Hybrix

By Andrew H. Dent

Inspired by the lightweight hollow structures of the bones of birds, this stainless steel sheet is both light and stiff. Originally developed by Volvo Technology in Sweden, the material is now finding applications in consumer products and aerospace and marine construction. Looking very much like a standard sheet of 1 mm- to 2 mm-thick stainless steel, it actually comprises two ultrathin outer layers of stainless steel that are spaced by a forest of microscopic stainless steel filaments secured to both outer sheets. The resulting composite is less than half the weight of standard stainless steel (the middle section is approximately 95% air) yet can be formed into compound curves and may be cut and shaped like the regular material. It also deadens vibration and sound significantly more than regular stainless steel. Additionally, integrated components such as sensors, heating/cooling elements, or fragile cables that need protection may be built into the structure. And it's recyclable, which is an unusual property in such lightweight composite structures. Originally developed for the automotive industry, products seeking improved performance or cost savings because of their lighter weight (light but rugged luggage, aerospace interior paneling, or consumer-electronics cases, for example) have all been prototyped from this cutting-edge material. Such innovation makes a strong case for biomimicry-mechanical structures mimicking biological structures.

Dr. Andrew H. Dent, PhD, is vice-president, Library & Materials Research at Material ConneXion, a leading global platform for material innovations and solutions