The Design Technology Blog

Category: Evaluation

  • Fiberglass

    Fiberglass is actually plastic wrapped in glass composed of plastic. It enters the environment through manufacturing, using, and disposing such materials. Damaged materials, such as fiberglass insulation, could possibly release fibers into the air and could eventually blend with other airborne particles as component of dust. This exposure can take place through ingestion, breathing or even skin contact. Moreover, such effects can ordinarily take place through home maintenance or moving materials which contain fiberglass. When fiberglass reaches the lungs, it could easily remain there and case numerous health problems, such as the elevation of asthma, damage of cellular mechanisms, and the promotion of cancer cell growth. However, despite the few negative effects, fiberglass does happen to be quite environmentally friendly: It features the lowest embodied energy in comparison to other window frame materials, provides the longest life expectancy,  and has self-extinguishing capabilities in case of fire. Additionally, fiberglass provides stable tolerances and high quality throughout the production phase.

          

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sources:

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/124778-fiberglass-breathing-danger-effects/

    http://www.fiberglasswindows.com/benefits.htm

    http://www.google.com.eg/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1440&bih=805&q=fiberglass&oq=fiberglass&gs_l=img.3..0l10.1039.3207.0.3765.10.8.0.2.2.2.638.1664.2j3j2j5-1.8.0…0.0…1ac.1.5.img.G5Ql-riWcsY#imgrc=RTu6RTxEd361RM%3A%3BBdTjX3qSO_qm4M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F3mcollision.com%252Fmedia%252Fcatalog%252Fproduct%252Fcache%252F1%252Fimage%252F9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95%252F0%252F5%252F05834_fiberglass_resins.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fdigital.thejoytime.com%252FImages.aspx%253Fq%253D3m%2526s%253D50%3B1500%3B1500

  • Paper Clip Smart Material

    Tha paperclip is a very helpful material. A paper clip is an instrument used to hold sheets of paper together, usually made of steel wire bent to a looped shape. Paper clips usually have an oblong shape with straight sides, but may also be triangular or circular, or have more elaborate shapes. It has the functions of a shape memory material, as when you deform the paperclip, then insert it into hot water, the paper clip will return to its original shape. Also it is helpful as it is used instead of a stapler. The stapler will ruin your paper after stapled when you try to unstaple it. However, the paper clip can hold papers together and you can take it off and on anytime without harming the paper. It doesnt contain waste material, and it is easily recyclable

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_Clips_Project

    http://www.officemuseum.com/paper_clips.htm

  • Fibreglass – Omar Elgebaly

    Fiberglass is a fibre reinforced glazs which is held together by a plastic matrix. The material itself is lightweight and extremely strong. Common uses of fibre glass include boats, bike frames, windows, surfboards, etc. It’s lightweight and inherent strength yield a reliably weather resistant product, making it extremely versatile in it’s uses. It was developed in World War II as a replacement for molded plywood used in aircraft radars, as it was transparent to microwaves. It’s first civilian application was for boats and soorts car frames. After that, it started gaining acceptance towards the 1950’s. Since then, use of this material has widely broadened.

    It is currently a matter of debate as to whether fibreglass has a negative impact on health. in the 1950’s, fibreglass became a popular alternative for asbestos. As it is widely known asbestos cause deteriorating health effects, people have started wondering as to whether fibreglass displayed similar harmful effects due to their similarities. Although a great deal of debate surrounds this phenomena, it has been agreed upon that fibreglass is an irritant. Skin irritation is assiciated with the thick fibres of  filamentous glass. It has also been known to cause eye and throat irritation. If one is exposed to prolonged exposure, it may cause difficulty in breathing, which goes away once yiu are removed from it’s vicinity. It is also currently a subject of debate on whether it is carcinogenic. Hiwever, sufficient evidence has not yet been provided. It has some environmental implications, one such being is that it is not environmentally degradable. It’s biggest con is it’s disposal.

     

    Sources:

    http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/what-is-the-environmental-footprint-for-manufacturing-fiberglass-windows-i-m-interested-in-fiberglass-because-it-s-supposedly-more-energy-efficient-than-aluminum

    http://www.einstein.yu.edu/administration/environmental-health-safety/industrial-hygiene/fiberglass.aspx

  • Treehugger

    In Treehugger’s own words …  “TreeHugger is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. Partial to a modern aesthetic, we strive to be a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information. We publish an up to the minute blog, weekly and daily newsletters, weekly radio interviews, and regularly updated Twitter and Facebook pages.”

    Treehugger is divided into three areas of  ‘getting informed’, ‘interact’ and ‘take action’ which include extensive sub – categories.

    http://www.treehugger.com/best-of-green/