potential of natural materials

What are the potential of using natural materials and how can we deepen our understanding of their properties to see how we can best integrate them into our daily lives.

A particularily interesting space of investigation for me has been into tropical fibres to really see their uses. We can fnid many different natural materials in different climates around the world with different properties related to their climate.

I find tropical materials very interesting of the present moment because they grow in harsh weather conditions, they can withstand intense heat and heavy rain. I think these properties are interesting because when considering how natural materials can be integrated into our lives these are some of the criterias I think is necessary to consider.

When thinking about materials for daily life there needs to be a focus on their flexibility, natural mobility, strength and capacity to be worked with in multiple ways. Finding how different fibres can be woven together to make a strong structure and how each material contains properties that can be useful to our spaces.

working with the materials

Natural materials as they are, are very beautiful but they need to be dried first to see how well they can cope with reality. Drying is one of the most important parts of the process because it removes all moisture in the material that would otherwise build bacterias and we would no longer be able to use them.

As well as this we can examine throughout the drying process how the fibres change and how they develop their potentiality as they change form.

This is a very interesteing part of the process to see how when it changes from one form to another, naturally we are inclined to think that this change is a loss of something but in nature the change is always to move into a new form with also a natural potentiality.

In nature nothing is lost which I love to see in this process, to remind us that there is always something to be gained in the process of change and that it might produce something much more beneficial.

Important notes about working with natural materials

Utilising tropical plant fibres in daily life not only provides sustainable alternatives but also supports local economies in tropical regions. The versatility and eco-friendly nature of these materials make them valuable in various industries.

It's important to note that the specific use of tropical plant fibres in Brazil can vary depending on the region and local traditions. The diverse flora in Brazil contributes to a rich array of materials used in daily life.

Therefore it is to understand that depending on the local region you will get different local plants and fibres that can be worked with in many different interesting ways depending on the local traditions. These local traditions are important to respect as they have lived amongst the plants and have learnt from them over many years.

If used correctly and with respect, tropical fibres can contribute to a range of industries supporting not only the textiles sector but also agriculture, construction, crafts, medicine, cosmetics and more.

tropical study

In this case study what we have found with tropical fibres is that once dried they have a very strong capability, they can be used mainly for their thin fibres which can be woven and repurposed to create materials of strong and sturdy characteristics.

For local cases, tropical fibres are very good for insulating homes and spaces, for building structures, making moulds and furniture. Creating partitions, making useful objects like baskets, bowls, utensils, ropes, oils, lotions and clothing. For building structures and using stones and shells for mosaic and walling.

There are many exciting ways in which we can use natural tropical materials in our everyday life.

What we also found is that many natural materials can be used in coherence with other materials. They on their own can be used for practical things but on a larger scale the use of these fibres are amplified in complementarity with other fibres and materials to enhance their properties and potential.

This leaves room for more exploration into the field of natural materials to explore which ones work together best and why.

specific findings

Here are some examples of how tropical plant fibers can be used as materials in daily life:

Cotton (Gossypium):

While cotton is grown in various climates, it is also prevalent in tropical regions. Brazil is a significant producer of cotton, and the fibers are widely used in the textile industry. Cotton fibers here are commonly used to produce textiles and fabrics for clothing, home furnishings, and other applications.

Jute (Corchorus spp.):

Sacks and Bags: Jute fibers, Jute is a fiber extracted from the jute plant, though traditionally associated with India and Bangladesh, are also cultivated in Brazil. Jute is used to make sacks and bags are used for packaging agricultural products, such as coffee and cocoa.

Sisal (Agave sisalana):

Ropes and Cordage: Sisal fibers come from the agave plant and are used to produce ropes, twines and rugs. These ropes are employed in agriculture, construction, and other industries. Sisal is valued for its strength and durability.

Coconut Fiber (Coir):

Coir Products: Coir, extracted from coconut husks, it is known for its strength and resistance to saltwater, making it suitable for ropes, nets, and mats. It is used in Brazil for various products. Coir mats, brushes, and geotextiles are common. Additionally, coir is utilized in erosion control and landscaping applications.

Bamboo:

Construction and Handicrafts: While not a fiber, bamboo is a versatile material found in tropical regions, including Brazil. It is used in construction for scaffolding, fencing, and housing. Additionally, bamboo is employed in crafting furniture, baskets, and other items.

Rattan:

Rattan is a type of climbing palm not native to Brazil but there are some species that have been introduced and are cultivated in certain regions. This palm has flexible stems. It is commonly used in furniture making, baskets, and handicrafts due to its strength and flexibility.

Brazilian Pine (Araucaria spp.):

Wood Products: Though not a fiber, the wood from Brazilian pine trees is used in construction and the production of furniture and other wood-based products.

Banana Fiber:

Paper Production: Extracted from the pseudostems of banana plants, banana fibers can be used to produce high-quality paper products.

Palm Leaf Plates:

Biodegradable Products: Palm leaves are used to make biodegradable plates and bowls, providing an eco-friendly alternative to plastic or styrofoam.

Açaí Palm (Euterpe oleracea):

Handicrafts and Food Packaging: Açaí palm leaves are used in Brazil for crafting hats, baskets, and other handicrafts. The palm also produces the açaí berry, and the leaves are sometimes used for eco-friendly food packaging.

Henequen Agave Fibers:

Henequen: Various agave species are found in Brazil, and fibers like sisal and henequen can be extracted. These fibers are used for making ropes, twines, and sometimes textiles.

Babassu Palm (Attalea speciosa):

Crafts and Oils: The fibers from the babassu palm are used in crafts, creating products like baskets and hats. Additionally, babassu oil extracted from the seeds is used in cosmetics and soaps.

Aloe Vera Fiber:

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses: Aloe vera, a succulent plant often found in tropical climates, has fibers with medicinal properties. The gel from the leaves is commonly used for skincare, but the fibers can be used in bandages and wound dressings.