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48 results for “sponge”
- Technical MattTechnical Matt by FINSA is ultra matt (gloss level: GU. 2%) with an anti-fingerprint surface with a velvety touch. Suitable for horizontal or vertical use and suitable for contact with food. The combination of acrylic lacquers and electron beam curing (EBC) gives this material excellent surface properties such as anti-bacterial and safe for contact with food.
- A ceramic planter made with biochar to trap carbonIn a collaboration between US-based companies OurCarbon, Break, and Sum Studio created a ceramic planter made with biochar, which traps greenhouse gasses. Developed by…
- Capturing water from the air inspired by natureThe Dutch start-up Sponsh, a spin-off company of Eindhoven University of Technology, developed a temperature-sensitive smart textile that absorbs water from the air at…
- Storing energy in red brick wallsResearchers at Washington University in St. Louis, USA, found how red bricks, some of the world’s cheapest and most popular building materials, can be…
- Lightweight bricks made with luffa and charcoalResearchers at the Indian School of Design and Innovation in Mumbai developed a lightweight, biodegradable built system made of charcoal, organic luffa fibres, soil…
- The future of Products: an interview with Anouk GroenMost of the time, you can find Anouk Groen at trade fairs for the automotive, motorcycle, textile, yacht, products or technology industries. As a…
- Moon Parka is made from synthetic spider silkOutdoor sport brand Goldwin and Japanese company Spiber developed the Moon Parka, a ski jacket made from synthetic spider silk. The parka was originally…
- Be fabulous with bags and shoes made from mushroom leatherMycelium, the root system of mushrooms, is getting increasingly popular in the architectural and design world. While the material is great for, for instance,…
- New copper-based material switches from hydrophobic to hydrophilic and backMost materials are either hydrophobic (repelling water) or hydrophilic (absorbing water like a sponge). For years, engineers have tried to create the ultimate material:…
- New MOF material uses light to capture carbon dioxideMetal-organic frameworks (MOF) are a new class of highly porous materials. They are compounds consisting of metal ions or clusters coordinated to organic ligands to form one-, two-, or three-dimensional structures. A…
- Bombix Bricks: Building with liquid silkWe at Materia have seen our fair share of unusual construction materials over the years, but silk is a new one. Architect Ilaria La…
- Surprisingly Lightweight G-Series Looks Heavy as StoneThis collection by SOHN studio is called the ‘g series’ because on first impression it looks heavy like stone, but is in fact extremely…
- Free Hug SofaFree hug anyone? Designed by Lee Eun Kyong of South Korea, the Free Hug Sofa recently was an award winner at the A’Design Awards. Speaking…
- AerogelAerogel is a synthetic, porous, ultra-light material derived from a gel, in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with a gas. The result is a solid with extremely low density and low thermal conductivity. Its primary use is in daylighting applications, where visible light is required to pass through a daylighting unit, which still maintains excellent thermal insulation.
- FlockFlocking is defined as the application of fine particles to adhesive coated surfaces. Nowadays, this is usually done by the application of a high-voltage electric field. Koschaum flocks foams, foils and structural materials for automotive, industrial supplying, luxury packaging and cosmetics. The material can be made waterproof, fire- and abrasion resistant, water repellent and antibacterial.
- The ‘Cool Brick’The ‘Cool Brick’ by Emerging Objects (Designers: Virginia San Fratello and Ronald Rael) utilizes the strategy of evaporative cooling, which was widely relied upon…
- Spiral fabric without backingNylon fibers stitched into a spiral formation and overlapping layers create a lace-like fabric which explores elements of transparency.
- Satin Ribbon & ZigZagFabric made from synthetic ribbon or satin ribbon, sewn onto an organza fabric in an overlapping effect.
- SeacorkSeacork is a material for heavy-duty light-weight use, particularly in marine environments. It is composed of 90% – 95% natural cork, with 5% – 10% polyurethane. The PU completely closes any micro-pores, making the material completely waterproof. This also stops dirt from getting into the cork, meaning that it is much longer lasting too.
- Wall of FameMaterial Xperience 2014, our large show in the Netherlands, was all about the ‘The Smart Environment’. From high-tech laboratory composites to great new uses…
- Kiel University Scales Up MOF Material for Atmospheric Water Harvesting and Low-Energy CoolingResearchers at Kiel University have taken an important step towards the commercial production of an advanced porous material capable of harvesting drinking water from…
- Towards A Fully Biobased Green Roof: Lessons From The Roofed Green TrayGreen roofs are widely used in architecture. They help manage rainwater, support biodiversity and improve thermal performance. Yet many systems still rely heavily on…
- Recyclable Polyurethane Foams Without Toxic ChemicalsResearchers at the University of Twente (Netherlands) have developed a safe, sustainable way to recycle polyurethane (PU) foam — used in mattresses, furniture, and…
- 3D Printed Concrete Innovation Captures CO₂ and Reduces Material UseResearchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a groundbreaking 3D printed concrete that not only reduces material usage but also actively captures carbon…





















