Organic materials are gaining more relevance in the production of bio-plastics. Rather than growing plants solely for the production of materials, more and more waste products generated in agricultural and food production processes are used for light weight components such as structural panels. One example is Maize Cob Board, which is currently being developed and tested. It is a wood based material with an interlayer of maize cobs .  

The central part of a maize cob consists of a foam like structure with high insulating qualities and until now the cobs have never been used in an industrial process. They have a low density (180 to 200kg/ m³ and resist high pressure in an axial direction. Maize cobs are considered a 'waste' product and they are available in large quantities and at a low price. Maize Cob Boards have a similar performance to chip boards and they can be used to build furniture, doors and interiors. They are, however, 50 per cent lighter than conventional wood based panels. The density of the Maize Cob Board is between 250 to 300kg/ m³.     

First prototypes are currently being tested and their areas of mass application are being researched. If the performance tests lead to positive results the Maize Cob Boards will be launched as an alternative to traditional wood based products. The material not only has high insulation qualities, it is also expected that it will absorb sound very well.

It will be an exciting organic material innovation and resource for furniture and interior designers.

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Text supplied by Dr. Sascha Peters, haute innovation Berlin, www.saschapeters.com , ©2010 all rights reserved