Chitosan

ChitoTinkering

As part of their material research project, Benjamin Kaltenbach, Lilith Stumpf, Felix Harr, and Julia Ihls developed innovative applications for chitosan – a versatile biopolymer derived from chitin. Chitin is the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose and forms the structural basis of crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and the cell walls of certain fungi.

Inspired by chitin’s protective function in nature, the designers translated the material properties of chitosan into everyday applications. Their focus was on the concept of enclosures and casings – objects that combine protection and structure. The result is a series of functional prototypes, including a lampshade, a pen, transparent document sleeves, and a folder, all made from chitosan composite material.

To explore the material’s creative and technical potential, various processing techniques were tested: The chitosan material was sewn, riveted, ironed, folded, self-adhered, and engraved or cut using a CNC laser. This experimental approach highlights the versatility of chitosan and demonstrates its potential as a sustainable material alternative.

Through this design and technical exploration, the designers open up new perspectives for chitosan and emphasise its potential as an innovative, bio-based material.

Making process

Before the material could be produced, suitable moulds had to be made that could be combined with the acidity of the vinegar. The liquid, already boiled formulation of chitosan, methycellulose, vinegar, glycerine and distilled water can then be poured into frames and evenly spread. After about a week, the dried chitin can be removed and processed further. The material produced was then analysed for its properties and possible applications with the help of experiments. The high tear resistance of the material, as well as its transparency, feel and ease of laser cutting and folding were particularly striking. The possibility of using the material itself as an adhesive was also convincing: for the chitin pen, for example, a strip of the chitosan composite material was wrapped around a biro refill and then glued with fresh, still liquid material.
The transparent document sleeves were precisely CNC laser-cut, then folded and sewn. To create a voluminous lampshade from the flat material, a special folding technique was used to form a spherical shape from three pre-cut rectangular strips. These were additionally laser engraved to achieve predetermined folding points. Beside the lampshade, a base was developed consisting of a petri dish and a test tube. Both objects are typical laboratory equipment and thus emphasise the context of the project.

Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.