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Template Biomaterial Workshop

Wool-Alginate Biocomposite Workshop Template

Goal

The wool–alginate composite represents a meeting point between land-based and sea-based bio-resources. Wool provides a fibrous reinforcement and tactile warmth, while alginate functions as a bio-polymer matrix capable of binding fibres into a flexible sheet. The workshop aims to:

  • Investigate material behaviour through hands-on experimentation
  • Encourage collaborative learning and peer exchange
  • Generate an open collection of material recipes
  • Explore the role of food waste as functional fillers rather than decorative additives.

The process supports Woolshed values of sharing, collective experimentation and accessible knowledge production.

MATERIAL AND TOOLS

  • 12 g Alginate
  • 20 g Glycerin
  • 400 ml
  • 10 g seed oil
  • Calcium Chloride solution (10 g calcium chloride per 100 ml water)

Note: double/triple the dose based on the number of participants.

  • Food-waste powder ingredients (e.g. orange peels, banana peels, apple peels, coffee grounds, etc. fully dehydrated and ground)

  • Wool fibres (washed and carded, optional test with unwashed wool for comparison)

  • Containers or mixing bowls

  • Digital balance
  • Spatula
  • Hand blender or mixer
  • Paper towels
  • Spray bottle (for calcium chloride solution)
  • Embroidery hoops or simple frames
  • Texture dense fabric
  • Dehydrator (for preparation of food-waste powders)
  • Grinder or cereal mill (to obtain fine powders)
  • Camera or smartphone for documentation
  • Labels and markers for sample tracking

Powder Ingredients (Food Waste Fillers)
Various dried food waste ingredients can be used as fillers to modify the composite texture, density and behaviour. Examples include:

  • Citrus peels
  • Banana peels
  • Apple peels
  • Coffee grounds
  • Vegetable scraps

All ingredients must be fully dehydrated to prevent mold growth. Finer powders generally produce more homogeneous composites, while coarse powders increase surface texture and porosity.

STEP BY STEP PROCESS

Step 1: Prepare the sodium alginate mix Add the sodium alginate to the water. Blend the mix until it becomes homogeneous. Add the glycerine and blend again. Add the filler and blend again. Place in the fridge overnight, to lose bubbles.

Step 2: Prepare the calcium chloride mix Mix 100ml of water with 10 grams of calcium chloride. Stir until completely dissolved. Place the mix in the sprayer bottle. Shake the bottle before use.

Step 3: Prepare and spray the mold Take the waterproof texture dense fabric, place and fix it in the embroidery hoop. Spray the textile mold with calcium chloride. Remove excess with a paper towel.

Step 4: Pour and spray the mix Take the bubble free sodium alginate mix. Pour the mix onto the textile mold. Tap the mold so the mix distributes evenly over the surface. Spray the surface of the mix with calcium chloride. Remove excess with a paper towel.

Step 5: Dry Let dry over a radiator or in a food dehydrator (40°C for 24 hrs)

Step 6: Remove from the mold Take out of the frame after 7 days. Pull slowly from the border of the bioplastic until completely detached.

DETAILED STEP PROCESS BASED ON ROLE AND TIMING

Before the workshop

FACILITATOR:

  • Prepare and label powder ingredients in jars
  • Prepare calcium chloride solution and alginate mixture (step 1 and 2)
  • Prepare wool fibres (washed and unwashed)
  • Prepare sample documentation sheets
  • Prepare sample storage area

During the workshop

FACILITATOR:
- Introduces workshop concept and materials - Guides participants through process - Supports safe and inclusive participation - Archives results for open knowledge sharing and collects participants' feedback on the activity

PARTICIPANTS:
- Select the wool and powder ingredients and write down the choices in the sample doc. sheet - Prepare the mold, place the ingredients and fill with the alginate mixture - Spray the calcium chloride solution and let it dry - Share feedback about the experience and material observation

DOCUMENTATION LEAD (Facilitator or other person):

  • Collects consent to take photos to participants
  • Photographs and videos the process

After the workshop

FACILITATOR:

  • Checks drying process in the lab
  • Ensures each sample sheet is associated to the material sample
  • During second meeting with participant, shares dried materials and collects reflections on possible applications and future experimentation.

Sample Tracking (Documentation sheet)

To ensure comparability and reproducibility, each sample should be accompanied by a short documentation sheet recording material choices and observations.

Sample Information
Sample ID: Wool + Alginate+ .........................
Date:
Participant / Group (optional):

Fibre Information
Wool type / breed (if known):
Fibre preparation
☐ Washed
☐ Unwashed
☐ Carded
☐ Other: ______
Approximate fibre weight (if measurable):

Composite Recipe
Food-waste fillers used:
Powder granulometry (fine / medium / coarse / mixed):
Approximate quantity of fillers:
☐ Low
☐ Medium
☐ High
☐ Measured weight: ______

Observations
(Texture, flexibility, bonding quality, colour changes, drying behaviour, unexpected reactions, etc.)

Potential Applications / Reflections
(Open notes from participants)