University of Toronto Researchers Create ‘Strong as Steel, Light as Foam’ Nano-Architected Materials Using 3D Printing

Thanks to machine learning and 3D printing, researchers at the University of Toronto have developed nano-architected materials that combine the strength of carbon steel with the lightness of polystyrene foam. 3D printing, which facilitates the creation of such innovative materials, is thus becoming an increasingly popular tool for designing materials with advantageous properties for a variety of fields. This development is not a first, as more and more new advances are emerging in this field, with a potential impact for many industries.

Under the direction of Professor Tobin Filleter, a team developed these nanomaterials with interesting characteristics, combining robustness, lightness and adaptability. This process could transform many sectors, from automotive to aerospace. But how was this material conceived, and what are its exact properties? Read on to find out more.

Nano-Architectured, 3D-Printed Materials for Ultra-Light, High-Strength Aerospace Applications

These materials are made up of small, repetitive units measuring just a few hundred nanometers. To reach the thickness of a human hair, more than 100 would have to be aligned. These units, mainly made of carbon, form complex 3D structures called nanolattices.