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| Jesmonite | |
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| Material type | Composite material |
Jesmonite is a composite material consisting of a mineral-based powder combined with a water-based acrylic resin. Developed in 1984, in the United Kingdom, by Peter Hawkins. Jesmonite is widely used as a versatile, durable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plaster and resin-based materials. It is popular in fine arts, architecture, film, and restoration due to its ease of use, aesthetic versatility, and low toxicity.[1]
Jesmonite combines mineral powders, primarily gypsum or similar compounds, with a water-based acrylic polymer emulsion to produce a strong composite that cures to resemble natural stone or plaster.[2] The cured material offers excellent durability, impact resistance, and fire retardance.Its water-based formulation results in low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, making it safer for users compared to solvent-based resins.
Jesmonite accepts pigments and additives such as metal powders to create a variety of surface finishes and colors, and it can be cast, poured, laminated, or sculpted.
Jesmonite is widely used across different fields:
Jesmonite consists primarily of two components: a mineral-based powder (usually gypsum or a related material) and a water-based acrylic polymer emulsion. When combined, they create a composite material that cures into a solid with the appearance and texture of natural stone or plaster but with added durability and flexibility.
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Jesmonite is a versatile material and is used in several ways. It is typically used for creating sculptures and other three-dimensional works, but can be used with other materials as a ground for painting. It can be used as a surface material in building and construction. It is considered an attractive alternative to other resin-based materials, such aspolyester andfiberglass. It can be used forcasting andlaminating.
Besides its popularity insculpture, jesmonite is popular in other areas wherecasting and moulding are common, such as architectural stone and plasterwork that has a requirement to be very lightweight,taxidermy,archaeology, andpalaeontology.
A 2016Financial Times article described jesmonite's increasing use in interior design, seeing it as a natural-looking alternative to plastic for "high-end" goods.[6]In 2017, jesmonite was named "Material of the Year" by theLondon Design Fair.[7]
Jesmonite is considered durable, flame resistant, and resistant to impact. It can be used to fabricate both small and large objects. When mixed, it accepts colouredpigments and metal powders. Its surface can be finished to resemble plaster, stone, metal, and wood.
Jesmonite is considered a low-hazard material. The finished composite emits no toxic fumes. The mixing process requires no harmful solvents. However, the mixing should be performed with rubber gloves, eye protection, and dust mask, and should take place in a well-ventilated area. Cleanup is performed with water.
In the 2012,Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, the ornate prow sculptures on theRoyal bargesGloriana andMVSpirit of Chartwell were carved and moulded in Jesmonite and decorated withgold leaf. These included dolphins, relief plaques andOld Father Thames.
A Spire is a cast jesmonite sculpture by British-Japanese sculptorSimon Fujiwara, commissioned to stand outside the new Laidlaw Library of theUniversity of Leeds, England, in 2015. The lower sections incorporate particles of coal, to acknowledge the city's early industries, and the upper stages show cables and leaves reflecting today's digital and natural world. The 9-metre-tall (30 ft) cylindrical form relates to two nearby church spires on Woodhouse Lane.[4][5]