Researchers have developed a revolutionary new material that is as lightweight as styrofoam but significantly stronger than steel. Created using nanogrids—tiny, three-dimensional carbon structures—this innovative material combines strength and lightness, achieving a load capacity of 2.03 Mpa per square meter. For perspective, this is up to 40 times more than steel and its closer to carbon fiber. This work holds huge potential for use in aerospace and other industries where the strength – to -weight ratio is critical.
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Machine learning optimizes the material design
The development of these nanogrids used AI, with a method called “multi-lens Bayesian.” This tool checked models to find ways to boost the grid’s strength. It avoided weak spots like sharp edges and used just 400 sets of data, unlike older ways that needed tens of thousands.
After the design was set, the grids were made with a 3D print tool called a two-photon polymerization. This was done at CRAFT in Toronto, where tiny parts were shaped with great care. The result is a grid that is tough yet light, making it great for tasks like air travel.
The potential applications of this new material are staggering. For example, replacing titanium components in aircraft with this nanogrid-based material could save up to 80 liters of fuel per kilogram of material. This improvement could reduce the environmental impact of air travel while cutting operational costs.
As Peter Serles, a researcher involved in the study, explained, the project combined materials science, machine learning, chemistry, and mechanics to develop and implement this cutting-edge technology.
Collaborative global effort
This work marks the first use of AI to boost “nano” builds. Teams from the University of Toronto, KAIST, KIT, MIT, and Rice University joined to make it happen. Published in the journal Advanced Materials, this work could shake up fields that need light and strong materials. It shows new ways to improve on what is possible in manufacturing.
