Anisotropy-inspired, simulation-guided design and 3D printing of microlattice metamaterials with tailored mechanical-transport performances

Abstract

Rapid development in 3D printing technology has stimulated enthusiasm in the functional design of metamaterials with unique properties, in which multiple properties should be simultaneously optimized. However, this is challenging because different properties, such as mechanical and mass-transport properties, are often coupled strongly and cannot be adjusted independently. Herein, we propose an anisotropy-inspired and simulation-guided microlattice metamaterial design strategy that realizes independent tailoring of the elastic response and fluid transport performances. Diamond microlattice metamaterials are used for demonstration, constructed by using different facets ([001], [110] and [111]) and rotation degrees (15°/step), inspired from the atoms’ arrangements. Through computational analyses, it is proven that the coupled relationship of mechanical and transport properties are abated and have directional dependence on crystal planes and orientation directions. Three microlattice metamaterials and a gradient microlattice metamaterial were fabricated by 3D printing for experimental verification. The assigned layer-by-layer deformation process and specific mass-transport characteristic of the gradient microlattice metamaterial were easily endowed. This study offers an approach to decouple synergy and enable separate tailoring for multi-physical metamaterials in a much larger performance regulation space, which can effectively guide simultaneous improvements toward practical applications.