Journal publications

Cover Gallery

Publications in NUS

† indicates equal contribution; * indicates the corresponding authorship; italic highlights the students and research staff supervised by Dr Zhai at the time that the research was conducted.

updated in August 2024  

Multifunctional Architected Materials

  1. [Review] 3D‐printed lattice structures for sound absorption: current progress, mechanisms and models, structural‐property relationships, and future outlook, X. Li*, J. W. Chua, X. Yu, Z. Li, M. Zhao, Z Wang, W. Zhai*, Advanced Science, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 2305232, 2024.
  2. Mechanical characterization and constitutive modeling of additively-manufactured polymeric materials and lattice structures, X. Guo, E. Wang, H. Yang, and
    W. Zhai*, Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, vol. 189, pp. 105711, 2024.
  3. Superior strength, toughness, and damage‐tolerance observed in microlattices of aperiodic unit cells, X. Wang, X. Li*, Z. Li, Z. Wang*, and W. Zhai*, Small, pp. 2307369, 2024.
  4. A ribbed strategy disrupts conventional metamaterial deformation mechanisms for superior energy absorption, X. Wang, X. Li, Z. Li*, Z. Wang*, and W. Zhai*, Virtual and Physical Prototyping, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. e2337310, 2024.
  5. LattSAC: a software for the acoustic modelling of lattice sound absorbers, J. W. Chua, Z. Lai, X. Li*, and W. Zhai*, Virtual and Physical Prototyping, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. e2342432, 2024.
  6. Horsetail-inspired lattice structures for bone scaffold applications, S. L. A. Tan, M. Zhao*, Z. Li, Z. Wang, X. Li*, and W. Zhai*, International Journal of Bioprinting, 2024.
  7. Multi-level bioinspired microlattice with broadband sound-absorption capabilities and deformation-tolerant compressive response, X. Li, X. Yu, M. Zhao, Z. Li, Z. Wang, and W. Zhai*, Advanced Functional Materials, 2023 – Featured as the inside front cover
  8. Harnessing cavity dissipation for enhanced sound absorption in Helmholtz resonance metamaterials, X. Li, X. Yu, J.W. Chua, and W. Zhai*, Materials Horizons, 2023
  9. Multifunctional sound-absorbing and mechanical metamaterials via a decoupled mechanism design approach, Z. Li, X. Li, Z. Wang*, and W. Zhai*, Materials Horizons, 2023 – Featured as Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator
  10. Multifunctional and customizable lattice structures for simultaneous sound insulation and structural applications, X. Li, M. Zhao, X. Yu, J. W. Chua, Y. Yang, K. M. Lim*, and W. Zhai*, Materials & Design, 2023
  11. Architected lightweight, sound-absorbing, and mechanically efficient microlattice metamaterials by digital light processing 3D printing, Z. Li, X. Li, J. W. Chua, C. H. Lim, X. Yu, Z. Wang*, W. Zhai*, Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 2023
  12. Interpenetrating a hollow microlattice metamaterial enables efficient sound-absorptive and deformation-recoverable capabilities, Z. Li, X. Li, X. Wang, Z. Wang*, and W. Zhai*,  ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2023 – Featured as cover article
  13. New class of multifunctional bioinspired microlattice with excellent sound absorption, damage tolerance, and high specific strength, Z. Li, X. Wang, X. Li, Z. Wang*, and W. Zhai*, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2023 – Featured as cover article
  14. Novel slow-sound lattice absorbers based on the sonic black hole, J. W. Chua, X. Li, X. Yu*, and W. Zhai*, Composite Structures, 2023
  15. Bioinspired hierarchical diamond triply periodic minimal surface lattices with high energy absorption and damage tolerance, X. Guo, X. Li, E. Wang, J. Y. H. Fuh, W. F. Lu, and W. Zhai*, Additive Manufacturing, 2023
  16. Interpenetrating phase composites with 3D printed triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattice structures, X. Guo, J. Ding, X. Li, S. Qu, J. Y. H. Fuh, W. F. Lu, X. Song*, and W. Zhai*, Composites Part B: Engineering, 2023
  17. Geometry effect on mechanical properties and elastic isotropy optimization of bamboo-inspired lattice structures, M. Zhao, X. Li, D. Z. Zhang, and W. Zhai*, Additive Manufacturing, 2023
  18. Design, mechanical properties and optimization of lattice structures with hollow prismatic struts, M. Zhao, X. Li, D. Z. Zhang, and W. Zhai*, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences 238, 2023
  19. TPMS-based interpenetrating lattice structures: Design, mechanical properties and multiscale optimization, M. Zhao, X. Li, D. Z. Zhang, and W. Zhai*, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2023
  20. Less is more: Hollow-truss microlattice metamaterials with dual sound dissipation mechanisms and enhanced broadband sound absorption, X. Li, X. Yu, and W. Zhai*, Small, 2022
  21. Additively manufactured dual-functional metamaterials with customisable mechanical and sound-absorbing properties, Z. Li, W. Zhai, X. Li, X. Yu, Z. Guo, and Z. Wang*, Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 2022
  22. Enhancement in the mechanical behaviour of a Schwarz Primitive periodic minimal surface lattice structure design, X. Guo, J. Ding, X. Li, S. Qu, X. Song, J. Y. H. Fuh, W. F. Lu, and W. Zhai*, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2022
  23. Additively manufactured deformation-recoverable and broadband sound-absorbing microlattice inspired by the concept of traditional perforated panels, X. Li, X. Yu, and W. Zhai*, Advanced Materials, 2021
  24. Microlattice metamaterials with simultaneous superior acoustic and mechanical energy absorption, X. Li, X. Yu, J. W. Chua, H. P. Lee, J. Ding, and W. Zhai*, Small, 2021

