About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Biological Materials Science
|
| Presentation Title |
Digitally Reprogrammable Composites for Autonomous Biomimicking |
| Author(s) |
Xiaoyue Ni |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Xiaoyue Ni |
| Abstract Scope |
Biological materials achieve exceptional multifunctionality by dynamically adapting their mechanical properties to diverse environmental and physiological demands. Inspired by this adaptability, we present a new class of digitally reprogrammable composites that enable 3D mechanical reconfiguration decoupled from changes in shape or geometry. These materials consist of elastomeric voxel arrays embedded with a liquid metal composite capable of rapid, reversible solid–liquid phase transitions. By integrating flexible electronics, we achieve voxel-specific phase switching within seconds, allowing dynamic control of spatially heterogeneous mechanical states. Coupled experiments and modeling demonstrate programmable tuning of viscoelastic and plastic properties, along with controlled strain distributions that closely mimic the mechanical behavior of a range of biological materials. The modular voxel architecture supports scalable assembly into bulk, free-form structures, enabling post-fabrication 3D reprogrammability. With embedded sensing and closed-loop feedback, the material platform offers autonomous behavior and opens a pathway to real-time 3D biomimicry of complex biological materials. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Composites, Mechanical Properties, Biomaterials |