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portada_Materialism European Tour English.indd 1 21/10/2013 17:30:19 Advanced textiles and Fibres
High performance polymers
Gels and Foams
Light alloys
Active materials is a new generation of man made materials with
astonishing properties that can resemble material wizardry. They can
change colour, stiffness, conductivity, transparency, or shape in response
to external stimuli such as changes in temperature, pressure, moisture
applied. The properties allow the materials to play an active part in the way
structures and devices work and this clearly sets this category of materials
apart from the static materials humans have used for thousands of years.
Active materials have a plentitude of applications in smart sensors,
actuators, dampers, switches, or energy harvesting devices where they
change engineering, technology and design principles completely.
Non-woven fabrics with
micro-capsulated PCM
WHAT
PCM (phase change materials) are substances with a high heat of
fusion which, melting and solidifying at a certain temperature, are
capable of absorbing, storing and releasing large amounts of energy.
Heat is absorbed or released when the material changes from solid
to liquid and vice versa, and occurs over a narrow temperature
range, close to that of humans one. Thus, fabrics treated by PCM
can actively thermo-regulate the human body and enhance thermal
comfort.
WHERE
Outdoor and sport apparel, protective clothing, bedding
Flexible
piezoelectric material
compared with other piezoceramics, so it can be applied to even curved
surfaces.
WHERE
Active vibration dampening and energy harvesting in the milliwatt range-
the harvested power can supply miniature electronics such as LEDs,
sensors or transmitters for remote data
WHAT
This micro-encapsulated phase-change material consists of small plastic
the spheres one heated. The wax is able to absorb a relatively large amount
of heat during the phase change from solid to liquid. This heat is released
when the temperature falls, as the wax will maintain the melting temperature
WHERE
Embedded within walls and ceilings to level out daily temperature
PCM panel
WHAT
PCM (phase change materials) are substances with high fusion heat that, by melting
and solidifying at a certain temperature, are capable of absorbing, storing and
releasing large amounts of energy. Heat is absorbed or released when the material
changes from solid to liquid and vice versa, and occurs over a narrow temperature
range, close to ambient temperature. Thus, PCM helps to provide comfortable room
temperatures and minimize temperature peaks during warm summer days at no extra
energy cost, whilst on cooler days it can help to reduce heating energy. This aluminium
WHERE
Insulation for low inertia buildings
Nickel-titanium
shape memory alloy
WHAT
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a unique class of metal alloys that can
recover their original cold-forged shape when they are heated above
a certain temperature. The SMAs have two stable phases: the high-
temperature phase, called austenite, and the low-temperature phase,
called martensite. If the material is deformed in the martensite state,
the deformation remains. But if it is then heated above the phase change
temperature, it recovers the original shape and is capable of doing the
work. Nickel-titanium alloy (NiTinol) is the best known example of SMAs.
WHERE
Aeronautics, automotive, consumer goods, biotechnology
Shape memory
polymer and composite
WHAT
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are polymers whose qualities have been
altered to give them dynamic shape "memory" properties. Using thermal
stimuli, shape memory polymers can exhibit a radical change from a rigid
polymer to a very elastic state, then back to a rigid state again. In its elastic
state, it will recover its "memory" shape if left unrestrained. However, while
pliable it can be stretched, folded or otherwise conformed into other shapes,
tolerating up to 200% elongation. Dynamic polymer composites are like other
high-performance composites, except that an SMP is used as the matrix.
WHERE
Biomedicine (orthodontics, needles, degradable implants), smart
Flexible
luminescent panel
Active materials
WHAT
LEC (Light-emitting capacitor) lighting panels are approximately one millimeter
(from 53.45 cm2 to 1.67 m2) through a screen-printing process that deposits
layers of electrodes, phosphors and dielectrics.
rigid and rigid forms, depending on the application. To provide structural rigidity,
it can be encapsulated in a co-polyester material that also protects against the
elements for use in outdoor applications while maintaining high translucency.
WHERE
Consumer goods, interior design, architecture
WHAT
Luminescence is the process of spontaneous emission of light initiated by
certain materials. Luminescence is caused by the movement of electrons
within a substance from more energetic states to less energetic states.
Photoluminescence is a type of luminescence in which electrons are
excited by visible or ultraviolet radiation.
These glass panels made by the technology of fusing have incorporated
photo luminescent pigments in the mass during the hot process.