Multifunctional Soft Materials

  1. 3D printable strong and tough composite organo-hydrogels inspired by the hierarchical composite design principles of natural materials, Q. Liu, X. Dong, H. Qi, H. Zhang, T. Li, Y. Zhao, G. Li, and W. Zhai*, Nature Communications, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 3237, 2024.
  2. Highly robust conductive organo‐hydrogels with powerful sensing capabilities under large mechanical stress, T. Li†, H. Qi†, X. Dong, G. Li, and W. Zhai*, Advanced Materials, 36, no. 5, pp. 2304145, 2024.
  3. Robust and sensitive conductive nanocomposite hydrogel with bridge cross-linking–dominated hierarchical structural design, T. Li, H. Qi, Y. Zhao, P. Kumar, C. Zhao, Z. Li, X. Dong, X Guo, M. Zhao, X. Li, X. Wang*, R. O. Ritchie*, and W. Zhai*, Science Advances, vol. 10, no. 5, pp. eadk6643, 2024.
  4. An organo-hydrogel with extreme mechanical performance and tolerance beyond skin, X. Dong†, X. Guo†, Q. Liu, H. Qi, G. Zou, T. Li, H. Gao*, W. Zhai*, Materials Today, 72, pp. 25-35, 2024. Highlighted paper.
  5. Lignin powered versatile bioelastomer: a universal medium for smart photothermal conversion, Z. Sun, C. Dang*, H. Zhang, Y, Feng, M. Jiang, S. Hu, Y. Shao, S. Hao, C. Shao*, W. Zhai*, and R. Sun*, Advanced Functional Materials, pp. 2405130, 2024
  6. Strong and tough fibrous hydrogels reinforced by multiscale hierarchical structures with multimechanisms, X. Guo†, X. Dong†, G. Zou, H. Gao*, and W. Zhai*, Science Advances, 9, no. 2, pp. eadf7075, 2023.
  7. Flexible and leakage-proof phase change composite for microwave attenuation and thermal management, X. Ge, G. Tay, H. Yi, Y. Zhao, P. J. Sugumaran, B. Q. Thai, C. K. Ang, W. Zhai*, and Y. Yang*, Carbon, vol. 210, pp. 118084, 2023.
  8. Strong and tough conductive organo-hydrogels via freeze-casting assisted solution substitution, X. Dong†, X. Guo†, Q. Liu, Y. Zhao, H. Qi, and W. Zhai*, Advanced Functional Materials, 32, no. 31, pp. 2203610, 2022.

Multifunctional Composites

  1. A hierarchical hydrogel impregnation strategy enables brittle-failure-free 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds, X. Dong†, Q. Liu†, S. W. Gan, H. Zhuo, T. Li, Y. Zhao, and W. Zhai*, Small, pp. 2401060, 2024.
  2. Unprecedented strength enhancement observed in interpenetrating phase composites of aperiodic lattice metamaterials, X. Wang, Z. Li*, J. Deng, T. Gao, K. Zeng, X. Guo, X. Li*, W. Zhai*, and Z. Wang*, Advanced Functional Materials, pp. 2406890, 2024.
  3. Prestrain programmable 4D printing of nanoceramic composites with bioinspired microstructure, T. Li†, Q. Liu†, H. Qi, and W. Zhai*, Small, 2022 – Featured as the inside front cover
  4. A universal chelation-induced selective demetallization strategy for bioceramic nanosheets (BCene), T. Li, Q. Liu, J. Cao, S. W. Gan, X. Dong, C. C. Yen, C. Wu*, and W. Zhai*, Nano Letters, 2023
  5. Hierarchical porous ceramics with distinctive microstructures by emulsion-based direct ink writing, Q. Liu, and W. Zhai*, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2022
  6. Controlling the hierarchical microstructure of bioceramic scaffolds by 3D printing of emulsion inks, Q. Liu, T. Li, S. W. Gan, S. Y. Chang, C. C. Yen, and W. Zhai*, Additive Manufacturing, 2023
  7. 3D printed hierarchical interpenetrating phase composites with multi-scale mechanical energy absorption mechanisms, Q. Liu†, L. Hong†, X. Dong, and W. Zhai*, Composites Part B: Engineering, 2023
  8. Bio-inspired tubular hierarchical porous materials with selective liquids absorption, G. Li, X. Dong, A. R. Chuan, B. W. Chua, L. Tao, and W. Zhai*, Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 2023
  9. A novel class of bioinspired composite via ultrasound-assisted directed self-assembly digital light 3D printing, X. Li, K. M. Lim*, and W. Zhai*, Applied Materials Today, 2022
  10. Ceramic microlattice and epoxy interpenetrating phase composites with simultaneous high specific strength and specific energy absorption, X. Li, M. Kim, and W. Zhai*, Materials & Design, 2022
  11. [Review] Toward stronger robocast calcium phosphate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: A mini-review and meta-analysis, Q. Liu, W. F. Lu, and W. Zhai*, Biomaterials Advances, 2021
  12. Multi-directional freeze casting of porous ceramics with bone-inspired microstructure, X. Dong, B. W. Chua, T. Li, and W. Zhai*, Materials & Design, 2022
  13. Study of the freeze casting process by artificial neural networks, Y. Liu, W. Zhai*, and K. Zeng, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2020

