Opportunity
Metallic lattice metamaterials represent part of a new paradigm in materials where the properties of metals/alloys are combined with the concept of architecture to produce lightweight materials with properties that are otherwise unattainable with conventional materials. Particularly, this technology combines lattice metamaterials and the emerging multicomponent alloys such as high entropy alloys (HEAs) that possess highly tunable compositions and unique microstructures. This technology has the potential to produce robust materials that are not only lightweight, strong, and ductile, but could also recover to its original geometry upon severe deformation. Furthermore, its excellent properties could extend beyond mechanical properties, and could be tailored to exhibit exceptional functional properties such as high corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and catalytic performance. These unique properties are highly desired for applications across multiple fields such as aerospace, automation, construction, biomedical, electrochemistry, microelectronics, and robotics.
Technology
Through a CAD software, each unit cell is designed with slight differences and arranged randomly or pseudo randomly to form high-entropy lattice structures. Following optimization, the fabrication of different scale HEA lattice structures is completed with vat photopolymerization-based 3D-printing machines. The fabricated structures could be further coated with a thin layer of metallic/HEA film to impart functionality enhance mechanical properties (e.g. stiffness, strength, and energy absorption). Optimizing the geometry of the fabricated structures and the metal alloy composition by design and simulation could be done to manipulate the mechanical properties and deformation mechanism of the fabricated structures more precisely. Further works to employ more complex structures with unique behaviors and characterize them across multiple length scales (from macro-scale to the atomic-scale) through advanced methods such as digital image correlation (DIC), finite-element modelling (FEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic probe tomography (APT) are currently underway.
Advantages
- Superior high strength and ductility
- Strong corrosion resistance
- Improved energy absorption
- Biocompatibility and High catalytic performance
- High precision and large breadth
Applications
- Functional materials for electronic devices or energy storage
- Bio-scaffolds for cell culturing
- Automotive components and Aerospace parts
