composites

Nori (seaweed) bowl

In this assignment I decided to explore Nori seaweed sheet for its potential in a composite. Nori is the edible seaweed wrap on sushi.  

I’m using the Venturi valve and a anti-static bag to vacuum pack the resin impregnated Nori sheets to the shape of the bowl.

 

I used a epoxy resin that I brushed onto the sheets, then layered up onto the bowl quickly trying to beat the suggessted 15 minute potlife.

Into the vacuum bag,, bit of a squeeze,,,, then wait and wait and wait.
It seems that the product I was using was past it best before date, apparently this particular product also takes a lot longer to cure than stated on the instructions.
I removed it from the bag and placed it in the oven to off gas and help speed final cure.

Here is the final,,,, not quite as tidy around the edges as I hoped for, but a good proof of concept that Nori can be used in a composite.

The Hiro shot