While plastics have revolutionized industrial design due to their versatile processability, their relatively low strength has hampered their use in structural components. On the other hand, while metals are the basis for strong structural components, the geometries into which they can be processed are rather limited. The “ideal” material would offer a desirable combination of superior structural properties and the ability to be precision (net) shaped into complex geometries. Indeed, materials scientists have been trying to come up with just such an ideal substance, one that could be moulded into complex shapes with the same ease and low expense as… Login to continue

Login or sign up