Nanoporous transition metals for strength and function - towards a cost-efficient materials base, HCJRG-315

Tailor-made hybrid materials systems that combine structural light-weight alloys
and polymers while using the high strength of nanoscale reinforcing elements form
an emerging research focus within the topic "Hybrid and Functionalized Structures"
of the research programme “Advanced Engineering Materials” at Helmholtz-Zentrum
Geesthacht. Emphasis is on mechanical performance at low weight, as an inherent
challenge in energy-efficient mobile applications. The key materials component is
formed by nanostructured metallic networks that can be prepared in macroscopic
volumes through the controlled corrosion of alloys. Synthesis and properties of
such ‘nanoporous metals’ represent a research focus at Institute of Metal Research,
CAS and at Hamburg University of Technology. Model experiments using nanoporous
Au and Au-Pt alloys, in some instances infiltrated with epoxy resin, have
established attractive mechanical and functional behavior. A key challenge on the
way to application is to transfer these results to more cost-efficient and light-weight
metals. This requires corrosion processes matched to less noble metals such as Cu,
Ti or even stainless steel, and that produce high quality nanoporous materials with
small and uniform structure size and no defects. Aqueous corrosion will not in all
instances be appropriate, and ionic liquids, molten salts or even metal melts may
emerge as the corrosion media of choice. Based on a strong track record of cooperation,
the applicants propose to join forces in an effort to develop and establish
novel synthesis protocols for cost-efficient and lightweight nanoporous transition
metals.

Stichworte

• Flüssigmetallentlegierung
• komposite Materialien
• Leichtbau
• Materialverhalten
• Nano- und submikrokristalline Materialie
• poröses Material

Publikationen

• I.V. Okulov, J. Weissmueller, J. Markmann: Dealloying-based interpenetrating-phase nanocomposites matching the elastic behavior of human bone. Scientific Reports , 2017 (7)(20), February 2017. , DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00048-4