MAKRO: Scientific Foaming

An exploration of bio-based and biodegradable cellulose foam materials through the theoretical framework of material kinship.

Being kin with bio-based materials implies relationships of reciprocity and care. The Material Kin Relational Ontology (MAKRO) promotes a way of working and collaborating with materials and processes where ingredients, materials and makers are all considered as kin.

This research used a variety of hands-on and open-ended material exploration processes. Novel materials were developed with bio-based ingredients using common kitchen appliances, and by applying molecular gastronomy techniques.The Material Kin Relational Ontology (MAKRO) promotes a way of working and collaborating with materials and processes where ingredients, materials and makers are all considered as kin.

Scientific Foaming methods developed through this research uncovered new material possibilities from a variety of cellulose sources. The foaming methods used responded to and were informed by the varying characteristics and qualities of the raw ingredients. This exploration resulted in a suite of bio-based and biodegradable cellulose foams.

    • UTS Material Ecologies Design Lab

  • 1. Cellulose foam exploration detail, (2022). Installation view, ‘Biomateriality exhibition’, Delmar Gallery, Sydney. Nahum McLean. Photo: SilverSalt

    2. Offsite MEDL Design Kitchen, (2023). Material Ecologies Design Lab (MEDL) x Sydney Design Week. Photo: Jessica Maurer. Image courtesy MEDL

    3. Madder dyed cellulose mixture, (2023). Photo: Nahum McLean.

    4. Tumeric dyed cellulose mixture, (2023). Photo: Nahum McLean.

    5. Casein glue development, (2023). Photo: Nahum McLean.

    6. Pastry-like Material Experimentation, (2023). A pastry-like Material Kin was developed to trial a casing method for foamed Material Kin. Material formed from microcrystalline cellulose and modified starch. Mould dimensions are approximately 10 x 10 x 5 cm. Note: This material was rolled out and pressed into the mould before pouring in the wet foam material. Photo: Nahum McLean.

    7. Offsite MEDL Design Kitchen, (2023). Material Ecologies Design Lab (MEDL) x Sydney Design Week. Photo: Jessica Maurer. Image courtesy MEDL.

    8. Cellulose foam eton mess, (2022). Foam is made from dried pieces of Robust Foam, Methylcellulose Foam, and Paper Pulp Foam. It is bound together using a wet mix of robust foam. Foam dimensions are approximately 20 x 15 x 2.5 cm. Photo: Nahum McLean.

    9. Methylcellulose foam (detail), (2021). Foam dimensions are approximately 15 x 8 x 1 cm. Photo: Nahum McLean.

    10 (GIF). Zigzag mould, (2021). Mould constructed with laser-cut plywood and stainless steel #40 mesh. Mould dimensions 22 x 18 x 7 cm. Photo: Nahum McLean.

    11 (GIF). Zigzag foam block, (2021). Foam made from sawdust, hemp fibre, paper pulp, carboxymethyl cellulose, starch. Foam dimensions are approximately 20 x 15 x 4 cm. Photo: Nahum McLean.

    12. Solvent exchange foams, (2022). Foams made from microfibrillated cellulose, sawdust, paper pulp, modified starch, citric acid. Foam dimensions are approximately 10 x 10 x 5 cm. Photo: Nahum McLean.

    13. Robust foam, (2021). Made from sawdust, hemp fibre, paper pulp, carboxymethyl cellulose, starch. Foam dimensions are approximately 8 x 8 x 2 cm. Photo: Nahum McLean.

    14. Flexible foam, (2022). Methylcellulose and paper pulp foam cubes. Foam dimensions are approximately 40 x 40 x 1 cm. Photo: Nahum McLean.

    15. Flexible foam, (2022). Methylcellulose foam cubes cast onto paper backing. Foam dimensions are approximately 40 x 40 x 1 cm. Photo: Nahum McLean.

    16. Cellulose foam exploration detail, (2022). Installation view, ‘Biomateriality exhibition’, Delmar Gallery, Sydney. Nahum McLean. Photo: SilverSalt.