Zeoform

Zeoform is a material developed by the Australian company, Zeo IP Pty. It is derived from water and cellulose,^[1] specifically polymeric lignocellulosic fibres from industrial biomass into a structural material suitable for various applications in the industrial sector. It is claimed(it is not verified yet) to be non-toxic, biodegradable, and that it could replace many forms of hard plastics, synthetic compounds and other polymers (which may be harmful to the environment). ^[2][3]

History

The original discovery of its basis occurred in 1897 by a German company M.M.Rotten in Berlin, patenting a method to produce a natural material utilizing cellulose. Almost 100 years later, three material researchers made advancements on the process that is the basis for Zeoform. This led to the creation, in 2005, of an Australian company that manufactured Artesanal products from the material.^[4]

Production

Zeoform is derived from lignocellulosic biomass, such as hemp, cotton, bamboo, sisal, jute, palm, coconut and other cellulose feedstock.^[5][6] It is made without any glues, binders, chemicals or synthetics. The fundamental chemistry (and patented formula) causes a fibrillation (feathering) of cellulose micro-fibres (in water), then physical ‘entanglement’ and hydroxyl bonding through evaporation.^[7] Done correctly, it results in a super-strong, highly durable, consistent material that emulates wood & wood composites, resin composites, fibreglass and many hard plastics. Zeoform can be produced with various qualities – from light styrofoam to dense ebony. The material is sustainable, compostable and sequesters carbon.^[8]

Applications

Zeoform can be used as a replacement for conventional materials in hundreds of industries, including construction grade flat sheets and curved panels to replace MDF, Masonite, Formica, Corian and other synthetic composites. Zeoform can be sprayed, molded, pressed, laminated or formed using manual and mechanical processes. It can be produced in quantities ranging from small cottage industry to fully automated and robotic mass production.^[9][10]

See also

• Biodegradable plastic

References

1. "Startup Develops Eco-Friendly Material to Replace Wood and Plastic". triplepundit.com. October 16, 2013. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
2. "Eco Monday: Zeoform, the New Miracle Eco-Plastic?". redesignrevolution.com. October 21, 2013. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
3. "Zeoform: The eco-friendly building material of the future?". gizmag.com. August 29, 2013. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
4. . Zeoform.com. Archived from the original on 2014-05-19. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
5. "6 amazing technologies coming soon". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. January 12, 2014. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
6. "A revolutionary new eco-material gets a Kickstart". treehugger.com. October 22, 2013. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
7. "Is this the Holy Grail of Eco-Materials?". ecopreneurist.com. 2013-10-07. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
8. "Beyond plastic: creating sustainable materials from recycled waste". theguardian.com. 7 January 2014. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
9. "Australian company Zeo develops eco-friendly building material that has the potential to be the world's new plastic". australianmanufacturing.com.au. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
10. "Zeoform: A New Plastic That Turns Hemp Into Almost Anything". leafscience. 19 November 2013. Retrieved 2014-05-27.