This technical plastic material, developed by BASF, is especially suitable for applications with high temperatures, up to 220 °C. So the outside of the kettle can be touched at any time, even when it contains hot liquid, without any danger of being burned.
Also singled out for praise was the 'Lyn' light by Christophe Marchand Design. The Jury particularly liked the successful fusion of high-tech and charm, which found expression in a textile lampshade manufactured with the latest knitting technology.
The knitted fabric is made from a heat-resistant, light-reflecting polyamide weave, through which the light is not only diffused outwards but is also reflected towards the inside.
The ZipLiege, a product made with the ZipShape manufacturing technology by designtoproduciton, Zurich, won over the jury because of its basic ease of manufacture. The ZipShape system makes it possible to produce curved surfaces without a mould.
The system uses two plates with individually designed prongs on them so that they interlock with each other only in such a way as to give the desired curve.
Genuine suitability for everyday use is shown by the freezer containers for the microwave, called Full Contact from Tupperware France S.A.. The MicroFrost containers, which can withstand temperatures from -25 °C to 160 °C, can be taken straight from the deep freeze to the microwave.
The flexible lid is made of resistant silicone, and the integrated valves allow the steam to escape into the microwave as it is being warmed. The timber derivative, Maplex (well ausstellungssytem gmbh) stands out because of its sustainability and its many possible uses.
The material, made out of 100 per cent cellulose, is continuously malleable like metal and can be easily cut, drilled, stamped and punched. The material is manufactured in an extremely environmentally-friendly way and is completely bio-degradable.
The high density and the textile-like surface of Maplex P makes for maximum stability as well as a pleasant surface feel, Maplex C stands out because of its extreme flexibility and malleability, the jury decided.
Material Vision takes place on 22 and 23 November 2007 in the Forum Messe Frankfurt. On both days, some 60 leading companies in the materials industry will be showcasing the whole spectrum of modern materials and material technologies.
For the first time, Material Vision will be held as part of the nanotech+material week frankfurt (20 – 23 November 2007, Frankfurt am Main).
Under this title, Material Vision, 'Nanotechnologieforum Hessen', 'NanoSolutions' and the 'Chemical Nanotechnology Talks' will offer a centralised platform for manufacturers, developers and potential end users of nanotechnology and new materi-als.