Digital composites with reprogrammable phase architectures

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Authors: Yun Bai, Xuebo Yuan, Yang Weng, Kaiping Yin, Heling Wang, Xiaoyue Ni
Cited by: 3
References: 67

Abstract

Spatial patterning of material phases underpins the functional diversity of natural and engineered composites. However, phase architectures are typically fixed once formed, limiting adaptability. Here, we introduce a digital composite with reprogrammable solid-liquid phase architectures at voxel resolution. Each elastomeric voxel contains a liquid metal composite capable of electrically switching between nonvolatile solid and liquid states within seconds, analogous to rewriting data on a hard disk. High-throughput experiments and coupled modeling demonstrate precise tuning of viscoelastic and plastic properties, as well as programmable constitutive behaviors and strain distributions. A modular assembly strategy allows scalable 3D construction of reprogrammable composites into free-form, bulk geometries. By encoding phase states as digital inputs, the composite unlocks unprecedented access to real-time, voxel-level tuning of material properties.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Materials and Mechanics Dielectric materials and actuators Cellular and Composite Structures

Publication details

Journal / source
Science Advances
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
12
Issue
4
Pages
eaed9698–eaed9698
Publication date
23 January 2026
Language
EN