Lightweight and durable material than balsa wood

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a 3D printing technique to create a light but very rigid cell mix using epoxy resins. This result can be applied to the development of new, multi-purpose materials, such as making wind turbines more efficient, faster cars, and lighter fuselages.

>>> 3D printing materials suitable for aircraft and super light vehicles

Picture: Harvard

To date, most of the material that people know has a molecular density and the power is proportional to each other. Foam is lightweight but weakly bonded, while durable materials such as steel, metal or concrete are very heavy. In nature, however, there are some abnormalities, such as balsa wood, which weighs only 40 kg / m ³ but are strong and firm, which is due to the highly efficient combination of fibers. cellulose and lignin. Balsa wood is being used for propeller blades for wind turbines, model aircraft chassis and helicopter fuselage. However, the exploitation of balsa is a serious problem, as 95% of the world's wood is concentrated in Ecuador.

So far, through research by Harvard scientists, they have mastered the spatial structure of balsa so that composite cells can produce lightweight materials that are more durable and reliable than balsa wood. . With epoxy resins, the researchers used a printer designed to be lightweight, durable materials, initially silicon carbide and carbon fiber. In fact, researchers can precisely control the hardness of the material by changing the orientation of the filler when needed.

According to information from Professor Jennifer A. Lewis, their research paves the way for a major step forward in using 3D printers and some plastic, compatible plastics to create lightweight materials. very durable.