0.9
emissivity
- en
i-Mesh represents a groundbreaking technological innovation in technical textiles for architecture, resulting from a collaboration between industry and international academic research. As documented by studies from the University of Camerino, the Fraunhofer Institute, and the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1244 at the University of Stuttgart, this technology overcomes traditional weaving limits through an innovative robotic filament positioning system. The material, developed over years of research, is composed of a sophisticated blend of mineral fibers, including fiberglass, carbon, basalt, Technora, and Zylon, each selected for its specific performance properties.
Tests conducted at the TEXTILES HUB (PoliMi) demonstrated the mechanical properties of the different variants: the 600 TEX fiberglass, with a section of 3.5x0.4 mm and a density of 2.5 gr/cm³, can withstand a maximum load of 0.3468 KN with a 2.78% elongation, while the 1200 TEX version reaches 0.8006 KN with a 6.44% elongation [4]. The system features a technically excellent profile: at just 2.5 mm thick, it achieves a reflectance of 0.71*, an emissivity of 0.9, and a thermal conductivity of 0.18 W/m*K at 20°C [2]. These properties result in significant environmental performance, as shown by field tests that highlighted a reduction in perceived temperature of up to 5°C under the most severe summer conditions [1]. Studies conducted by the University of Perugia further confirmed the material's effectiveness in mitigating the urban heat island effect (UHI), with reductions in surface temperature of up to 1.5°C in optimized configurations [7].
The structural strength of the system was validated through rigorous biaxial tests, showing maximum axial loads of 3.7955 KN in the warp direction and 4.27289 KN in the weft, with a maximum stress of 14.652 KN/m [4]. The most significant application of this technology was at Expo 2020 Dubai, where i-Mesh covered an area of 52,500 m², demonstrating exceptional resistance even to sandstorms.
The production process, based on a robotic "fiber placing" system, represents the first industrial application of this technology in textile architecture [6]. The efficiency of the process is evidenced by a scrap rate of less than 3%, setting new sustainability standards in the industry [6]. The complete separability and recyclability of the materials used further contribute to the ecological profile of the product [1, 3]. The system's versatility has been validated through experimental projects like the D1244 Experimental Building and the ADAPTEX project [8, 9], where i-Mesh was integrated into adaptive facade systems. The patented ELP (Engineered Layup Pattern) system allows for nearly infinite customization of geometric patterns, while its ability to function both as a sunshade and as a projection surface expands its application possibilities [6]. The material's performance is certified according to international standards (UNI ISO EN 1421:2017 and MSAJ/M-02-1995) [4], with continuous performance monitoring in real-world conditions driving constant improvement. Ongoing collaborations with academic institutions such as the University of Stuttgart, the Fraunhofer Institute, and the University of Perugia continue to generate innovations, as demonstrated by recent developments in adaptive systems and responsive applications [8, 9].
This synergy between industrial excellence and academic research has resulted in a technology that not only sets new standards in architectural materials but also provides tangible solutions to the challenges of urban sustainability. In fact, in most cases, a temperature reduction of up to 1.5°C can be achieved through passive cooling strategies, primarily in areas adjacent to i-Mesh panels. i-Mesh's continuous evolution, supported by an international network of scientific partners and validated by large-scale implementations, confirms the company's role as a leader in sustainable technological innovation for the architecture of the future.
