Kombucha bacterial cellulose tea composite

Material categories:

Naturals (others)

Composite

Identification number:

20-0000-271-c

Sample produced by:

LIN Kevin

Sample date:

1 Apr 2021 (Produced)

Sample condition:

Intact

Process-driven material

The bacterial cellulose (SCOBY) is formed as a sheet in a vat of kombucha brew. After fermentation, the sheet grows up to 30mm thick, and is then removed from the vat. It then goes through an alkaline cleaning process: first rinsed in ethanol, then soaked overnight in a vat of alkaline solution (Sodium Bicarbonate + Water). It is then taken out to be laid flat on a horizontal piece of wood, covered by a linen and then by a sheet of acrylic. It is left under direct sunlight to dry over a day. A coating of Sodium Alginate solution and tea leaves are then applied over the sheet and left to dry.

State:

Solid

Production Attribute

Distance from source location: <= 100km

Production Energy: Low

Water Footprint for Production: Medium

Collatoral Pollution:Low

CO2 Footprint: Low

Fabrication Process

Casting

Properties

Aerobic

Coated

Form

Membrane

Sheet

Sensory Attributes

Touch: Soft

Tactile Warmth: Warm

Flexibility: Flexible

Resilience: Resistant

Odour: Moderate

Glossiness: Satin

Transparency: Translucent