ＴＣＧＳ
Sustainable Materials 2023
一起探索有趣的環保材料吧 Discover intriguing & eco-frindely materials with us~
Aerogel 氣凝膠
氣凝膠的發明來自兩位科學家的賭注，Kistler和Learned比賽誰能先將液態凝膠裡的成分用氣態取代且發泡的間壁不塌陷，最後是Kistler成功了，於是我們有了新的環保絕熱體。李訓谷博士的實驗室將氣凝膠粉加入酚醛樹脂中，降低合成成本，隨後用超臨界乾燥法使裡面成固體結構、不受毛細現象擠壓影響。
氣凝膠製成的耐熱板材發後具防火、防潮、輕量、阻熱特性。此綠色建材獲得2018第三屆世界永續能源技會創新獎（3rd WSSET Innovation Awards 2018）。目前氣凝膠大於90%的孔洞和疏水特性，使其在5G 電子材料有極大淺力。
The battle between scientists Kistler and Learned to see who could substitute gas for a liquid gel's constituent parts without causing the foamed walls to collapse led to the development of aerogel. Kistler eventually achieved his goal, which resulted in the development of a novel, ecologically friendly insulating substance. In order to save synthesis expenses, Dr. Li Xun Gu's lab additionally mixed aerogel powder with phenolic resin, which was then supercritically dried to harden the interior structure.
Heat-resistant panels composed of aerogel have the qualities of being lightweight, fireproof, and moisture-proof. The World Sustainable Energy Technology Conference's 2018 Third WSSET Innovation Award went to this green construction material. Aerogel has tremendous potential in 5G electronic materials due to its hydrophobic properties and porosity of more than 90%.Apr.2023
Seaweed Plastic 海藻塑膠
海藻塑膠可由琼脂、藻酸鹽和海藻糖等海藻製備，海藻生長不需要農田、淡水、肥料、人為干預，幾乎是取之不盡。雖然塑膠在我們生活已經不可踢除了，但透過海藻產品可以減輕我們對化石燃料的依賴。海藻在生長過程中能有效吸收二氧化碳，可以減少產品的碳足跡。張建華博士曾說：「如果我們所有的塑膠都來自海藻，這意味著我們可以固化目前空氣中數百萬甚至數十億噸的二氧化碳」。
海藻塑膠很適合應用於一次性塑膠，傳統塑料需要數百年才能分解，對生態系統造成長期威脅。而海藻塑料在適當條件下能夠生物降解，並不會釋放有害物質，從而減少環境污染。隨著科技的進步，許多企業已經開始探索其在外賣包裝、防水膜，甚至是時尚配件和可家居用品。
Seaweed plastic can be made from agar, alginates, and laminarin. Seaweed don't require farmland, freshwater, fertilizers, or human intervention, in order to grow thrively, making it an almost unlimited resource. Although plastic has become indispensable in our daily lives, seaweed products can still help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Seaweed effectively absorbs carbon dioxide during its growth process, which can cut down the carbon footprint of products. Dr. Zhang Jianhua once said, “If all our plastic came from seaweed, we could reduce sequester millions, even billions, of tons of CO2 in the atmosphere.”
Seaweed plastic works particularly well for single-use plastics. Unlike conventional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down and post threat to our ecosystems, seaweed plastic can degrade naturally without releasing any toxic elements into the environment, which helps to reduce pollution. Many businesses are starting to investigate the potential uses of seedweed plastics in takeout packaging, waterproof films, and even home products and fashion accessories due to technological advancements.
May.2023
Recycling Rubber 回收橡膠
回收橡膠的過程涉確實費時費力的，首先是收集與分類廢舊橡膠材料，如舊輪胎、橡膠鞋和廢橡膠管等，接著清洗去除表面污垢、油質、雜質。再接著是將這些橡膠材料粉碎，以轉化為小顆粒或粉末增大接觸面積。最後才是用加熱、化學處理分解聚合物的結構，也難怪大多人都覺得不划算...
