Assignment TwoErin JenningsSpring 2009

Aerogel

• Aerogel is the lightest low-density solid known to exist. This ultra-light, translucent material has exceptional structural strength and insulation properties.

• Aerogel has recently been used by NASA to collect interstellar dust.• Although large, uniform pieces of Aerogel are reserved for NASA/JPL use, small

irregular pieces and granular samples are available for public purchase. • Searches for Aerogel-based art yielded only one result (figure 2). However, images of

the NASA Aerogel array show that the translucent gel is beautiful when lit (figure 3). Its strength and extreme lightness also would provide artists with unique properties to exploit in their work.

Figure 1Aerogel’s weight is only 3 times that of air.http://www.unitednuclear.com/aerogel.htm

http://www.unitednuclear.com/aerogel.htm

Figure 2 Aerogel jewelry

http://www.aerogem.com/aerogel-products.html

FIGURE 3 NASA AEROGEL ARRAYhttp://www.unitednuclear.com/aerogel.htm

FIGURE 2 AEROGEL JEWELRYhttp://www.aerogem.com/aerogel-products.html

AEROGEL

Teflon

• Teflon is a flourocarbon solid commonly used as a non-stick coating on cookware. • A light-reactive version of Teflon was recently used to create the bubble-like outer

structure of the National Aquatics building featured in the Olympics.• Not only does the innovative structure (figure 1) have a stunning appearance

(figure 2), but the Teflon material efficiently traps 90% of the solar energy that passes through it. This energy is used to heat the swimming pools housed inside the building.

• The luminescent and energy-absorption qualities of the material could provide future artists and architects with

http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/02/27/bubble-building-national-swim-center-in-beijing/

FIGURE 1TEFLON PANELS FIGURE 2AQUATICS CENTER

Phosphorescent Fluids

• Phosphorescent fluids react to UV light by glowing. • Phosphorescent powders, which can be added to fluids, are available in a number

of colors (figure 1)• Artists have used phosphorescent fluids to create works such as the Time

Fountain, so named because the strobing UV LEDs make the glowing water droplets appear to stop or flow upward, as though time were frozen or running backward.

• Video of “Time Fountain” in action: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rvY7NGncCgU&eurl=http://www.ohmyweird.com/2007/05/31/optical-illusion-time-fountain/

FIGURE 1PHOSPHORESCENT POWDERhttp://www.unitednuclear.com/glow.htm

FIGURE 2PHOSPHORESCENT FLUID FOUNTAIN

http://cre.ations.net/creation/the-time-fountain-owners-manual

Photo-Sensitive Materials

• Photo-sensitive materials react to light by glowing. This effect may last several hours after exposure, but eventually fades.

• By using UV LEDs, artists can create luminous, temporary works on photo-sensitive sheets (figure 1).

Figure 1UV LED “spray can” with Photo-sensitive sheethttp://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/b5ba/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/b5ba/

Nitinol “Memory Metal”

• Nitinol (Nickel Titanium) is also known as “memory metal.”• The metal may be deformed while cold. When heated, the metal returns to the shape it

held prior to deformation. If you tie it in a knot, then heat it, the metal will untie itself! • This ability to “remember” its shape makes Nitinol an excellent material for

constructing tools and medical implements (figure 1).• Sculptors have created works that take advantage of Nitinol’s unique properties (figure

2).http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitinol

FIGURE 1NITINOL COMPONENTS FIGURE 2NITINOL SCULPTURE

http://www.devicelink.com/company98/enhanced/n/n00076.html

http://sb.epfl.ch/Jahia/site/sb_en/cache/offonce/pid/53064