Anthropocenic Materials
Modern civilisation would not exist without modern materials. Yet, what is a modern material? The progress of civilisation can be seen as an evolution of materials - the stone age, the bronze age and the iron age.
Each age is a testament to the evolution of human knowledge and innovation. The use of fire to extract ores from stone and the ability to create alloys has enabled society to forge and mould a variety of materials. Without this ability, most of the materials which enable modern civilisation would not exist.
Metals, silicon, glass, petrol and natural fibers were all discovered and refined thanks to the materials and techniques discovered over the ages. With each new material came new possibilities. Since our anscestors discovered the transmutative power of fire, each civilisational progression has been influenced by humanities ability to alter and malleate the materials in its environment
The relationship between the organic and the synthetic and their relationship to the trajectory of civilisation is illustrated vividly by the history of numerous materials. Yet, the story of Nylon, its impact on the modern world and the reason for its development, reveals the integral role materials play in a society and the drivers behind synthetic industries.
Until WWII, Japanese silk was used extensively by the U.S. The cessation of its use was induced by Japan's decision to side with the axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan). Naturally, this meant the allied powers no longer had access to their historical sources of Silk. Pertinently aware of the implications of this, the allied powers began to explore alternatives to silk in various ways.
Organic Silk was obtained for the U.K thanks primarily to the efforts of Peter Gaddum who, around 1941, began forming a network of Silk suppliers from a variety of middle east sources. In America, however, the approach was considerably different. Rather than seek an organic solution, they chose a scientic approach.
In 1941, America officialy introduced Nylon to the world. Nylon is a synthetic polymer, made from wood pulp. It was discovered by Walter Carthouser, who sadly committed suicide before it was officially introduced and did not live to see the tremendous impact his discovery would have. Ironically, although a talented and pioneering scientist, his reason to commit suicide was partly due to a sense of under-achievement. A sense undoubtedly exacerbated by his propensity to depression
Unknown to Carthousers, Nylon would be a key factor in the allied powers success. Without Nylon, the parachutes, nets and upholstery so essential to the war effort could not have been made. Without Silk or Nylon, the allied powers would almost certainly have been defeated. This is a particularly interesting insight as it reveals the relationship between resources, materials and military might. A country that lacks the resources to produce adequate military technologies is, militaristically speaking, precariously positioned.
Buy less, choose well, make it last
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