WHERE
Architecture, interior design, product design
Active materials
WHAT
This pigment becomes almost transparent when heated above its activation
temperature; it returns to its original colour when cooled down. The pigment comes
in colours such as black, red, blue, green, orange and magenta, and with activation
temperatures ranging from -10°C to 65°C. It is possible to mix colours, and custom
pigments outside the standard range can also be created. The pigments are
damaged by UV light and should therefore be kept out of the sun. The pigment will
slowly lose colour intensity if consistently heated to above 50°C.
WHERE
Cold- and heat-reactive labels for beverages and food products
and colour-changing coffee mugs
Thermochromic
liquid crystal sheet
WHAT
This transparent polymer sheet is coated with a liquid crystal-based material
turns black when it cools down again. This sample changes colour at 25°C
to 30°C, but there are variants for other temperature ranges available
(-20 °C to 100°C). The sheet will degrade with time and the degradation
is faster if it is exposed to sunlight or if it used in hot water baths.
WHERE
Thermometers, science experiments and thermal mapping in R&D
TRY IT
Put your hand on the sheet to see it change colour
WHO
Chameleon® Ink - Liquid Crystal Ink
www.tmchallcrest.com
Printed
rewritable memory
data is stored. The memory is rewritable and can be written and read
by a standalone device or by a module integrated in another product.
is expected to rise as the technology is improved.
WHERE
Interactive games, personalized toys, loyalty cards, collectible card
games, and interactive board games
between two laminar electrodes. This material is ideal for covering large
surfaces, but it can also be applied to 3D objects and inserted into injection-
moulded products combined with a variety of different materials.
WHERE
Automotive interiors, solar cells integrated in building façades
and touch screens
ourselves are made of the same thing: atoms.
atoms and molecules. Moving from the micro- to the nano-scale, not only
the size is diminished, but also the system of forces that are acting. If
we speak of nanometers, the force of gravity does not exist, the mass is
almost nonexistent, so the behavior of individual atoms is governed by laws
other than those applied hitherto: the laws of quantum mechanics.
Nanomaterials are formed from particles or structures of nanometric size
in at least one dimension, and have physical properties that are distinct
from the same macroscopic-sized material.
WHAT
Tecnadis is a hydrophobizing composition based on nanoparticles with high
water repellence that can be applied on porous substrates such as natural
stone, brick, roof tiles, concrete, wood, etc. Tecnadis PRS® is a dispersion of
nanoparticles (with an average size of 15 nm) treated with active agents and
other additives in a basic solvent without VOC (volatile organic compounds).
The treated surfaces become hydrophobic, so they allow water and even oil
to slide over them without leaving any residue and they can even trap any
surface contamination (self-cleaning properties).
with a graphitic structure. That gives them excellent mechanical properties
their recyclability. The material can be found in powder form, masterbatch
in thermoplastics, pre-impregnate "nanopreg" and in temporary stable
dispersions in solvents and resins.
WHERE
Aeronautics and space, automotive, consumer goods, energy, fabrics
inhibits bacteria's ability to aggregate, survive, migrate and transfer from the
surface. This is achieved through the micro-pattern alone without any use of
chemicals or toxins. As a result, there is little chance that bacteria will develop
resistance, a problem with some other biocidal and antimicrobial technologies.
WHERE
Health care for high-touch areas such as push panels on doors, bed
rails and patient tray tables
Graphene
WHAT
Graphene is a new two-dimensional nanometric material, obtained from
graphite in 2004 by scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov.
Graphene is composed of a layer of carbon atoms arranged in a regular
hexagonal pattern, with a thickness of one atom (0.1 nm). Some of the
amazing properties of this material are its high mechanical strength,
transparency and very high electrical conductivity. Graphene is called
to lead the next great revolution of materials, with endless potential
WHERE
Electronics, energy, biomedicine, consumer goods, chemistry, optics
ADVANCED
MANUFACTURING
Advanced manufacturing processes allow both advanced and more basic
the manufacturing process can also drastically change the properties of
the raw material thereby allowing for new applications.
In recent years automation, digital simulation and computer-controlled
production have made entirely new manufacturing processes possible.
One example is the rapid maturing of 3D printing processes that are
not only used for prototyping but also for custom and low-volume
manufacturing. It is now possible to 3D-print functional parts in good
quality in a wide range of different plastics and metals, as well as
engineering ceramics.
