Bio-Armor
Building Strength from Wood By-Products
Bio-cellulose can be processed in many forms. This densified regeneration process combined with high pressure casting creates a biological material substantially stronger than steel and other materials. Scientists are also able to produce the material to have more flexible properties if processed with additives.
In Japan, Kikko armor was made of a series of hexagonal iron or hardened leather plates sewn into cloth or chainmail for Samurai warriors. This technique provided a lightweight and flexible option for defense with a good balance between protection and agility. Using resin, I created a proxy material which had both hard and durable properties on the outer-layer and a flexible layer on the backing which gave it good range of motion and strength.
Finding the final form required measuring my own torso dimensions, then creating a few options to choose from. Illustrator made creating patterns and measuring simple, allowing me to explore many possibilities.
The next step was 3D modeling the final design with SolidWorks, then creating a wood cast for a silicone mold. Wood cast made with CNC for precision. The silicone had an issue of tearing and it was later realized the porous wood was not allowing it to release properly. A new machined investment would need to be made using a non-porous material such as acrylic.
Due to time constraints and issues with lifting the silicone negative from the wood cut-out causing parts of the silicone to tear, a 1:1 model was not able to be completed. As a way to show the final product, I used Midjourney generative AI to create an image of a potential final outcome being worn by myself.
Using generative AI we can imagine a broad range of possible applications for this material. With these new applications, widespread adoption will happen sooner. This tech can be adapted for use in steel-toe shoes, shin pads, helmets, and more!
