Materials

                 Manhattan Matter
                Sunflower BioMaterial  
                Copper Finishes
            Biocomposites
                       
                         
     



Sunflower 

Bio-Materials 

2023
Parsons School of Design
Individual Project




In this project, we acquired excess sunflower waste originally produced from a bio-soil remediation proposal. While other elements of the installation were repurposed or dismantled, the surplus sunflower waste remained unused. This prompted an exploration into sunflower as a potential bio-material, leading to the development of various applications including seating, furniture, weaving, basketry, infill materials, light diffusion solutions, and more.




The inside of the sunflower stalk, specifically the pith, when scraped out and dried, displays properties similar to polystyrene. It is light, fluffy, and soft. When mixed with water and dried under pressure, it can serve as a sustainable alternative for insulation material,  lightweight fillers, or packaging material. 



The petals, when boiled, crushed, and pressed into a membrane, form a translucent, panel-like material. This material can potentially be used for decorative lighting fixtures, as it can be cast into any desired shape, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional versatility.
When boiled with vinegar, sunflower seeds release a liquid that acts as a natural glue or binder. The seed fibers, when blended and mixed with this glue, can be cast and dried to create a lightweight, cushion-like material. This material has potential uses in furniture infills or as acoustic wall panels.




 
Additionally, blending sunflower stalks into the mixture adds more fiber, resulting in a heavier material akin to brick. This opens up the possibility of using the mixture to  create monolithic furniture pieces. The addition of vinegar to the process also makes the material mold-resistant, enhancing its durability and usability.