|Digital Matter
|Multiscalar Porosity
Chitosan as the future of water filtration system
|Team
Eszter Oláh,Sophia Di Biase,, Sara Kelliane Costa, Anaisa Franco
|Faculty
Areti Markopoulou, David Andres Leon, Raimund Krenmueller,
|Project year
2018-19
The MultiScalar Porosity research aims to create a graphene-enhanced material inspired by bone structure. It adapts its porosity for specific architectural needs, emphasizing rigidity and elasticity. The core ingredients, collagen and calcium phosphate, offer a balanced blend of structural stability and partial ductility. Studies focused on pore generation, graphene’s impact, and physical/computational assessments.
Formulate a lightweight, mechanically robust building material with a fabrication method that is cost-effective and environmentally low-impact. Control the material’s porosity at various scales to present a sustainable solution, effectively reducing overconsumption of construction materials.
The research methodology is structured to explore pore generation drivers, assess graphene’s effects, and conduct physical and computational analyses of pore distribution. Sodium bicarbonate and ice additives were found to intricately control pore size in the freeze-drying process, affecting density and large-scale porosity, respectively.
Moreover, graphene oxide exhibits promise in enhancing mechanical properties, particularly in correlation with smaller pore sizes, enhancing structural performance. The comparison between pore size, compressive rigidity, and computational analyses guides precision in pore placement and sizing.
After investigating the impact of varying sodium bicarbonate quantities on natural porosity formation, two types of breaking tests were conducted as previously outlined.
Compression test results:
– Base material with 6g of sodium bicarbonate broke at 57.2 psi.
– The identical mixture with an added 30% Graphene Oxide endured until 97.2 psi before breaking.
These findings suggest that the base material demonstrated superior structural properties. Moreover, the incorporation of graphene oxide exhibited potential for further enhancing these properties.
In summary, the pressing need for more resource-efficient construction methods prompted our exploration into a new material. Our proposed substance combines graphene for strength, sodium bicarbonate for micro-scale porosity, and strategically controlled ice for larger-scale porosity. This bone-inspired material offers lightweight properties, increased strength, and reduced material consumption.
Moving forward, the focus lies in enhancing affordability and sustainability. Investigating the effective use of eggshell calcium, integrating food waste, and optimizing the closed-loop ice utilization process during freeze-drying are crucial steps. These efforts aim to create a cost-effective, eco-friendly material. Furthermore, exploring energy-efficient fabrication techniques, potentially eliminating reliance on industrial-scale freeze-dryers, could pave the way for a nearly zero-energy construction material, advancing sustainable building practices.
