Carving 3D architectures to transform the mechanics and performance of materials

Abstract eng:
Combining high strength, hardness and high toughness remains a tremendous challenge in materials engineering. In particular hard materials like ceramics tend to be brittle, while more ductile and tough materials like metals are not as hard. In this work we increase the toughness of glass panels by carving architectures within the material using three-dimensional laser engraving. Glass is relatively stiff and hard but it has no microstructure, no inelastic deformation mechanism, low toughness and poor resistance to impacts. Here we demonstrate how introducing a controlled architecture in glass completely changes the way this material deforms and fails. In particular these new architectured glass panels can absorb two to four times more impact energy compared to plain glass. Architectured glass panels also display non-linear deformation and progressive damage and failure. Micro-architecture, bio-inspiration and top-down fabrication strategies can offer new pathways to completely transform the mechanics and performance of materials and structures.

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