Lightweight material - named Proteus after the mythical god Proteus, who could take on different forms
International Research Group,headed by the University of Durham in the UK, and the Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology. Fraunhofer in Chemnitz, Germany, got an idea for a new material made from the tough cell wall of grapefruit and the break-resistant shells of shellfish.
These sea creatures are made of tilesassociated with a biopolymer material that makes them resistant to fractures. The organic materials that protect the shellfish - such as the aragonite tiles found in their shells - have been replaced in the new material with industrial, alumina ceramics and aluminum metal foam matrix.
The new material is durable, lightweight and does not cut. Researchers say it can be used to make bicycle locks, light armor, and protective gear for people who work with cutting tools.
The new material system is dynamic withan evolving internal structure that creates high-speed motion where it interacts with cutting tools. The dynamic response is more like living structures.
Material is made of aluminum honeycombstructures wrapped around ceramic spheres, which has a double destructive effect on cutting tools. When cutting with an angle grinder or drill, the vibrations generated by the ceramic balls inside the body blunt the blade or drill.
Interaction between disc and ceramic spherecreates an interconnected vibration connection that resists the cutting tool endlessly. The blade gradually collapses and ultimately becomes ineffective as the force and energy of the disc or drill is turned back on itself and it is weakened and destroyed by its own attack.
In addition, the ceramic breaks down into smallparticles that fill the cellular structure of the material and harden with increasing cutting tool speed due to interatomic forces between the ceramic grains. Thus, the adaptive nature of the material additionally repels any impact.
We were intrigued by how cellularthe structure of grapefruit and the tiled structure of clam shells can prevent damage to the fruit or creatures inside, despite being made from relatively weak organic building blocks. Essentially, cutting our material — it's like cutting through jelly filled with nuggets. If you taste the jelly, you will hit the nuggets and the material will vibrate in such a way that it destroys the cutting disc or drill bit
Stefan Szyniszewski, Associate Professor of Applied Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering, Durham University
These natural structures determined the principle of operation of the cermet material, which is based on dynamic interaction with an applied load, as opposed to passive resistance.
The researchers have acquired a patent for their technology, and they hope to strike deals with industry partners so that it can be turned into products for the market.
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