Abstract

The production of plastic continues to have a devastating impact on the environment; from the extensive pollution to the unignorable greenhouse gas emissions and throw away culture it has fueled. For this reason, we are seeing the emergence of biomaterials; natural and biodegradable substances which can be used as alternatives to plastic. However, current production of these biomaterials is largely limited to craft based and small batch techniques of furniture and home wares. In order for change to occur, these methods of production must be more easily adopted on a wider scale and find application in more complex, multi assembly products. This study proposes 3D printing as a viable method for biomaterial production going forward, harnessing the scalable, low risk and localised nature of this fabrication method. It further looks to inedible food waste as a source for creating biomaterials, demonstrating an application of the circular economy in which the by-products of one industry become valuable resources for another. As such, a 3D printable biomaterial made from waste oyster shells is developed and the product application of an air purifier casing is presented. The design of the air purifier demonstrates a way of integrating natural and technical components into a cohesive multi-part assembly using additive manufacturing technology for end-part production. Additionally, this research explores how biomaterials will require our attitudes to materials to shift towards an appreciation for naturalness and care rather than physical indestructability. This study takes a truly holistic approach to biomaterials, as with new materials must come new processes, new ways of designing and new ways of understanding attitudes towards them in order to build a more sustainable future.

Design Intent

With plastic continuing to pervade every corner of the planet, destroying natural habitats and producing devastating greenhouse gases, the need for alternative materials has never been more pressing. The emergence of biomaterials, natural and biodegradable substances which can act as replacements for plastics, is a promising solution. However, current production of these biomaterials is largely limited to craft based and small batch techniques. In order for change to occur, these methods of production must be more easily adopted on a wider scale and compete with plastic economically.  

As such, this research presents a 3D printable biomaterial, harnessing the scalability, low economic risk and geographically localised nature of 3D printing to demonstrate a viable and innovative way of using biomaterials going forward. The biomaterial is made from Sydney rock oyster shells. It is entirely natural, biodegradable and localised, with the shells sourced from nearby fish shops who ordinarily throw them away. The utilisation of this inedible food waste represents an application of circular economy theory, in which the by-products of one industry become valuable resources for another. The oyster shells are combined with agar and reinforced with natural hemp fibres, creating a speckled, clay-like material.  

Alongside the development of the material, a product application was designed in the form of an air purifier, to demonstrate the way biomaterials can be utilised in complex, multi-assembly products. The air purifier celebrates the material and production method, with a woven, 3D-printed toolpath used to create the necessary air vents. This forms the natural, textural aesthetic of the appliance, making it a precious object to be displayed rather than a plastic box to be hidden in the corner. Accompanying the air purifier is a product service system that focuses on the maintenance and end of life of the air purifier. As biomaterials are inherently more fragile than plastic, a repair service is offered, and an individual maintenance ritual is encouraged. This air purifier is not speculative, but  shows how biomaterials can be utilised in today’s market. Technical and biomaterial components are integrated in order to present an achievable way of transitioning towards more sustainable production of multi-assembly products.

Bio

Looking to the future is at the heart of my design and research practice. As a product design honours student and researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, I have a passion for future-focused research that explores and demonstrates how we can build a more sustainable and equitable world. With a double degree in a Bachelor of Product Design and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation, I am interested in unpacking the complex systems which govern our world and using design to work out tangible ways to shift and improve them. In my role at UTS, I work primarily in digital design and manufacturing, including 3D scanning, robotic 3D printing, and parametric design. The topic of this dissertation combines these skills with my interest in materials, the future of food, and designing for sustainable behaviour.

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