
Open access
Author
Röthlisberger, André
Häberli, Sandra
Krogh, Fabio
Galinski, Henning
Dunand, David C.
Spolenak, Ralph
Date
2019Type
- Journal Article
Abstract
Controlling anisotropy in self-assembled structures enables engineering of materials with highly directional response. Here, we harness the anisotropic growth of ice walls in a thermal gradient to assemble an anisotropic refractory metal structure, which is then infiltrated with Cu to make a composite. Using experiments and simulations, we demonstrate on the specific example of tungsten-copper composites the effect of anisotropy on the electrical and mechanical properties. The measured strength and resistivity are compared to isotropic tungsten-copper composites fabricated by standard powder metallurgical methods. Our results have the potential to fuel the development of more efficient materials, used in electrical power grids and solar-thermal energy conversion systems. The method presented here can be used with a variety of refractory metals and ceramics, which fosters the opportunity to design and functionalize a vast class of new anisotropic load-bearing hybrid metal composites with highly directional properties. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000322741Publication status
publishedJournal / series
Scientific ReportsVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Nature Publishing GroupOrganisational unit
03692 - Spolenak, Ralph / Spolenak, Ralph
More
Show all metadata