Editorial on the Special Section of CELLMAT 2022

The 7th International Conference on Cellular Materials, CELLMAT 2022, was held from October 12 to 14, 2022, in Dresden. The CELLMAT conference was initiated as CELLMET in 2005 and has been organized biennially by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Materialkunde e.V. (DGM) since 2010 under the name CELLMAT. The CELLMAT conference is a materials science conference focused on the research and development of and with cellular structured materials. All material classes are considered, from polymers to ceramic materials, metals, natural materials, and composites. The conference equally addresses both fundamental research and applied research. Additionally, it is a tradition that contributions from industry showcase developments up to series production. Due to this wide range of material classes and technology readiness levels, interdisciplinary dialogue plays a crucial role in the conference.

Cellular materials are an established field of research, often driven by applications. Manufacturing issues traditionally play a significant role in such established topics. New manufacturing processes frequently create cellular structures, and the question of the industrial usability of these techniques remains a key concern for the community. The boundaries between traditional material classes often blur, as manufacturing processes can be applied to a wide variety of materials. This trend is exemplified by the ongoing use of additive manufacturing methods, particularly in the production of highly porous materials. Lately, the rapid development of additive manufacturing methods has proved to be a particular innovation driver for this research field. Adapting cellular structures to application-specific conditions and requirements is a relevant issue. Finally, application-related interests have led to further advancements. Driven by biomedical, thermal, or catalytic applications, as well as questions of energy conversion and storage, a high diversity of fabrication techniques and a deep level of application-related understanding have emerged.

The contributions published in this special section are selected works presented during the CELLMAT conference, highlighting the advancements in eco-friendly and sustainable techniques in the field of cellular materials. Amazon-Arranz et al. explore novel synthesis methods for bio-based, eco-friendly bulk materials for natural rubber latex foams. In the realm of elastomers, Marl et al. focus on new water-based blowing agents for liquid silicone rubber, emphasizing questions of reliable production to ensure the availability of these materials.

Simulation is another crucial area covered in this section, with two notable contributions. Sawad et al. conduct finite element simulations of materials with unidirectional through pores, particularly demonstrating the geometric effects of the L/D ratio on deformation bands during plastic deformation. Oikonomou et al. present an innovative approach to simulate heterogeneous injection-molded foams and their mechanical properties by interlinking different software tools. Their results indicate the benefits of implementing simulation in the injection molding process.

Ceramic materials, known for their wide range of applications, are also prominently featured. Simon et al. demonstrate that aluminum oxide foams produced via stereolithography, with Kelvin cell structures, exhibit a broad spectrum of properties and can be printed with high precision. Bissinger et al. investigate ceramic foams with open-cell structures used as carriers for catalytic converters, focusing on how structural parameters can optimize catalytic conversion activity and dust reduction properties. Haase et al. take a broader perspective on open-cell ceramic foams manufactured using the replica technique, detailing possible geometries, properties, and the influence of the manufacturing process on various applications such as filtration, catalytic conversion, energy applications, and biomedical applications. The use of open-cell foams in biomedical implants is addressed by Quadbeck et al. who examine how the replica technique must be modified to produce application-specific titanium foams. Finally, Kadar et al. explore the potential of biodegradable zinc foams for applications in non-load-bearing bone areas. Overall, the selected contributions showcase the diversity and depth of the field of cellular materials and reflect the wide-ranging themes of the CELLMAT conference.

The next CELLMAT conference will be held from November 27–29, 2024, at the historic Festung Mark in Magdeburg, Germany. Attendance will be possible both in person and online. We look forward to seeing you there.

Authors

Peter Quadbeck, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences

Peter Quadbeck studied physics at RWTH Aachen University and obtained his Ph.D. from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg in 2005. He conducted research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing and Advance Materials IFAM in Dresden and has been working at the Offenburg University of Applied Sciences in the field of materials for medical technology since 2022. His main research interests include highly porous metals, powder metallurgy and resorbable metals.

Ulf Betke, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg

Ulf Betke studied chemistry and received his PhD in solid state chemistry at the Carl-von-Ossietzky-University Oldenburg in 2011. After a two-year stay at Saarland University, he moved to the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg; his research interests include the manufacturing of novel cellular ceramic materials, their functionalization e.g., with microporous adsorbents for energy conversion, and their characterization with X-ray diffraction and tomographic techniques.