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FOAM-LIKE TERRACOTTA AROMA DIFFUSER DOESN’T NEED HEAT OR ELECTRICITY
BY JC TORRES
Although there is still some debate on the medical benefits of aromatherapy, there is hardly any argument against the effects that scents can have on our state of mind, not to mention our physiology. Overpowering perfumes, for example, can make us sneeze or give us a headache, but gentle aromas can induce a state of calm and relaxation or trigger pleasant memories associated with those smells. Essential oil diffusers have become quite popular these days as an alternative way for some people to relieve stress, but some actually induce stress because of their poor design or complicated operation. Nothing, however, could be simpler than just dropping a few drops of fragrant oils on a surface and sitting back to relax, which is the kind of simplicity that this sustainable and unique-looking material tries to offer.
Designer: Premnath Basa
Aroma diffusers now come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. The most basic ones have ceramic or metal containers and use a candle or heat to make the oil evaporate and diffuse the scent. There are now, however, devices that use electricity to turn infused water into vapor and spray it into the air. While both types have their advantages and drawbacks, they both involve some amount of preparation, setup, and time.
A new kind of essential oil diffuser has started appearing, though, one that keeps human interaction down to a minimum, pretty much just putting in a few drops of liquid. Such products use natural properties to evaporate the liquid and natural air to distribute the scent in a room. That’s the heat-free and electricity-free experience that this sponge-like aroma diffuser is promising, but that’s not what makes this particular design special.
Despite its foam-like appearance, the material is actually made of a new kind of terracotta that mixes organic biopolymers and inorganic ceramics and terracotta clay. It’s actually that mixture, especially when dried under sunlight, that gives the hybrid organic-inorganic material its porous appearance. This new and still experimental methodology yields distinctive porosity structures, meaning that each batch is unique and one-of-a-kind.
Terracotta is popular for its absorbent qualities, making it the ideal material for sustainable humidifiers. In this more porous form, the material can not only hold oils, water, and other liquids but also let them easily evaporate to diffuse their aromas. This new kind of terracotta material not only makes for an effective and sustainable aroma diffuser, it also provides a visually interesting design that easily outclasses most diffusers available in the market today.