但這些回收橡膠在台灣還是很常見的，可被應用安全地墊、柏油瀝青、潛水衣和建築材料等。如果在製作橡膠的過程使其結構在不失安全性的情況下可以被化學物質或較低的溫度分解，或許有利於回收橡膠的產業。如此循環便能減少對新橡膠原料的需求，從而推動可持續發展。
The porcess of recycling rubber surely requires a lot of work and effort. First,we gather and classify the secondhand rubber resources, including waste rubber tubes, old tires, and rubber shoes. The materials are next cleaned to remove any remaining dirt, oil, and surface impurities. These rubber components are subsequently ground into powder or very small particles to increase the processing surface area. Ultimately, heat and chemical treatments are used to break down the rubber's polymer structure. That the majority of people don't believe it to be profitable makes sense.
Recycled rubber is actually widely used in Taiwan, though, where it's utilized for things like construction materials, wetsuits, asphalt, and safety mats. If we can make rubber more easily to be broken down by chemical substances or at lower temperatures, while maintaining safety, we can benefit the rubber recycling industry. This positive cycle will reduce our demand for new rubber raw materials, thereby promoting sustainable development.
June.2023
CPVC 氯化聚氯乙烯
CPVC（氯化聚氯乙烯）是無臭的白色或淡黃色顆粒或粉末。作為聚氯乙烯（PVC）的改良材料，CPVC 的一大特點是其氯化程度較高（約70%），這使得其耐用性和耐熱性顯著提高，額外的氯含量讓其能夠承受高達100°C的使用溫度。因此 CPVC的耐用性和低毒性使他被視爲一種環保材料。CPVC的強度和長壽命使得頻繁更換的需求減少，從而降低了廢物產生。CPVC的有害物質釋放量較低，有助於維持更健康的室內環境。此外，CPVC的良好熱絕緣性能能有效節約能源，並且其耐腐蝕和耐化學性質有助於防止土壤和地下水污染。
CPVC 的低燃燒性和低煙霧釋放特性，可以限制火焰擴散，為使用者提供了更安全又環保的選擇。這個特性使其在建築、化工和造船等領域得到了廣泛應用。隨著環保意識的提升，CPVC 的創新特性正引領著未來的材料發展，成為可持續發展的重要一環。
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, or CPVC, is a colorless powder or granule that has a light yellow or white hue. It is a better material made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) with a higher chlorination level (about 70%), which increases its heat resistance and durability and enables it to endure temperatures as high as 100°C. Thanks to its resilience and low toxicity, CPVC is a promising material for the environment as it requires fewer replacements and produces less waste. Because of its superior thermal insulation, chemical resistance, and resistance to corrosion, CPVC contributes to healthier interior environments by emitting fewer toxic compounds and preventing soil and groundwater pollution.
CPVC's low flammability and low smoke emission characteristics can limit flame spread, providing users with a both safer and more sustainble option. This characteristic leads to various applications in construction, chemical processing, and shipbuilding. As environmental awareness grows, CPVC's innovative features position it as a key material for sustainable development.
Jul.2023
Linen Fiber 亞麻纖維
亞麻纖維是從亞麻植物（Linum usitatissimum）中提取的一種天然纖維，亞麻的種植特色是可以在沒有除草劑或肥料的幫助下生長得很好有廣泛的用途，其對水分的需求較少，且在生長過程中能有效吸收二氧化碳。
亞麻纖維材料受歡迎的原因，應該來自良好的透氣性和吸濕性，適合被應用在夏季服裝和床單用品。且雅麻纖維比棉纖維更加堅韌、耐用，並且在經過洗滌和使用後，其強度還會逐漸增強。亞麻纖維也具有自然抗菌特性，能有效減少異味，保持清新。由於其自然紋理和光澤，亞麻被廣泛應用於服裝和織物工藝中、受到時尚界的青睞。下次再選擇服裝或布料時，可以考慮一下這個環保原料～
Linen fiber is a natural fiber extracted from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). One of the distinctive features of flax cultivation is its ability to grow well without herbicides or fertilizers. It also require little water requirement and are cabpable of absorbing CO2 during its growth process.
Because of their superior breathability and moisture-wicking qualities, linen fiber fabrics are very ideal for summer apparel and bedding. Linen fibers are also stronger and more durable than cotton fibers, and their strength actually increases after washing and use. Additionally, linen has natural antibacterial properties, effectively reducing odors and keeping things fresh. Due to its natural texture and luster, linen is widely used in fashion and textile craftsmanship, gaining favor in the fashion industry.
