DuoLin is a continuous exploration, of future material possibilities with flax fibre, to develop sustainable textile and biopolymer composites. Each step is a continuation from the previous exploration, building a constellation of experimental research through design, investigations benefiting many different products.
Flax, or linseed is a renewable resource, growing abundantly in many climates in 100 days, it captures carbon and enriches soil. The same plant produces strong lightweight, competing with carbon but with only a fraction of the energy to produce them. Oil or mucus extracted from the plant seed can be processed into sophisticated biopolymers to replace the toxic, non-renewable materials in use today.
Working with European partners such as CELC Masters of Linen, and Bcomp, the research series builds on the expertise of producers and suppliers, fitting centuries-old knowledge with cutting edge material innovations. The goals of each investigation are to finding performance, circularity, developing compatible processes, and progress breakthroughs.
For instance, a keystone has been combining the fibres and bio based polymers from the same plant, into a demonstration of a cycle helmet. Understanding these materials for these applications leads to us challenging the boundaries for performance, finding strength and weight using structure (using Bcomp lattice materials).
Critical Design, and iterative development, helped to create strong mechanical properties, proving performance, practicality, and efficiency, with a modular system proposed as a bicycle frame. Product and process demonstrations help understand the potential, and shortcomings of the material use in places where it could replace carbon.
From seed, to fibre, to resin, all parts are transformed and used. The proposed developments in products can now improve a whole sector: from bicycle helmet and saddle, to modular frame constructions, to fully bio-based sports equipment and automotive solutions. There is an increasing advantage in using human and earth friendly fibres, like farming resources in water, renewable non-hazardous fibres, compatibility with modern manufacturing processes, and fully circular bio-based products.
