Introducing Halcyon
Halcyon
Exploring the underutilized, under appreciated, and unexplored.
This project seeks to raise awareness and diversify the applications for bio-plastics to be used in fashion accessories to replace plastics in a circular production method. My material exploration has lead me towards results that are nearly zero in waste, low in energy production and use fundamentals of circular economy principles.
Petroleum-based plastics are valuable,but only when used judiciously. Its overuse consumer products has resulted in its perception as inexpensive and, therefore of low value and disposable resulting in mounds of waste in landfills and oceans.
Lacquer has been used in cups and bowls for millennia as waterproof and scratch resistant. A biomaterial like this can be repeatedly molded, broken down, and remolded into multiple shapes. Lacquer properties can be modified with other biomaterials.
Discoveries
Mixes Well With Additives
A Bio-Material made of Natural Dyes & Tree Sap
Moldable into Various Shapes
Extruded into 3D Printing Filament
Material Explorations
Making Pellets
Using powdered pellets that are roughly the same size
Measured amount for experiment
Measured amount of Beeswax for experiment
3D Hopper parts to feed into the extruder
Extruding Filament
Blends
This study began by determining the melting temperatures for create an mixture and a combination of composite with beeswax.
1
Lacquer
2
Beeswax
3
Saffron Natural Dye
4
Tumeric Natural Dye
5
Jute Fibre
6
Plum Natural Dye
Stories of Discovery
Bio-Material Exploration
Lacquer-based bioplastics are versatile.
They can be molded, cast, and worked into diverse shapes.
They can be made of many colors using natural dyes that do not fade, and their properties can be modified by introducing bio-composites.
Insights
Indigenous people in Central India collect lacquer from forests, in Chennapatna, India. They demonstrated vegetable dye mixing with shellac for vibrant colors. The Traditional vegetable dyes make biomaterials food-safe, child-safe, scratch-free, and water-resistant.
Material
Lacquer-based bioplastics are versatile for molding and shaping. The Natural dyes provide non-fading colors.
Temperature
The study determined the melting temperature of lacquer and beeswax composite. The Test samples melted at 280ºF to 300ºF, yielding flexible and smoother materials. Lacquer's viscosity enables fast filament production for 3D printing.
Composites
The Biomaterial can be repeatedly molded and reshaped and its properties can be modified with other biomaterials.
The Initial tests favor lacquer and bamboo fiber composites over lacquer and beeswax composites.
Small Experiments
Beyond Scientific Curiosity
Technical Exploration
Embarking on an extraordinary endeavor of pushing the boundaries of 3D printing technology by delving into the uncharted territory of lacquer and beeswax.
Embracing the inherent variability of natural biomaterials, we are on a quest to discover the perfect nozzle sizes that will unlock their full potential. I assembled a DIY filament extruder and breathed life into the first prototype of lacquer filament.
Reading Instructions
Additive Manufacturing
Exploring Design Possibilities
3D Printing Beeswax
Project Portfolio
Investing in design is a great way for companies to ensure the success of their products. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some amazing clients throughout the city area. Care to see some of my work? Check out my portfolio of industrial design projects below to get a better idea of what I can do for you.
Headphones
March 29, 2017
Tea kettle
March 29, 2017
Watch
March 29, 2017
I was visualizing the potential of bioplastics digital information and physical artifacts,to replace synthetic eyewear to reduce the extensive use of plastics in many luxury brands.
3D printed intricate designs
Customisable main frame designs
Use of different colours and composites
Frames designed
as snapfits
