Figure I: Weather chamber that controls heat and humidity to test deformation of swatches.
Figure II: Comparison of the deformation of 7 X swatch prints aged over 1 year with various pectin/chitosan and cellulose compositions.
Figure III: Comparison of the deformation of hexagonal swatch prints with various pectin/chitosan and cellulose compositions.
Figure IV: Composite pie chart circle diagram comparing ingredient volume and cost of materials for each single material print (7 swatch types).
Figure V: Diagram comparing volume of material, print duration, and cost for different biopolymer formulas used in each print in the series of 7 swatch types.
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X Swatch
These experiments examine how different material formulas, print orders and toolpaths can affect deformation over time. Each material formula is printed with a base layer of pectin in a 5 ½” cross shaped swatch with a parallel infill toolpath. A layer of cellulose hydrogels is printed with variable density lattice patterns. In select swatches a 3rd layer of pectin hydrogel is printed either on top or below the cellulose layer. The breaks in the geometry of the X shape are intended to allow the surfaces to exhibit greater shape change over time. The collection of different swatches is then exposed to air.
- Exposure to air is recorded during the first month and at 12 months.
- Swatches are imaged with and without backlighting in plan and side view.
- Changes in color and shape are visible.
6 different sets of 4 swatches are tested that control for the same toolpaths but vary the material formula and print order.
- Pectin layer + Cellulose layer: Minimal shape and color change
- Pectin Chitosan layer + Cellulose layer: Moderate shape and color change
- Pectin Chitosan Acetic Acid layer + Cellulose layer: Minimal shape and dramatic color change
- Pectin layer + Cellulose layer + Pectin Chitosan layer: Dramatic shape and color change
- Pectin Chitosan layer + Cellulose layer + Pectin layer: Dramatic shape and color change - Pectin Chitosan layer + Cellulose layer + Pectin Chitosan layer: Dramatic shape and color change
- Exposure to air is recorded during the first month and at 12 months.
- Swatches are imaged with and without backlighting in plan and side view.
- Changes in color and shape are visible.
6 different sets of 4 swatches are tested that control for the same toolpaths but vary the material formula and print order.
- Pectin layer + Cellulose layer: Minimal shape and color change
- Pectin Chitosan layer + Cellulose layer: Moderate shape and color change
- Pectin Chitosan Acetic Acid layer + Cellulose layer: Minimal shape and dramatic color change
- Pectin layer + Cellulose layer + Pectin Chitosan layer: Dramatic shape and color change
- Pectin Chitosan layer + Cellulose layer + Pectin layer: Dramatic shape and color change - Pectin Chitosan layer + Cellulose layer + Pectin Chitosan layer: Dramatic shape and color change