Cicada Wing-Inspired Skeleton-GO Networks in Melamine Foams for Multifunctional High-Performance Composites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Bioinspired Engineering

Background:

• Lightweight foams offer potential for noise reduction and vibration mitigation.
• Achieving superior damping, mechanical properties, and sound absorption simultaneously in foams remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for enhancing the multifunctional properties of foams.
• To create a bioinspired in situ graphene oxide (GO) network within foam structures.

Main Methods:

• Inspired by cicada wings, an in situ skeleton-GO network was established within the foam.
• The network architecture was designed to partially span open regions between foam skeletons.
• Characterization of mechanical properties, damping capacity, sound absorption, and hydrophobicity.

Main Results:

• Vibration attenuation time decreased by 83.3%, and damping increased by 179.3%.
• Compressive modulus increased by 924%, with foams tolerating 1000 times their weight.
• Sound absorption was enhanced, and melamine foam became hydrophobic (contact angle up to 114.2°).

Conclusions:

• The bioinspired in situ GO network significantly improves synergistic multifunctionality of foams.
• This versatile approach offers a new pathway for developing advanced foam materials.
• The modified foams exhibit superior damping, mechanical, acoustic, and surface properties.