Hybrid materials based on polymers-filled AM steel lattices with energy absorption capabilities

Metal lattice structures fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM) processes combined with polymers provide hybrid materials with unexpected mechanical properties. In particular, this article investigates the increased capability of absorbing elastoplastic energy of the composite material, which is up to 75% higher than the sum of energies absorbed by each constituent material. Furthermore, the fabrication process to obtain reliable and repeatable hybrid components by filling the 316 L metal lattice with polymer is introduced and validated.

Automated summary

Metal lattice structures fabricated by additive manufacturing processes combined with polymers exhibit unexpected mechanical properties, with the composite material capable of absorbing elastoplastic energy up to 75% higher than the sum of energies absorbed by each constituent material. The fabrication process for creating reliable and repeatable hybrid components by filling metal lattice with polymer has been introduced and validated.