Vacuum forming
technology for metals
WHAT
Superforming offers an alternative to press forming for the production of large scale,
complex, premium metal components including car body panels for brands such as
Lamborghini and Ferrari. The main advantage of this technology is that it does not distort
or deform the surface of the metal as with press forming due to the uniform pressure
applied across the sheet, that also enhances strength. The process is compatible with the
aluminium alloys 5082 and 2004, which offer excellent superplastic forming properties.
chromate conversion coatings and conventional paint systems.
WHERE
Aerospace industry, car body panels, architectural cladding,
acoustic panels
Advanced manufacturing
WHAT
3D-printed transparent, matte, textured or coloured plastic elements with complex
geometries and small features. The printing process utilizes inkjet technology to
build structures from thin layers of a UV-curable photopolymer; they are deposited
in a 2D geometry and then cured by UV light. The process allows for on-demand
manufacturing of optical elements directly from a CAD model, with no need for
expensive moulds or tooling.
WHERE
Used by lighting developers and optical systems designers for prototyping,
custom projects, and low- to medium volume manufacturing
Metal 3D printing
with inkjet technology
WHAT
A liquid bonding agent is selectively deposited with inkjet technology
to a thin layer of metal powder, after which new layers are applied on top
and bonded. The bonded metal powder forms a 3D printed component,
which is subsequently sintered in an oven to fuse the powder into a solid
component.
WHERE
Industrial components ad medical devices, suited also for low volume
manufacturing of geometrically complex components
Selective
laser sintering
WHAT
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process used to
pre-alloys (direct metal laser sintering – DMLS), polymers, ceramics,
composites, etc. Compared with other additive manufacturing processes,
SLS can produce parts from a relatively wide range of commercially
available powder materials. The resulting pieces offer good mechanical
properties.
WHERE
Automotive, aeronautics and space, consumer goods, biotechnology,
metallurgy, technology, systems and displays
WHO
MARAGINGSTEEL MS1, PRIMECAST 101®, PA2200, ALUMIDE®,
TITANIUM Ti64, DIRECTMETAL 20
www.eos.info
WHAT
Electroforming is a metal forming process that forms parts up to 200 µm
thickness through electro-deposition. The part is produced by depositing
a metal skin onto a base form, known as a mandrel, which is removed
after forming. This technology can replicate a mandrel surface precisely
WHERE
Fabrication of micro and nano scale metallic devices, precision
injection moulds with micro- and nano- scale feature for production
of non-metallic micro-moulded objects
It is a large group of plastics, elastomers and composites with properties
of mechanical strength, thermal resistance, environmental stability, gas
barrier, solvent resistance etc. that far exceed conventional polymers.
They are used in almost every aspect of our lives. from fairly obvious
areas like automotive, aerospace, defence and many parts of the energy
industry, through to areas not automatically thought of like electronics,
medical, sport and even food-related applications.
High performance polymers
WHAT
PEI (polyetherimide) is an amorphous amber-to-transparent
thermoplastic which is characterized by unique combination of
high stiffness, tensile strength and hardness over a broad temperature
It is used for production of parts that must satisfy special requirements
WHERE
Electrical and electronic industry, medical technology, aircraft
construction
High performance polymers
WHAT
Self-healing rubber based on the concept of supra-molecular chemistry,
composed of at least 60% fatty-acid oligomers derived from vegetable oils. This
rubber features so-called „reversible" (non-permanent) intermolecular bonds,
in contrast with polymers derived from traditional chemistry, which are based
on so-called „irreversible" (permanent) bonds. This reversibility feature imparts
a capacity to self-heal: cracks or breaks can be repaired simply by putting the
fractured surfaces back together and applying light pressure; the materials
recover nearly all their initial strength without the need for bonding or heating.
WHERE
Biotechnology, building industry, energy
Bendable, optimized
low-energy
High performance polymers
light along its side as well as the ends for maximum light output. It consists
used at the end of the cable.
WHERE
Interior and exterior building lightings, car dashboards, screen
displays or even door handles
High performance polymers
WHAT
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is the strongest and stiffest thermoplastic.
This semi-crystalline polymer is characterized by the combination of properties
such as: good hydrolysis resistance, biocompatibility, serializability, outstanding
chemical resistance, high wear resistance and excellent high-temperature
makes it ideal across highly diverse applications required in the implantation of
blood, bone and tissue requiring contact of more than 30 days, and is an ideal
replacement for stainless steel and titanium.
