Formula/ chemical composition:
Polyvinyl acetat: C4H6O2
Chopped Strand Mat Laminate 30% E-glass: SiO2
Material description:
Multiple layers of fibreglass mat and diluted polyvinyl acetate adhesive are combined on a mould and allowed to cure. The resultant material is flexible, translucent, whitish-yellow in colour, and fairly strong. If properly cast the moulded surface is very smooth.
Extraction process:
Ethylene and acetic acid are combined in the presence of oxygen, and then polymerized.
Silica fibres are extruded into multiple thin glass fibres suitable for textiles and woven.
Basic properties:
Density: 98.5 kg/m3
Carbon footprint (average): 5.4 (glass-fiber); 17.2 (adhesive)
Recyclable: yes
Laser: yes
Small Laser: yes
Milling: yes
3D-Printing: no
Advantage in context of digital fabrication:
Complete freedom of form making and range of options in the creative process.
Thickness/opacity of material can be customized.
Material Suppliers:
Servei Estació – http://www.serveiestacio.com/
Form X – http://www.formx.es/
Price:
glass-fiber: 2,15 € / 1 m2; adhesive: 8 € / kg
References:
Aperture Fiberglass Installation //
Cameron Northrop
Illustrates well the technique of moulding and fabricating. This project demonstrates efficiency with materials through the use of modules when casting fibreglass. Also the idea of embedding different materials inside the layers of fiberglass is interesting.
http://cargocollective.com/cameron_northrop/AFS
New Amsterdam Pavilion //
UNstudio
This sculptural project shows how a complex monolithic shape can be built from fibreglass. The range of freedom fibreglass offers in form and scale is apparent here. It is particularly interesting because despite looking very futuristic it was built by hand.
http://vanguarq.wordpress.com/2009/10/01/new-amsterdam-pavilion-unstudio/