3-D printed copper or air?

Description

This image originally appeared as part of Northwestern's Scientific Images Contest. The contest and subsequent exhibitions are organized by Science in Society, the university's research center for science education and public engagement. Further information and opportunities to participate are available on their website. Prints and canvas editions of these Northwestern research images can also be purchased online (with the small net profit going to science education and outreach programming in the Chicago area). 2017 Second Place

Abstract

This 3D-printed copper salt structure can be used in many ways. Here, it floats in a jar of water. The water dissolves the copper salt, resulting in a blue color, and transforming the structure into a very porous sponge-like material. When the salt has been completely dissolved, a polymer skeleton remains. This skeleton resembles the original 3D-printed shape but is incredibly light, like air.Creating materials like these is important because the "polymer skeletons sponge" can be used to implant all kinds of potent gel and liquid biomaterials during surgery. These fragile gels are currently being used to regenerate parts of tissues and organs.

Files

Additional details