So next time you choose clothing or fabric, consider this eco-friendly material!
Aug.2023
Recycled Glass 再生玻璃
再生玻璃的生產過程就和製造新玻璃一樣，首先是清潔收集來的廢棄玻璃、去除奇怪的雜質。接著可想而知就是將玻璃摔碎，然後在高溫下熔化，最終重塑成新玻璃產品。如果想讓再生玻璃普及，應該需要民眾更積極回收玻璃，使廠商在製造玻璃時願意選擇利用已經存在的材料，不會將舊的、破碎的玻璃產品置落網聞。要知道再生玻璃產品在設計和功能上真的完全可以與傳統玻璃媲美。
再生玻璃的使用具有顯著的環境效益。由於回收的玻璃不需要從原材料中提取，因此其生產過程所需的能量較低，這有助於減少碳足跡。此外，再生玻璃還能減少填埋場的廢物，促進資源的可持續利用。隨著人們對可持續發展意識的提升，希望再生玻璃的創意應用將會越來越受到重視，成為未來玻璃容器的最佳原料選擇。
Glass recycling follows a smilar industrial process as glass making. To start, any contaminants are cleaned out of the collected waste glass. Subsequently, as you could have predicted, the glass is heated to a high point and crushed before being reformed into new glass products. The public must actively recycle glass in order to encourage manufacturers to use pre-existing materials when making glass rather than throwing away outdated, broken glass items. It's important to remember that recycled glass items have the same superior functionality and design as newly manufactured glass.
Glass that has been recycled is better for the environment in many ways. Recycled glass requires less energy to produce than virgin glass because there is no need to extract raw materials, which lowers carbon footprint. Additionally, recycled glass reduces waste in landfills and promotes the sustainable use of resources. As awareness of sustainable development increases, we hope that innovative applications of recycled glass will gain more attention and become the preferred material choice for future glass containers.
Sep.2023
Nanocellulose 奈米纖維素
奈米纖維素是一種由天然纖維素經處理後得到的微觀材料，具有卓越的物理和化學特性，使其在醫療領域展現出廣泛的應用潛力。例如，奈米纖維素可以用作生物醫學中的支架材料，用於組織工程。這些支架能夠促進細胞的附著和生長，幫助新組織的形成。此外，奈米纖維素具有良好的生物相容性和生物降解性，能夠在體內安全分解，減少二次手術的需要。近期研究還發現，奈米纖維素能夠被用作藥物釋放載體，改善藥物的溶解度和穩定性，從而提高治療效果。
在實際應用方面，奈米纖維素已經被應用於製作生物醫用敷料，例如用於傷口護理的材料。這些敷料不僅能夠有效吸收傷口滲出物，保持傷口的濕潤環境，還具有抗菌性能，可以減少感染的風險。此外，奈米纖維素還可用於製作人造皮膚和藥物釋放系統，這些系統能夠精確控制藥物的釋放速率，改善患者的治療體驗。隨著研究的深入和技術的發展，奈米纖維素在醫療領域的應用將會愈加普及，為未來的醫療產品帶來更多創新可能性。
Nanocellulose is a microscopic material derived from natural cellulose. Its remarkable chemical and physical characteristics make it suitable for a variety of medical applications. In tissue engineering, nanocellulose can be utilized as a scaffold material. These scaffolds help new tissue develope by encouraging cell adhesion and proliferation. Furthermore, due to its exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability, nanocellulose can safely break down inside the body, minimizing the need for additional surgeries. According to recent researches, nanocellulose can also be employed as a drug delivery vehicle, increasing the stability and solubility of medications and boosting their therapeutic efficiency.
Nanocellulose has already been used in the production of biomedical dressings, such as materials for wound care. These dressings can effectively absorb wound exudate, maintain a moist wound environment, and have antibacterial properties to reduce the risk of infection. Furthermore, nanocellulose can be applied in artificial skin and drug delivery systems, which precisely control drug release rates, improving the treatment experience for patients. With further research and technological advancements, nanocellulose applications in the medical field will become increasingly widespread, bringing more innovative possibilities for future medical products.
