Australian scientists at RMIT University have developed a new “metamaterial” that is stronger than anything found in nature. This material was created using an advanced metal 3D-printing technique and has a unique lattice structure that evenly distributes load stress. The metamaterial, fabricated from a common titanium alloy, proved to be 50% stronger than the strongest alloy of similar density used in aerospace.
The idea for this material was inspired by nature, specifically, the hollow lattice structures found in some plants like the Victoria water lily. These structures make the plants remarkably strong. However, previous attempts to replicate these structures in metal have fallen short due to an uneven distribution of load stress.
The team led by Ma Qian, a distinguished professor of advanced manufacturing and materials at RMIT University, designed a hollow tubular lattice structure with a thin band running inside it. This design allows for an even distribution of stress, avoiding the weak points where stress normally concentrates.
The creation process of this super strong metamaterial involves a 3D printing technique called “laser powder bed fusion”. Unlike traditional 3D printing, this technique uses a layer of metal powder spread over the base of the printer. A laser is then used to melt the powder in the desired pattern. Another layer of powder is added to the bed, and the process is repeated, with the newly melted metal binding to the metal below it.
This breakthrough in material science could have significant implications for various industries, including aerospace and medical implants, where strong yet lightweight materials are crucial. The development of materials with greater “strength-to-weight ratios” is a major goal for many material scientists, and this new metamaterial represents a significant step forward in achieving that goal.
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