bio_logic

What can designers do about oil spills?

Environmental Spill Mat
Colonies of spill mats were designed to address the environmental effects of an oil spill. The mats’ strata, in contact with the oil, form a vascular network of absorbent lignite sponge that transmits oil to a holding reservoir.  


At high tide, the network is exposed to water temperature change that activates an embedded Nitinol (shape memory alloy) mesh that generates a floating shelter for environmental workers. The spill mats unfold at low tide and absorb the newly deposited oil.

W. Jenski

UA EMT
Material sponsorship by Dynalloy, Inc.