Titanium-polymmer lattice metamaterials capable of floating on water have been successfully developed

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Australia, in collaboration with scientists from the National School of Fine Arts and Crafts in France, has successfully developed the world’s first titanium-polypropylene porous hybrid lattice metamaterial that can float on water. This material is made by filling hollow titanium pillars with polyurethane foam, solving the problem of metal lattices sinking when water enters them. The research findings were published in the journal *Advanced Materials*. Tests show that its “skeleton density” design ensures buoyancy even after severe cracking or fracture; samples continued to float in freshwater for more than two months, verifying their durability. Performance tests indicate that, at the same total density, the titanium structure is 70% stronger than stainless steel; after two weeks of immersion in seawater, only 0.15% weight loss occurred, and strength decreased by less than 1%. Additionally, the 3D-printed marine buoy equipped with this material can remain stable even when tilted 45 degrees in turbulent conditions, without the need for sealing sleeves or additional support structures.