Scalable and longer-lasting bulk metals for public health and infrastructure

Zoom webinar | Replay on Youtube (soon)

Liliana ROMERO RESENDIZ

Bournemounth University, UK

Imagine a structural metal that is simultaneously stronger and more ductile (flexible) than conventional options – and can even kill bacteria on contact. This is now possible through heterostructured materials, which combine soft and hard regions within the same metal to create internal mechanical interactions that enhance overall performance.

This talk introduces the design principles of these architectures and explains why they outperform traditional alloys across multiple metrics. Using results from the ReMade@ARI initiative, I will show how cryogenic deformation triggers a cascade of crystal defect mechanisms that progressively sustain work hardening.

Beyond mechanical superiority, heterostructuring can embed antimicrobial functionality into bulk metals without sacrificing durability. These findings open pathways toward scalable, multifunctional materials for demanding applications: from safer medical devices and water infrastructure to resilient energy systems and cryogenic transport.