As an ongoing research at MAP, we are testing the properties of biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, or commonly known as mylar, as a light weight insulation material in the Arctic. To test the different binding methods (glue, sub zero tape) and the resilience of the material under high winds and below zero temperatures the studio devised a kite that could push the material to its limits.
Pulled by a sled (on our way back from several days fishing with the Ilulissat locals) the kite was flown at -35 C and high winds, proving the quality of high bonding subzero tape as a robust method of binding mylar.
Mylar polyester film was invented in the early 1950s, it has been used in a variety of applications, and extensively by NASA, and add value to products in virtually all segments of the world.
After nearly 50 years, the future still holds great promise for this now very affordable material. Its excellent balance of properties and extraordinary range of performance capabilities make it ideal for a broad array of applications in the electrical, electronics, magnetic media, industrial specialty, imaging and graphics, and packaging markets, but has hitherto not been tested in it’s architectural properties.
