Hierarchical Polymer Microlattice Structures

• Published in: Advanced engineering materials Vol. 14; no. 7; pp. 503 - 507
• Main Authors: Doty, Robert E., Kolodziejska, Joanna A., Jacobsen, Alan J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.07.2012; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• ISSN: 1438-1656; 1527-2648
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.201200007

In this paper, we describe a rapid method for fabricating a low density polymer microlattice with structural organization on two length scales. The topology of this hierarchical cellular structure is achieved through the in situ formation of a microlattice with small‐scale lattice members (≈100 µm diameter) within a microlattice with approximately 12 times larger feature sizes. Compression experiments suggest that an increase in the specific plateau stress is realized by the introduction of hierarchy. Two three‐dimensional lattice structures, whose defining features (strut diameter and pore size) differ by roughly an order of magnitude, are combined through a rapid optical lithography process. The resulting hierarchical microlattice demonstrates higher specific compressive strength and energy absorption than either of its constituent lattice structures.