WHERE
Aeronautics and space, automotive, biotechnology
Light alloys are materials characterized by low density and high
strength-to-weight ratios. They are also corrosion-resistant
(especially titanium) and non-toxic.
Although these alloys were originally developed for aerospace
applications, they are now used in a wide range of engineering
applications - shipbuilding, transportation and automotive
engineering, instrument-making, electrical engineering, civil
construction, and nuclear power engineering, as well as in the
production of consumer goods.
Metal sheets lighter
than solid aluminium
Light alloys
WHAT
Hybrix® is a lightweight, strong and thin sandwich stainless steel sheet
material with a core that consists of 90-95% air. It weighs half as much as
conventional stainless steel or aluminium sheets, but its properties are fully
comparable and it can be used with most standard sheet metal processes.
This material began life as a decorative crafts material, but its reassuring
strength and light weight lends itself well to a range of safety-related
applications.
WHERE
Automotive, electronics, aircraft interiors, consumer goods
Light alloys
WHAT
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal in existence: its weight is
equivalent to two-thirds of the weight of aluminium and a quarter of steel.
The fabrication process of magnesium components through high-pressure
allowing for a reduction in the components and stages. The properties
of the alloy enable it to manufacture light, thin and complex pieces that
absorb vibration, resist impact, reduce noise and are easily recyclable.
The surface of a material is the interface with the environment that surrounds
it, and it is therefore a critical point for the material's behavior. A coating can
improve the properties of the substrate, such as its appearance, corrosion or
wear resistance, among others. In many other cases, the functionality falls
directly to the coating, while the substrate becomes a support.
Paints and inks are common coatings. There are different types of
coatings based on electrolytic or chemical processes in order to give
the surface of the piece a variety of properties such as resistance to
Deposition (CVD) and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) are used in order
to obtain high-performance coatings.
Spray-on
chrome paint
Coatings
WHAT
Advanced "spray-on" chrome paint technology allows to apply a brilliant,
material. Comparing to galvanization, this new method of chrome coating
enables application of chrome paint to any material, including polymers or
Strong and coloured
coatings for titanium
WHAT
When titanium is in contact with air, it spontaneously creates a protective layer
on its surface that increases its properties, such as the biocompatibility. Alti Color
has developed a technology to increase the thickness of the oxide layer, creating
phenomena arise and different colours are experienced. There are no restrictions
in shapes or dimensions for this technology and it is possible to oxidize the entire
component as well as a part of it.
WHERE
Biomedical implants, horse bits, jewellery, automotive and nautical
components
Strong decoration
that does not wear off
WHAT
Idt Systems is a decorative process for 2D and 3D parts that penetrates
the surface to provide a decoration that appears to be part of the material
itself. The process, initially developed for plastic, is now a solution for most
materials across all industries, aiming to decorate and authenticate consumer
products at a cost 20% lower than alternative methods.
WHERE
Consumer electronics industry and the decoration of ceramic products.
Potential applications within automotive industry both for interiors and
exterior metal body, household appliances and sport equipment
Electrically-
conductive ink
WHAT
Non-toxic, water-soluble, water-based and electrically-conductive ink.
Composed of natural resins, water, conductive carbon and additives, this
ink is capable of adhering itself to surfaces such as wood, paper, cork
or some plastics and metals. It can be used in low-voltage circuits and
is ideal for small devices, using it like electric tracks and weld points
of the components.
WHERE
Print systems and electronic circuits
Coatings
WHAT
These print colors and plastics pigments offer security on many different
levels: from interference effects visible to the naked eye to complex color
Securalic®
counterfeiting tools and methods. They can be easily integrated into an
manufacturing processes in printing and plastics processing.
Thanks to the variety of combination possibilities, the company can come up
with an individual safety solution for every trademark protection program.
WHERE
Consumer goods, medicines, high-value packaging
High temperature-
resistant PEEK coatings
WHAT
The main ingredient of VICOTE® Coatings is VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, widely
regarded as one of the highest performing thermoplastic materials in the
world. VICOTE®
coatings including: improved wear performance, extended application life,
food contact approval and reduced systems cost.
Consider VICOTE® Coatings for all those applications that require exposure
to extreme conditions such as high temperature, chemicals and abrasion.
