How can we categorise materials to better understand them?
This is part 1 of my thoughts on material categorisation!
Over the last few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we categories materials and how complicated this can be! I’ve been needing to categories materials for various reasons, for a database I am building, for workshops I am writing. All in the aim to make materials and what they are made of easier to understand.
I have been reading Materials for Design, written by Chris Lefteri, and published originally in 2013. A lot has changed in material science since this was originally written and in the last 10 years we have seen the rapid development of all sorts of material categories, particularly with the need to reduce energy consumption from production, find fossil fuel alternatives, and create more streamlined recycling routes.
Chris decides to categorise materials in his book by their provenience, where the materials originally come from. I think this is a pretty good place to start. Using this method we are given three large categories; Grown, Mined, and Oil Based.
I thought I would explore these categories as a starting point in my research and exploration of material categorisation. The following is an overview of these categories and some notes on sustainability.
Eelgrass harvesting for the production of Sould insulation
Grown Materials
Grown materials are derived from agricultural and forestry resources. These include natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen, as well as wood and bamboo. Grown materials are renewable and biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice when sourced responsibly. The sustainability of these materials depends on agricultural practices, such as water usage, pesticide application, and land management. Certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood and organic standards for textiles help ensure that grown materials are produced in environmentally friendly and socially responsible ways. However, challenges such as deforestation, monoculture farming, and the environmental impact of processing must be managed to fully realize their sustainability benefits.
Lithium salt mines in northern Chile. Photo by artist and designer Malé Uribe, who explores the process of lithium mining and the salt left behind.
Mined Materials
Mined materials are extracted from the earth and include metals like aluminium, iron, and copper, as well as minerals such as gypsum and limestone. These materials are often used in construction, manufacturing, and electronics due to their durability and specific properties. The extraction and processing of mined materials can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and high energy consumption. Sustainable mining practices, recycling, and the use of less impactful extraction technologies are essential to mitigate these effects. Additionally, ensuring the ethical sourcing of mined materials, particularly in conflict regions, is crucial for social sustainability.
Lenses by Cubitts. Most high quality lenses are made using Cellulose Acetate. CA is made up of two polymers; cellulose which is naturally abundant and acetic acid.
Petrochemical Materials
Petrochemical materials are derived from fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. This category includes conventional plastics, synthetic fibers (such as polyester and nylon), and various chemical products. While these materials are versatile, durable, and cost-effective, their production and disposal pose significant environmental challenges. Petrochemical materials are typically non-renewable and non-biodegradable, contributing to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste management issues. Enhancing the sustainability of petrochemical materials involves improving recycling processes, developing bio-based alternatives, and reducing reliance on single-use products. Innovations in recycling technology and the promotion of circular economy principles are key strategies to address the environmental impact of petrochemical materials.