A metal composite comprises: a matrix comprising periodic metal springs; and a filler material comprising one or more of the following: a carbon composite; a polymer; a metal; graphite; cotton; asbestos; or glass fiber; wherein the filler material is bounded to the matrix via one or more of the following: a mechanical interlocking; a chemical bond; a solid solution; or an active layer disposed between the periodic metal springs and the filler material.

The invention relates to a method of assembling a fiber network comprising a plurality of metal fibers, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

providing a loose network out of the plurality of metal fibers at an assembling site; fixing the plurality of metal fibers to one another by forming contact points between the single metal fibers by heating the plurality of fibers at a heating rate higher than 50 K/min, in particular higher than 100 K/min, especially higher than 200 K/min, preferably higher than 1000 K/min, to a fixation temperature selected in the range of 50 to 98% of their melting point temperature; and cooling the plurality of fibers at a cooling rate higher than 50 K/min, preferably higher than 100 K/min. The invention further relates to a network of metal fibers comprising a plurality of metal fibers fixed one to another at contact points, wherein the metal fibers non-round cross section, in particular a rectangular, quadratic, partial circular or an elliptical cross section with a large axis and a small axis, or wherein the metal fibers comprise a round cross section, and wherein the fibers comprise a width which is generally constant along a length of the fiber such that a variation of the width of the fiber along its length is less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, in particular less than 20%.

A method of fabricating an article includes providing an arrangement of loose nanowires and bonding the loose nanowires in the presence of carbon together into a unitary cellular structure.

A method of fabricating an article includes providing an arrangement of loose nanowires and bonding the loose nanowires in the presence of carbon together into a unitary cellular structure.

Carrier onto which a wafer can be temporarily bonded. The carrier comprises a plate shaped laminate. The plate shaped laminate comprises a first layer. The first layer comprises a metal foil or a metal sheet. The plate shaped laminate comprises a second layer comprising a porous metal medium with three-dimensional open pores. The porous metal medium comprises metal fibers. The first layer is permanently bonded to the porous metal medium thereby closing the pores of the porous metal medium at the side where the first layer is located.

Carrier onto which a wafer can be temporarily bonded. The carrier comprises a plate shaped laminate. The plate shaped laminate comprises a first layer. The first layer comprises a metal foil or a metal sheet. The plate shaped laminate comprises a second layer comprising a porous metal medium with three-dimensional open pores. The porous metal medium comprises metal fibers. The first layer is permanently bonded to the porous metal medium thereby closing the pores of the porous metal medium at the side where the first layer is located.

A porous aluminum body having high porosity and a manufacturing method therefor are provided, wherein the porous aluminum body can be manufactured by continuous manufacturing steps. In the present invention, this porous aluminum body includes a plurality of aluminum fibers connected to each other. The aluminum fibers each have a plurality of columnar protrusions formed at intervals on an outer peripheral surface of the aluminum fibers, the columnar protrusions protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface. Adjacent aluminum fibers are integrated with the aluminum fibers and the columnar protrusions.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for fabrication of a semitransparent conductive mesh. A first solution having conductive nanowires suspended therein and a second solution having nanoparticles suspended therein are sprayed toward a substrate, the spraying forming a mist. The mist is processed, while on the substrate, to provide a semitransparent conductive material in the form of a mesh having the conductive nanowires and nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are configured and arranged to direct light passing through the mesh. Connections between the nanowires provide conductivity through the mesh.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for fabrication of a semitransparent conductive mesh. A first solution having conductive nanowires suspended therein and a second solution having nanoparticles suspended therein are sprayed toward a substrate, the spraying forming a mist. The mist is processed, while on the substrate, to provide a semitransparent conductive material in the form of a mesh having the conductive nanowires and nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are configured and arranged to direct light passing through the mesh. Connections between the nanowires provide conductivity through the mesh.

A skeletal composite material includes an internal skeleton structure surrounded by a matrix material. The skeleton structure and the matrix are made of different materials having different properties. It should be appreciated that the skeleton structure and the matrix can be made of any suitable material including metal, ceramic, carbon, polymers, or combinations of these materials. Preferably, the skeleton structure and/or the matrix are made primarily of metal or ceramic. The skeletal composite material can be made by filling a skeleton structure with powder, compacting the skeleton structure and powder to form a preform, and consolidating the preform to form the skeletal composite material.