WHERE
Industrial, automotive, food processing, semiconductor, electronics
or pharmaceutical parts, cookware and appliances
TiO coating
WHAT
Titanium dioxide (TiO ) coating has the ability to react with some of the noxious
components present in the environment (such as nitrogen oxides, NOx) under the
neutralized but the TiO2
exhibit a behaviour opposite to the lotus leaf in that they are hyper-hydrophilic:
WHERE
Building industry, interior architecture, public works (roads, etc.)
for stainless steel
special detergents to remove them. Through a nanotechnological NSP (nanometer spray
painting) process, an anti-abrasive metallic transparent coat can be applied to a stainless
steel surface. Its enhanced strength provides the surface with strong and durable
protection and greater hardness than conventional stainless steels. The processed
surfaces have some excellent characteristics: they achieve waterproof, oil-proof, dust-
paper to clean them. They also have self-clean properties in outdoor installations.
WHERE
Architecture, interiors and industrial design
Plasma electrolytic
oxidation (PEO)
WHAT
This process uses high voltages to create a uniform, dense oxide-based
ceramic surface layer on light metals such as aluminium, titanium and
magnesium. The surface has high hardness, wear resistance and corrosion
resistance, yet is still relatively ductile. The treated surface has a hardness
of up to 2000 HV, which is four times higher than hard anodized aluminium.
WHERE
Extension of the life of aluminium moulds for plastic-injection
moulding, wear-resistant surfaces on bike cranks, winches on
boats and turbocharger rotors in the automotive industry
Conductive
indium tin oxide coating
but it can also be applied on acrylic, polycarbonate or glass.
WHERE
Industrial components ad medical devices, suited also for low volume
manufacturing of geometrically complex components
TRY IT
Connect the leg of the LED to the exposed surface of the battery.
WHO
Diamox Indium Tin Oxide Coatings
www.diamondcoatings.co.uk
In composites a matrix material is combined with a reinforcement material
to create a new material with different characteristics to the individual
elements. The structure of composites allows for a higher strength-to-
weight ratio compared to pure materials, and composites can therefore
reduce the weight when they are applied in cars, airplanes or ships.
end sports equipment, leisure boat hulls and bathtubs, and they are now
paramount in the production of windmill wings, commercial aircrafts and
cars, where they help to reduce weight and, therefore, fuel consumption.
There are also more exotic composites such as metal matrix composites
and ceramic composites used for specialised applications.
Natural
composite material
performance property with a strength comparable with that of conventional
It is available as yarn, woven fabric or as preconsolidated sheets where it is
combined with naturally derived plastics, offering exceptional stiffness, good
impact resistance and light weight.
WHERE
Car door panels, marine headliner panels, sports equipment,
consumer goods
Plastic that feels
like real metal
WHAT
Makrolon TC8030 is a polycarbonate containing 60% aluminium content that combines
the formability of plastic with the engineering properties of aluminium. The aluminium
in the compound increases the thermal conductivity of the plastic, which means it
can cool down quicker from high temperatures. The aluminium in the compound also
changes the surface properties of the material, improving the scratch and abrasion
resistance and extending the life of the product. The new polycarbonate is a real
treatment, enabling cost-effective production with low energy consumption.
WHERE
Designed primarily for LED heat sinks, Makrolon TC8030 has many
potential applications including electronic devices and automotive
components
OLED
modules VELVE
Advanced composites
WHAT
OLED (organic light-emitting diode) is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which
light in response to an electric current.OLED illuminate by surface rather
than by spot, eliminating uneven lighting and shadows. Since the ultra-
thin design can be mounted on ceilings and walls, light instrallation is now
possible even in areas previously considered problematic.
Mono-material
composite
recycling. Separation of the different elements which provide the strength
can prove to be complex. PURE is a self-reinforced composite material
based on co-extruded polypropylene tapes. It is a single-material product
which can be recycled easily, its design enabling it to offer composite-
material advantages without the disadvantages of these materials.
WHERE
Anti-ballistics, tubes and pipes. Consumer products – helmets,
ski boxes, luggage. Building industry, sandwich construction,
automotive / transportation.
Advanced composites
WHAT
This material is extracted from used coffee grounds. It is therefore
eco-friendly and does not harm the environment. It is used for making
slightly similar to actual coffee. The strength of the material is very
similar to that of any clay or mud, though this one is not waterproof.
On the other hand, it can be easily repaired by gently wiping any
scratch with vaseline or unscented oil.
WHERE
Handmade household products
Advanced composites
composite manufacturing with conventional processes and pre-impregnated
because of their dampening properties, weight reduction and mechanical
and acoustic properties, as well as their aesthetic aspects.
