent). Optional: you can also cast on a surface like an acrylic sheet but your sheet will be thinner
##Yield before processing/drying/curing
###Yield
Approx. 200 ml
Before processing/drying/curing: approx. 200 ml
##Method
###Method
1.**Preparation**
1.**Preparation**
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@@ -73,7 +77,7 @@ Approx. 200 ml
...
@@ -73,7 +77,7 @@ Approx. 200 ml
- Pour from the middle and hold still, let the liquid distribute itself, it cures quickly if it is thick.
- Pour from the middle and hold still, let the liquid distribute itself, it cures quickly if it is thick.
###Drying/curing/growth process
###Drying/curing/growth process
Allow the foil to dry for a week for best results (or 3 days minimum). If you don't peel it off the surface it will shrink much less in width/length.
Allow the foil to dry for a week for best results (or 3 days minimum). If you don't peel it off the surface it will shrink much less in width/length.
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@@ -101,7 +105,7 @@ None, store dry and flat.
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@@ -101,7 +105,7 @@ None, store dry and flat.
Not sure
Not sure
###Process
###Process pictures
*Dissolving the agar, Loes Bogers, 2020*
*Dissolving the agar, Loes Bogers, 2020*
*Making a trace with the spoon, consistency of syrup, Loes Bogers, 2020*
*Making a trace with the spoon, consistency of syrup, Loes Bogers, 2020*
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@@ -109,13 +113,15 @@ Not sure
*Filling up a mould with detachable botton, 2-3 mm filled, Loes Bogers, 2020*
*Filling up a mould with detachable botton, 2-3 mm filled, Loes Bogers, 2020*
##Variations on this recipe
###Variations
- Substitute part of the water with a dye
- Substitute part of the water with a dye
- Add less glycerine for a more rigid, stiff foil
- Add less glycerine for a more rigid, stiff foil
- Add fillers (debris, coffee waste) or fibres to make a composite, see also the [agar composite recipe](./agarcomposite.md)).
- Add fillers (debris, coffee waste) or fibres to make a composite, see also the [agar composite recipe](./agarcomposite.md)).
### Cultural origins of this recipe
##ORIGINS AND REFERENCES
**Cultural origins of this recipe**
Legends say that agar was discovered in Japan in 1658 by Mino Tarōzaemon (美濃 太郎左衞門), an innkeeper in current Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. The story goes that he noticed that discarded seaweed soup he'd made had gelled after a winter night's freezing.
Legends say that agar was discovered in Japan in 1658 by Mino Tarōzaemon (美濃 太郎左衞門), an innkeeper in current Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. The story goes that he noticed that discarded seaweed soup he'd made had gelled after a winter night's freezing.
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@@ -125,17 +131,21 @@ In the late 19th century, its properties were found to be useful in microbiology
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@@ -125,17 +131,21 @@ In the late 19th century, its properties were found to be useful in microbiology
Agar-based bioplastics are promising candidates for food packaging and have been used as packaging for dried goods and can be heat sealed (rather than glue sealed). Margarita Talep's packaging designs are a beautiful example.
Agar-based bioplastics are promising candidates for food packaging and have been used as packaging for dried goods and can be heat sealed (rather than glue sealed). Margarita Talep's packaging designs are a beautiful example.
**Needs further research?**Yes, on the history of uses of agar as a biopolymer and the people developing the processes for it.
**Needs further research?** Yes, on the history of uses of agar as a biopolymer and the people developing the processes for it.
### This recipe draws together information from these other recipes
###Key Sources
This is an adaptation of **Flexible bio-foil** by Cecilia Raspanti, Textile Lab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view). A longer cooking time is recommended to create a thicker foil.
This is an adaptation of **Flexible bio-foil** by Cecilia Raspanti, Textile Lab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view). A longer cooking time is recommended to create a thicker foil.
### Known concerns and contestations\*
###Copyright information
The recipe by Raspanti above was published under an Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial licence.
##ETHICS & SUSTAINABILITY
In cooking, agar is known as the vegan and halal alternative to animal-based gelatine as it is obtained by boiling red algae into a gel. Although it is hailed as a renewable and vegan option to make bioplastics - you also need less grams of agar to create a solid compared to gelatine - its popularity as a medium in microbiology has already led to shortages and over-utilized seaweed populations in the past. It may be renewable, but it's not infinite.
