Composite Attempts

While pacing my kitchen wondering how I could make identical two-part molds to compress different composite combinations I saw a muffin tin...A more perfect composite testing tray has never been created. Two identical tins form a perfect two-part mold that provides uniform compression, a slight draft makes release easy and the non-stick surface ensures no material or adhesive sticks to the tray.

The six combinations pictured hanging below were: (left to right)

1. Thin Begasse & Wood Glue dyed with indigo

2. Rice Hull & Wood Glue

3. Begasse & Wheat Paste (flour,sugar,water)

4. Thin Rice Straw & Rice-based Glue

5. Begasse & Wood Glue

6. Rice Straw & Wheat Paste (flour,sugar,water)

The thin begasse compressed with wood glue was by far the biggest success in creating a rigidity although all the samples dried to a solid state. When I attempted to dye the begasse & wood glue sample with a water based indigo substitute the dyed portion of the sample lost all rigidity within a minute and nearly fell off. Although this might be perceived as a negative attribute, there may be a niche market for a rigid natural composite which dissolves in water almost instantaneously...

Once completely dry, the larger sample that I made became completely rigid and was able to hold the weight of several heavy books while spanning two desks (pictured above). The sample hardly deflected and I believe that it could have upheld much more weight.