Polycatenated Architected Materials with Enhanced Cushioning Performance

Polycatenated Architected Materials (PAMs) represent a novel class of materials emerging from the integration of lattice frameworks with discrete particle assemblies. By interlocking cage-like particles—including ring, polyhedral, and polygonal forms—into networks derived from crystalline topologies, PAMs achieve cohesive, adaptable architectures with enhanced mechanical resilience. The concatenation endows PAMs with an inherently fluid-like behaviour, tunable through the selection of constituent particles and their concatenation topologies, transitioning to a solid-like state under external loads. PAMs embody a synergy between the adaptive dynamics of granular assemblies and the structural coherence of lattice frameworks, yielding superior cushioning performance under impact. This interlocking architecture allows constituent particles to redistribute forces through controlled deformation, attenuating the force transmitted through the structure. Our investigations reveal that PAMs exhibit remarkable cushioning performance and durability under low-velocity impact loads, with adaptability that allows seamless conformity to complex surfaces, positioning them as versatile candidates for a range of applications, from protective medical devices to adaptive wearable technology.