090 – Nanocrystalline Copper Utensils
Nanocrystalline Copper Utensils
2010
Copper
Various Dimensions
Produced for Johnson Trading Gallery
Using a scientifically controlled metal electro-deposition process, it is possible to ‘grow’ nanocrystalline copper onto almost any substrate. After sculpting objects out of clay modelling wax, a conductive silver spray was applied to the surface and then positively charged while submerged in a tank of copper sulphate solution. Nanocrystalline copper particles slowly grew over the form of the chair until an 800 micron (0.8 mm) layer of copper had been achieved. Once electroformed, the wax core was melted away to leave light, strong and hollow copper objects. The wax can be repeatedly reused to make new objects.