Design and Evaluation of Hierarchical Strut-Based Lattices with Triply Periodic Minimal Surface-Inspired Shells for Bioinspired Applications
摘要
Innovative cellular structure is increasingly being used to achieve high-performance lightweight materials, particularly in biomedical and structural applications. While triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures offer continuous surfaces, high surface-to-volume (S/V) ratios, and efficient load transfer capabilities, the integration of hierarchical features into these architectures further enhances their functional potential. In this study, a novel class of hierarchical lattice structures was developed by applying TPMS-based walls onto strut-based lattices, inspired by the architecture of cancellous bone. Specimens were fabricated using a C&B Temp UV resin via Masked Stereolithography (MSLA), and a comprehensive experimental plan was designed using the Taguchi Design of Experiments (DOE) method. Mechanical characterization was performed through quasi-static compression tests. The results suggested that three-dimensional lattice with lidinoid-based walls and 6 mm cell size configuration would exhibit the best mechanical performance. Furthermore, the hierarchical structures demonstrated significant improvements in S/V ratio, reaching values of up to 9.5 mm−1, which is advantageous for potential osseointegration and tissue attachment. These findings suggest that combining strut-based geometries with TPMS wall morphologies provides a promising strategy for designing bioinspired materials with tunable mechanical and surface properties.