Engineers from the University of Pennsylvania are developing a new material from a sheet of nickel that has been cleverly dubbed 'metallic wood.' After alterations, the final product presents 70 percent empty space.
The researchers looked toward the natural world for inspiration — an example of how "porous nature" can be used for architectural inspiration. Although metallic wood is not ready for commercial use yet, it presents quite a few perks as it promises a sustainable alternative to titanium. It is said that the material is as strong as the lustrous metal but up to five times lighter.
Speaking from a theoretical point of view, metallic wood would be "more high performing" and could possibly serve as an alternative for many products — from aircrafts to tennis racquets.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Metallic Wood Materials
- The development of metallic wood materials presents disruptive innovation opportunities for industries looking for sustainable alternatives to heavy metals.
- Porous Nature Inspiration
- Taking inspiration from porous nature, engineers can explore new design possibilities for architectural and structural applications.
- High Performing Alternatives
- The concept of metallic wood materials opens up opportunities for the creation of lightweight, high-performance products in industries such as aerospace and sports equipment.
Where This Applies
- Aerospace
- The aerospace industry can leverage metallic wood materials to create lighter and more fuel-efficient aircraft components.
- Architecture
- Architects and builders can explore the use of metallic wood materials for innovative and sustainable structural designs.
- Sports Equipment
- The sports equipment industry can incorporate metallic wood materials to develop lightweight and durable products like tennis racquets and golf clubs.
