3D Pieces Material Research

This is material research for my 3D pieces part of the project. I will be researching mount board, foamboard, and acetate. 

Mountboard:

Mountboard is a type of stiff cardboard that is used to mount art, photos, prints, etc. It comes in a lot of colours and sizes and it can also be used for a variety of projects like model making. It is an acid-free material and it is usually laminated on both sides to create a stiff durable material. 

It is a good choice of material because of its strength and stability. It is strong enough to provide support for architecture models but also lightweight enough to be carried and handled easily. It is resistant to tearing, creasing, moisture, and to acid, so it won't suffer changes in humidity and won't yellow or degrade when exposed to acid or sunlight. It is considered more durable than any other type of cardboard, paper, or plastic. It is easy to cut with precision if using a craft knife carefully, making it possible to different shapes and sizes. 

There are two types of mountboard, conservation mountboard, and standard mountboard. 

Conservation mountboard is made from a higher quality and more expensive material, it is specifically manufactured to protect works of art. It is meant to be used on expensive and valuable projects. It is acid-free and comes with a pH-neutral buffered core. 

Standard mountboard is the more common type and is usually made from cheaper materials. It is suitable for mounting prints or photos and it also comes with a buffered core. 

I will be using mountboard for the straight structure parts of my design to help it hold the organic shape in place and resemble the straight wall of the building.

Foamboard: 

Foamboard is a material made of a thin layer of foam with a sheet of paper or cardboard on each side, usually made from polystyrene or polyurethane. It is lightweight, easy to work with, and very versatile. It comes in a variety of sizes and colored and can be used in many projects, such as model making, picture frames, sign making, and even as a backing board while creating art. 

The foam can vary in thickness depending on the application, but usually, it is easy to piece together without the need for special tools or equipment. It is easy to cut and shape (but must be careful to not overcut), and it is also an affordable material.

It is lightweight which makes it easy to carry even with large projects and is also highly strong and durable that can withstand wear and tear over time. It is a versatile material because it is used in a lot of different ways and is easy to work with.

This material will be great to use for the wave part of my project because of its flexibility and its light weight which makes it easy to create shapes and forms. 

Acetate:

Acetate is a clear plastic material that is used as a solvent and in the manufacture of plastics and textiles. It is also a component of some adhesives and varnishes. It has a wide range of applications in the manufacturing, food, and pharmaceutical industries. 

Acetate is an organic compound that's made out of two main elements, carbon and oxygen but also acetic acid and a specific alcohol. It is a renewable resource that can break down easily. It is non-toxic and can be recycled or reused and is an effective solvent. 

It was first discovered in 1773 by the English chemist Joseph Priestly. Its name was "Oil of Vitriol" and was used by manufacturers to dissolve metals and got the name acetate later in 1774 by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier.

The process of making acetate starts with a "derivative" of cotton, cellulose. The cellulose is mixed with acetic anhydride and after a few hours, the liquid turns solid and takes on the acetate consistency. Then it goes into several further steps and chemical processes to achieve the desired consistency and strength. After all the steps are complete the acetate is ready for use but depending on the specific use it might need to be cooled, dried, or dyed.

It is a versatile material that can be used for many different products, projects, and more. It is safe and affordable. It is also used for car upholstery, window treatments, and other home decor, as well as for medical use often for prosthetic materials and surgical instruments. 

Acetate is often used in art projects for its durability and flexibility. It can be layered and create unique textures as well as adding more structure to projects. I will be using clear and coloured acetate for all the glass parts in my design.

References: 

Daller Rowney (2023) Mountboards. Available from: https://www.daler-rowney.com/art-surfaces/mountboards/#:~:text=A%20mountboard%20is%20a%20thin,a%20clean%20and%20crisp%20finish. (accessed 12 May) 

Frame Destination (2022) What mountboard is and how to use it. Available from: https://www.framedestination.com/blog/mount-board/what-is-mount-board-and-how-to-use-it  (Accessed 12 May) 

Hobbycraft (nd) Available from: https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/decor-frames/frame-mounting/foam-board/ (Accessed 13 May) 

Laird Plastics (2023) What is foam board, what is it used for? Available from:  https://lairdplastics.com/resources/what-is-foam-board-what-is-it-used-for/#:~:text=Foam%20board%20is%20often%20used,create%20interiors%20and%20construct%20buildings. (Accessed 13 May) 

Good on you (2021) Material Guide: What is Acetate and is it Eco-Friendly? Available from: https://goodonyou.eco/is-acetate-eco-friendly/ (Accessed 13 May)