Researchers at Rice University in Houston, Texas, have used 3D printers to create structures known as “schwarzites” that until now have only been theorised about.
Schwarzites were proposed by German scientist Hermann Schwarz in the 1880s. They are 3D lattices with repeating patterns that look similar to honeycombs.
A study, published in science journal Advanced Materials, describes how a computer algorithm was used to create small porous blocks that can support large weights.
Researchers say that if developed on a larger scale, a single schwarzite block could be used as the structure for an entire building.
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