experimental.autonomy

An analysis of carpenter and formations led to an initial experiment with acetone and foam. The chemical reaction triggered by the acetone breaks down the micro particles of the polystyrene causing a release of the oxygen within the foam. The remaining particles condense and form a much more dense foam substrate.

Attempting to model these conditions, we dripped acetone from the top of a foam block and the quickly injected the acetone through a syringe to create larger cavities that would allow the acetone to drip in a more natural manor through the foam. 

Continuing experiments called for the development of two similar substrates of varying densities, relating back to the logic of carpenter ant relationship to the wood. Carpenter ants feed on the glucose contained within the wood and burrow through the soft parts of the wood, leaving the harder parts of the wood as caverns with distinct interconnectivity. Explorations with plaster + borax solution mixture and plaster + vegetable oil attempted to materialize this logic but ended in drastically two-dimensional models. 

Working to recreate the process of acetone + foam, we wanted an attempt at simulating the effects in a more controlled or rigorous process. We decided to use ice as the hard substrate and hot wax as the soft substrate that is allowed to flow naturally through the ice cavities until the wax has reached a point of cooling limiting the ability to flow any further.