As part of a project titled Desintergra.me, industrial designer Margarita Talep has developed an alternative to single-use plastics in the form of a biodegradable material derived from algae.
“This project is approached from the perspective of industrial design for the creation of a new material, delving into all the variables that will allow us to study and understand how this works for the large-scale development of the same in the future,” said Talep. “The material was specifically designed to replace elements that have an ephemeral lifetime.”
Setting Mind: What is the manufacturing process of the biomaterial?
Margarita Talep: The biomaterial is manufactured with Agar, a polysaccharide that is extracted mainly from red algae. The process varies depending on the final material you want to reach.
First, the liquid mixture is brought to a temperature of about 80 ° C then deposited on the surface or mould. When the temperature of the mixture drops below 20 ° C, the mixture becomes a gel. The material is then dried in ventilated environments with a constant temperature.
How did you decide on using algae as your main ingredient?
Much of the information that is in this project was born 3 years ago when I began to explore biodesign. I took a workshop at my university (Universidad Diego Portales) about biopolymers and with a study partner, we made a bioplastic made of casein and protein of milk with incredible results.
From there, the research and my interest only grew. I questioned myself and my own discipline about the lack of organic materials that could replace plastic. Why use an indestructible material in a disposable product? How do we dispense with plastic in situations where its use is ephemeral and its utility is minimal? I was really passionate about discovering and experimenting with such a fresh subject.
When it was time to make the final project to graduate, the algae were the best option to continue developing, since they were in greater quantity and came from a vegetable source.
What first got you interested in design?
What always caught my attention as a child are the materials, especially those that were rare or unknown to me. It gave me the option to explore infinitely and freely. When I started to study design, the most interesting thing was to see that design was a discipline that at all times was connected to another, creating links and studies on things that were not usually directed to the self-discipline.
How will the biomaterial be utilized?
It can be used for packaging dry food and objects. The material is tremendously versatile.
How long does it take for the biomaterial to decompose?
The biomaterial decomposes, depending on the thickness of the material, in approximately two to three months in summer and three to four months in winter.
Will the algae-based biomaterial see widespread use in the near future?
That is the objective. We have passed the stage of research and development, now comes the manufacture of machines that will allow us to develop the material on a larger scale. To contribute to the solution of the problem of plastic pollution, we must reach the industries and the public in general.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
To learn more, click the link below.
