VOLCANIC SILK
We live in a world concerned about recyclability and having sustainable products, hence Basalt Fiber is a good answer since it is a green product and with processes that generate less waste and with less impact on the environment.
Compared to Carbon and Aramid Fiber, it has a wider application temperature range (limited of course by the glass transition of the matrix), higher oxidation resistance, higher radiation resistance, higher compressive strength and greater resistance to cutting.
The production of Basalt Fiber strands is such a complex process and is quite similar to the process for producing Fiberglass once the stones are melted down (yes! they are basically created from magma)
Basalt Fiber, also known as “volcanic rock silk”
CARBON SKIN
Carbon fiber is a very durable, mechanically durable and flexible fabric. This new material is mainly composed of carbon atoms. It consists of carbon atoms bonded together in crystals aligned with the longitudinal axis of the fiber, which gives it high strength as a function of volume.
It is five times stronger than steel, but with its same strength and lighter than aluminum; possesses a unique microscopic crystalline structure since it is composed mainly of carbon atoms that are linked together in microscopic crystals aligned and parallel to the long axis of the fibers.
When carbon fiber is produced, thousands of thin carbon strands are twisted together to form a yarn, this yarn is then woven into a flexible fabric that can be molded into many different shapes.
A single filament has a diameter of 50 to 10 microns in diameter, less than a human hair measures. Its appearance is considered elegant and its fabric texture projects luxury in its bright black color.
URUSHI
Lacquering is a broad category of decorative arts, since the lacquer has been used in paintings, prints, and on a variety of objects from Buddhist statues to bentō boxes.
In the Japanese language various terms are used to refer to lacquered. Shikki (漆器) means “lacquer elements” in the literal sense, while nurimono (塗 物) means “coated elements”, and urushi-nuri (漆 塗) means “lacquer cover.”
The sap of the lacquer tree, now called “urushiol-based lacquer” has traditionally been used in Japan. Because the substance is poisonous to the touch until it dries, its use has been in the exclusive hands of properly trained artisans.
Elements have been found indicating that lacquer has been used in Japan since 7000 years AdC, the earliest evidence corresponds to the Jōmon period. Such evidence was discovered at the Kakinoshima “B” excavation site in the Hokkaido village of Minamikayabe (北海道 の 南 茅 町 町 町 ノ ノ 島 B). Numerous traditional handicrafts and industrial arts used in the history of Japan have been influenced by China, and over the centuries have been the subject of various stylistic influences and innovations. During the Edo period (1603-1868) increased the cultivation of lacquer trees and the development of techniques for their use. In the 18th century colored lacquers gained wide diffusion and use.