WHERE
Sports and leisure, transportation, wind energy
WHAT
With the combination of concrete and transparent material, new composites
and interior design.
When edge lit, the acrylic grid embedded into the concrete mass allows the
transmission of light from the light source to the whole area of the panel.
WHERE
Architecture – partitions, stairs, solitaire panels, interior
design – desks, bars.
Flexible
porcelain tape
WHAT
Flexible tape is based on ceramic raw materials and an organic binding
the tape offers new possibilities in ceramic treatment and shaping, such as
punching, embossing, cutting, folding, bending, laminating and glazing.
WHERE
Both artistic and technical – for decoration, lighting, furniture and
representing art, as electrical insulator, for mechanical processes
as composite material component or as dielectric
GELS & FOAMS
Gels and foams are fascinating materials with inherent versatility. All
depend on these substances. Mimicking the natural structures, a wide
range of industrial gels and foams has been developed.
Gels are solid, jelly-like materials that can have properties ranging from
soft and weak to hard and tough. Gels have a lot of applications in food
industry, paints and adhesives industries, production of orthotics and
prosthetics tools, sport equipments, etc.
Foams are made up of a solid and gas phase mixed together to form a foam.
Metal, glass, ceramic, composites and concrete-foamed material become
lighter and, generally, their thermal and sound insulating properties are
enhanced. Foams are used in packaging, cushioning of furniture, transport
and automotive industry, and as building insulation, etc.
Gels and Foams
WHAT
Aerogel is a sponge-like structure of silica (glass), with an air content of
more than 90%. It has an extremely low thermal conductivity and is also the
world's lightest commercially available solid material (65 - 85 kg/m3).
WHERE
Insulation in roof lights, where it provides great insulation while still
allowing light to enter the room. Aerogel is also incorporated into
textiles used for outdoor clothing and footwear
WHO
Lumira® aerogel and Enova® aerogel
www.cabot.com
Foamed composite
Gels and Foams
produce a lightweight material. The homogeneous mixture is ready for
direct extrusion from dry-blend without having to go through the granulation
physical and mechanical characteristics such as dimensional stability,
resistance to humidity, good elasticity level (thus allowing for the processing
of curved surfaces as well), and thermal and acoustic insulation.
WHERE
Furniture, interior architecture, building industry
WHO
FFC FOAM FIBER COMPOSITE™
www.ffcmaterial.com
Dilatant impact-
protection material
Gels and Foams
WHAT
This material has shear-thickening or dilatant properties, which means the
when moved slowly, but when moved quickly – for example, when compressed
by an impact – its molecules lock together, thereby absorbing and dispersing
the force of impact.
WHERE
Protective clothing for motorcycling, mountain biking, winter sports
and personal protection
3D advanced foam
Gels and Foams
WHAT
An auxetic material, unlike traditional stretch materials, will get thicker when
stretched rather than thinner. Equally, if an auxetic material is compressed, it
will get thinner. This happens because the unique cellular structure of auxetic
foams opens up and expands under tension. Auxetic materials demonstrate
how changes in structures can drastically alter the behaviour of a material
and create opportunities.
implants, anchors devices and dilators for the biomedical industry
WHO
Auxetic Materials Network at the University of Bolton
Auxetic Materials Research Group, University of Malta
Stabilized
aluminium foam
Gels and Foams
WHAT
Aluminium foam is a cellular structure containing a large volume fraction
exceptional mechanical and physical properties. Compared to synthetic
materials (plastics, PUR foams), which are also lightweight, aluminium
foams have special advantages: heat resistance, higher strength,
incombustibility and recyclability.
WHERE
Automotive industry, aerospace, engineering, construction
Aerogel composite
insulation material
Gels and Foams
WHAT
Aerogels are derived from gels in which the liquid component of the
gel is replaced with air. The results are very low-density materials with
remarkable thermal insulation properties.
Aerogels based on amorphous silica are the only solid insulators with
better performance than air. Composed of up to 99.98% air by volume,
they have 3-4 times better insulation ability of the common products,
while transmitting light.
