Hannim Song — Material Exploration: Stool 1

Glob Stool (2016) / PCL Plastic (aka friendly plastic), mahogany — **Glob Stool (2016)** *PCL Plastic, mahogany*

Melting PCL Plastic, 26 sec

While doing research on materials, I came across this PCL (Polycaprolactone) Plastic - also marketed as ‘friendly plastic’ - which has a lower melting point than most other plastic materials (at 60°C/140°F). It is a biodegradable polyester that is non-toxic, often used in a small-scale craft project for kids and adults.

As I was exploring the traits of this PCL plastic, I found that in a melted state it morphs and adheres to other fibrous or porous materials, or any surfaces with texture. Once it cooled down, the plastic became rigid which I thought could possibly become a structural connecting point.

I tried joining together the two branches found on the street.

I wanted to create a sturdy stool without needing any electric tools or hardware. Could I grab some scrap woods, slap some plastics onto them to make a working stool? Here’s a prototype I made.

Minimizing the amount of material use while maintaining the structural integrity was the key. I landed on a design that best showcased the rawness of the material through its form.