Embroidered Property Materials: A Novel Strategy for Developing Patterned Materials

Embroidered property materials (EPMs) represent a paradigm shift in materials engineering, offering a novel approach to conventional material modifications. Through a precise “embroidering” of properties in precise locations, EPMs optimize existing substrates without the need for additional or removal layers. This technique, realized through the activation of targeted chemical and physical phenomena, enables the local alteration of the microstructure in response to controlled external stimuli, exemplifying the deliberate design of material zones with predefined properties. Demonstrating this concept, bulk and confined laser treatment is precisely applied to standard carbon steel (C45), resulting in localized martensitic transformation. This localized microstructural change manifests in a significantly altered deformation behavior when contrasted with untreated areas, emphasizing the potent capabilities of EPMs. The potential unleashed by EPMs extends to the creation of innovative functional materials, enabling the bespoke manipulation of material properties with precision reminiscent of the art of embroidery. This approach not only expands the horizons of component design but also introduces a sustainable methodology for achieving novel material performance, thereby serving as a cornerstone for future advancements in the field. EPMs provide a versatile and powerful tool for the engineering of high-performance materials that meet specific design and functional criteria.