WHERE
Thermal building insulation, window and skylight insulation, winter
clothing, insulation for airplanes and automobiles, science projects
Foam glass
Gels and Foams
WHAT
Foam glass is material for civil construction and insulation purposes. It is a lightweight,
against soil humidity. Besides the outstanding mechanical and thermal properties,
foam glass is an environmentally friendly product – it can be manufactured fully out
of waste glass, with only a minimum of virgin additives.
road / railway
ADVANCED
TEXTILES AND FIBRES
of knowledge and technology, the textile industry is getting closer to
drivers for the development of smart textiles. By means of nanotechnology,
temperature. In this situation, these fabrics can accommodate sensors,
electroluminescent devices, tactile membranes, etc.
form exclusively functional fabrics.
Luminous tex
Advanced textiles and Fibers
WHAT
Electronic textiles allow digital components and electronics, such as
conducting wires, integrated circuits or LEDs, to be embedded in them.
elastic, washable and low-electric-consumption fabric integrated in a pillow
that can change its colour by means of an IR remote control.
WHERE
Textiles for decoration, fashion and accessories
Three-dimensional fabric
Advanced textiles and Fibers
WHAT
This material is a spacer fabric with a closed surface that absorbs pressure
while maintaining air circulation. The structure is formed from two exterior
of the panel. Parameters such as the material or the composition of the
the fabric.
Memory effect, high breathability, adaptable, recyclable and high
UV-resistance are some of the most important properties of the material.
WHERE
Cushioning, transport, sports and security clothes
Thermally activated 3D
textile with shape memory
Active materials, Advanced textiles and Fibers
Titanium shape memory alloy commonly abbreviated to NiTi or Nitinol.
mechanical treatment. It behaves plastically when cooled down to
a certain temperature and recovers its initial shape upon heating.
WHERE
Medicine applications – stents, angioplastics
Advanced textiles and Fibers
WHAT
The growth of the electronic industry and the widespread use of electronic
equipment have led to numerous electromagnetic interference problems
having a negative impact on humans.
To easily create a safer and more economical home environment and workplace,
metallized fabrics can be used. Even with only one layer and low weight, they
WHERE
Fashion and casual apparel or home textiles, workwear, automotive,
army, sports and medical applications, construction or electronic
industry
Aloe vera fabric
Advanced textiles and Fibers
WHAT
This lining acts directly on the skin by liberating small doses of Aloe Vera,
which provides the skin with a regenerative action, deodorant and nutritional
assets. It is a great antibacterial agent and improves perspiration
and the sensation of comfort.
Aloe Vera microcapsules are uniformly distributed throughout the fabric
and can handle long use with good results.
WHERE
Clothes, sports and medicinal market
Nano materials, Advanced textiles and Fibers
WHAT
Lotus leaves always stay clean and water drops and dirt never stain them.
Dirt particles get absorbed by water droplets due to a complex micro- and
nanoscopic architecture of the surface, which minimizes adhesion.
Self-cleaning textiles emulate nature by embedding innumerable particles
with a diameter of less these 100 nanometres on the textile surface. These
textiles can self-clean and do not require laundering. Furthermore it has no
effect on wearing, comfort, appearance, feel, breathability or elasticity.
WHERE
Outdoor apparel, sportswear, workwear, shoes and home furnishings
Luminous tex
Advanced textiles and Fibers
WHAT
Electronic textiles allow digital components and electronics, such as
conducting wires, integrated circuits or LEDs, to be embedded in them.
This luminous fabric is the result of a technology that allows optical fiber
to be woven in the same direction of the fabric's weft. The optical fiber weft
is connected at one of its ends to a luminous source, and the optical fiber
distributes the light across its length. The result is a luminous, flexible,
elastic, washable and low-electric-consumption fabric integrated in a pillow
that can change its colour by means of an IR remote control.
Textiles for decoration, fashion and accessories
Displays2_ES.indd 22 The thinnest
Advanced textiles and Fibers
form, rather than the usual woven strands of a thicker gauge. This patented
carbon reinforcement material achieves a superior surface smoothness,
value of this modern day luxury material.
WHERE
Sporting equipment, aerospace industry, automotive interiors
Basalt fabric
Advanced textiles and Fibers
of basalt (a rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava). These natural
high mechanical properties. The principal features of the fabric are its resistance to
not mechanically stressed, keeps its geometric integrity. It is also used as a high-
temperature insulator (i.e. ovens) and as a reinforcement in composite materials.
WHERE
Railways, building sector, automotive, marine, aerospace,
sport and leisure, wind energy

Source: http://www.damadei.eu/wp-content/uploads/Materialism-European-Tour-Materials-exhibited.pdf