Oct.2023
Bamboo Building Materials 竹子建材
竹子生長快速，台灣種植竹子的面積就有20公頃。竹子和常見的鋼建材相比，竹子具備耐重、質輕、不生鏽的特性，若處理得宜，即便風吹日曬雨淋，用50年都不是問題；碳足跡甚至為負的，不像其他建材（例如鋼、塑料）會隨著建造和運送過程釋放大量二氧化碳，是個很有展望的綠色建材。先前提到的處理得宜，如今的技術在將竹子高溫乾燥後，便能將竹子發展成不易龜裂與蟲蛀的穩定材料。
竹子建材除了能減少碳足跡和耐用之外，還可以展現傳統手工之美。或許各位有看過美術館的限定展覽或設計師甘銘源的作品，竹子建材是需要專業能力和巧思的，因此這個產業會提供一批人才工作機會。竹子建材已不再停留在藝術作品，如苗栗「憨人書院」、甫完工的故宮南院「忘筌‧捨筏」水上茶屋等公共設施，還有其他城市公園，我們或許可以學習東南亞的旅館，將竹子建材一步步帶到家居建材。
Bamboo can grow rapidly. In fact, Taiwan has 20 hectares of bamboo cultivation land . Bamboo stands out in comparison to popular building materials like steel because it is robust, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion. Bamboo can stand strong wind, sun, and rain for up to 50 years when treated properly. Unlike other building materials such as steel or plastic, which produce significant volumes of CO2 during production and shipping, its carbon footprint is even negative. Bamboo is therefore a very promising green building material. As was previously noted, proper treatment entails the use of methods like high-temperature drying, which turns bamboo into a stable substance resistant to insect damage and cracking.
Bamboo building materials not only have a lower carbon footprint but also exhibit the beauty of traditional workmanship due to their durability. You may have seen temperate displays in art museums or the creations of designer Gan Mingyuan, in which bamboo was skillfully and creatively turned into enormous structures. As a result, this industry provides skilled workers with employment prospects. Bamboo is no longer just used for artwork; it is already used in a number of facilities, including public parks, the "Forgetting the Fish, Letting Go of the Raft" water tea house at the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, and the "Han People Academy" in Miaoli. We may introduce bamboo as a sustainable building material for daily houses gradually, using inspiration from hotels in Southeast Asia.
Nov.2023
Vegetable-based Capsule 蔬菜皮膠囊
傳統膠囊本身為蛋白質，其含有的明膠主要是由動物的結締組織 、 骨骼等提煉而來，因此對素食者某些宗教信仰的人並不友好。而蔬菜皮膠囊主要由植物纖維構成，其植物包括松樹、雲杉和冷杉等，先前提到的海藻，也可以是一種來源。這些材料在製作膠囊時可以提供良好的結構強度和溶解性。蔬菜皮膠囊在腸道中能夠迅速分解，釋放其中的有效成分，並且因其天然成分而不含有害的化學物質，這使得它們成為一種安全的選擇。
蔬菜皮膠囊不僅提供了更安全、更健康的選擇給有需求的人，相比傳統明膠膠囊，蔬菜皮膠囊在生產和分解過程也有效的減少碳足跡和對動物資源的依賴。隨著消費者對健康和環保的需求日益增強，蔬菜皮膠囊正成為市場上越來越受歡迎的選擇。
下次再選擇膳食補充劑或藥物包裝時，不妨考慮一下蔬菜皮膠囊這個永續替代方案。
The primary component of traditional capsules is protein. Since the gelatin in them is derived from animal bones and tissues, vegans and those with certain religious beliefs have trouble consumimg them. Vegetable capsules, on the other hand, are composed of plant-based fibers, some of which come from fir, spruce, and pine trees. The seaweed that we previously discussed is also a great choice. When creating capsules, these plant-based materials offer good solubility and structural strength. In our intestines, vegetable capsules can degrade quickly, releasing the medication carried in the capsules. Since vegetable capsules are made from natural materials, they don't contain any hazardous chemical, making them a safe option.
Vegetable capsules not only offer a safer, healthier alternative for those in need, but they also reduce carbon footprint and our reliance on animal resources in the production and decomposition process. As consumers started to prioritize health and environmental sustainability, vegetable capsules are becoming increasingly popular in the market.
So, next time you're purchasing dietary supplements or medical capsules, why not consider vegetable-based options? They offer a healthier, more sustainable choice that's better for both you and the environment.
Dec.2023