In cooking, agar is known as the vegan and halal alternative to animal-based gelatine as it is obtained by boiling red algae into a gel. Although it is hailed as a renewable and vegan option to make bioplastics - you also need less grams of agar to create a solid compared to gelatine - its popularity as a medium in microbiology has already led to shortages and over-utilized seaweed populations in the past. It may be renewable, but it's not infinite.
### Sustainability tags
**Sustainability tags**
- Renewable ingredients: yes
- Renewable ingredients: yes
- Vegan: yes
- Vegan: yes
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@@ -147,13 +157,7 @@ Needs further research?: Not sure
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@@ -147,13 +157,7 @@ Needs further research?: Not sure
Should not be recycled as part of PET-plastics waste: this causes contamination of the waste stream. Compost bioplastics in a warm environment with sufficient airflow.
Should not be recycled as part of PET-plastics waste: this causes contamination of the waste stream. Compost bioplastics in a warm environment with sufficient airflow.
## Material properties
##PROPERTIES
### Comparative qualities
This foil feels rubbery and flexible, and can remain a little sticky (more than e.g. the alginate and gelatine-based foil). It's not as sticky as cling film or cellophane, it's more comparable to a transparent PVC foil for example.
### Technical and sensory properties
-**Strength**: medium
-**Strength**: medium
-**Hardness**: flexible
-**Hardness**: flexible
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@@ -178,51 +182,40 @@ This foil feels rubbery and flexible, and can remain a little sticky (more than
...
@@ -178,51 +182,40 @@ This foil feels rubbery and flexible, and can remain a little sticky (more than
-**Surface friction:** braking
-**Surface friction:** braking
-**PH modifiers:** none
-**PH modifiers:** none
## About this entry
##ABOUT
### Maker of this sample
**Maker of this sample**
- Name: Loes Bogers
- Name: Loes Bogers
- Affiliation: Fabricademy student at Waag Textile Lab Amsterdam
- Affiliation: Fabricademy student at Waag Textile Lab Amsterdam
- Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Date: 16-03-2020 – 24-03-2020
- Date: 16-03-2020 – 24-03-2020
### Environmental conditions
**Environmental conditions**
- Humidity: not sure
- Humidity: not sure
- Outside temp: 5-11 degrees Celcius
- Outside temp: 5-11 degrees Celcius
- Room temp: 18 – 22 degrees Celcius
- Room temp: 18 – 22 degrees Celcius
- PH tap water: 7-8
- PH tap water: 7-8
### Recipe validation
**Recipe validation**
Has recipe been validated?
Has recipe been validated?
Yes
Yes, by Cecilia Raspanti, Textile Lab, Waag Amsterdam, 9 March 2020
By Cecilia Raspanti, Textile Lab, Waag Amsterdam, 9 March 2020
**Images of the final sample**
### Estimated cost (consumables) in local currency
This is an adaptation of **Flexible bio-foil** by Cecilia Raspanti, Textile Lab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view).
-**Lab Staple Agar hit by Seaweed Shortage** by Ewen Callaway, in Nature, 528, 8 December 2015: [link](https://www.nature.com/news/lab-staple-agar-hit-by-seaweed-shortage-1.18970)
-**Lab Staple Agar hit by Seaweed Shortage** by Ewen Callaway, in Nature, 528, 8 December 2015: [link](https://www.nature.com/news/lab-staple-agar-hit-by-seaweed-shortage-1.18970)
-**Agar** on Wikipedia: [link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agar)
-**Agar** on Wikipedia: [link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agar)
-**Agar biofoil** by Cecilia Raspanti, Textile Lab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view).
-**Agar biofoil** by Cecilia Raspanti, Textile Lab, Waag Amsterdam for Fabricademy 2019-2020, Class pages, [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lm147nvWkxxmPf5Oh2wU5a8eonpqHCVc/view).
-**Margarita Talep Algae Bioplastic Packaging Design** by Natashah Hitti for Dezeen, 18 January 2019: [link](https://www.dezeen.com/2019/01/18/margarita-talep-algae-bioplastic-packaging-design/)
-**Margarita Talep Algae Bioplastic Packaging Design** by Natashah Hitti for Dezeen, 18 January 2019: [link](https://www.dezeen.com/2019/01/18/margarita-talep-algae-bioplastic-packaging-design/)
-**Desintegra.me** by Margarita Talep, 2017: [link](https://margaritatalep.com/Desintegra-me-desarrollo)
-**Desintegra.me** by Margarita Talep, 2017: [link](https://margaritatalep.com/Desintegra-me-desarrollo)
