Millefoglie Clay is a project based on the research and experimentation of organic materials for 3D printing.
The project was born from the desire and intent to promote the circular economy, in which all resources are constantly transformed to become useful again, without creating waste.
The organic materials intercepted for this research are algae, egagropyl, pine needles, chestnut flowers, dried flowers and leaves. The selection of these plant was based on four parameters: availability, invasiveness, easy to reduce to powder.
For many of these materials it was difficult to carry out the experimentation. To be able to be included in the mixes for the 3D printer with the tehnic "paste extrusion", all materials must be reduced to powder with particle sizes between 150 and 500 μm. With a more sophisticated instrumentation it will certainly be possible to carry on this aspect of the research.
The photo shows the first tests of the composites based on glycerin and starch and others based on methylcellulose.After finalizing these tests, the most suitable mixtures for the 3D printing application were evaluated.
After experimenting with various compositions, with different vegatal materials and binders, Millefoglie Clay proved to be the most promising. It is composed of amalgam based on glycerin and starch (water, glycerin, corn starch, vinegar), clay powder and dried leaves.
Have been hypothesized that forms to understand the behavior of the material. Variables such as height, torsion and wall thickness were taken into consideration during the design phase. By varying these, it was possible to understand the behavior of the material during the printing and drying phases, its self-supporting capacity and all its criticalities.
With this thesis I want to emphasize, as thanks to the rediscovery of the materials offered by nature and the new multi-disciplinary practices, including design and technology, we can achieve the structuring of a deep design thinking that puts answers to the survival of our species.