Multifunctional Aerogels

  1. Ultralight and strain-sensitive bacterial cellulose derived carbon fiber-reinforced graphene aerogel for broadband sound absorption, T. Niu, Y. Zhao, N. Ahmad, and W. Zhai*, Ceramics International, vol. 50, no. 13, pp. 23550-23559, 2024.
  2. Customizable resilient multifunctional graphene aerogels via blend-spinning assisted freeze casting, Y. Zhao, H. Qi, X. Dong, Y. Yang*, and W. Zhai*, ACS nano, 2023
  3. Robust graphene-drum bridged carbon aerogels for broadband acoustic and electromagnetic attenuation, Y. Zhao, T. Niu, X. Dong, Y. Yang*, and W. Zhai*, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2023
  4. Highly robust and hydrophobic aerogel beads with dandelion-like structure for water treatment, X. Dong, Q. Liu, Y. Zhao, and W. Zhai*, Chemical Engineering Journal, 2023
  5. Superior broadband sound absorption in hierarchical ultralight graphene oxide aerogels achieved through emulsion freeze-casting, L. Yang†, J. W. Chua†, X. Li, Y. Zhao, B. Q. Thai, X. Yu, Y. Yong*, W. Zhai*, Chemical Engineering Journal, 2023
  6. Development of multiscale Fe/SiC–C fibrous composites for broadband electromagnetic and acoustic waves absorption, Y. Zhao, J. W. Chua, Y. Zhang*, and W. Zhai*, Composites Part B: Engineering 250, 2023
  7. All-ceramic SiC aerogel for wide temperature range electromagnetic wave attenuation, X. Lan, Y. Hou, X. Dong, Z. Yang, B. Q. Thai, Y. Yang*, and W. Zhai*, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2022
  8. Ultralight biomass-derived carbon fibre aerogels for electromagnetic and acoustic noise mitigation, Y. Hou, J. Quan, B. Q. Thai, Y. Zhao, X. Lan, X. Yu, W. Zhai, Y. Yang*, and B. C. Khoo, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2022

Metallic Foams

  1. Replicating Mg scaffold via 3D printing sacrificial template, G. Li, M. H. M. Marican, S. W. Gan, T. Li, L. Zhang, J. Liu, T. Li, C. C. Yen, B. W. Chua, W. Zhai*, Journal of Manufacturing Processes, vol. 124, pp. 1349-1356, 2024.
  2. Enhancing the flow resistance and sound absorption of open-cell metallic foams by creating partially-open windows, X. Yu, Z. Lu, and W. Zhai*, Acta Materialia, 2021
  3. Customisable sound absorption properties of functionally graded metallic foams, J. W. Chua, X. Li, T. Li, B. W. Chua, X. Yu*, and W. Zhai*, Journal of Materials Science & Technology, 2022
  4. Effect of slurry composition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SS316L open-cell foam, T. Y. Lim, W. Zhai*, X. Song, X. Yu, T. Li, B. W. Chua, and F. Cui, Materials Science and Engineering: A, 2020

Collaborations

  1. Impact-resistant supercapacitor by hydrogel-infused lattice, S. Zhou, Y. Zhao, K. Zhang, Y. Xun, X. Tao, W. Yan, W. Zhai, J. Ding*, Nature Communications, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 6481, 2024.
  2. Numerical and constitutive modeling of quasi-static and dynamic mechanical behavior in graded additively manufactured lattice structures, E. Wang, J. Zhou, X. Guo*, M. Gu, H. Wang, W. Zhai, Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 2023
  3. Principles of progressive slow-sound and critical coupling condition in broadband sonic black hole absorber, X. Yu*, Y. Mi, W. Zhai, L. Cheng, The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2023
  4. Broadband low-frequency sound attenuation in duct with embedded periodic sonic black holes, Y. Mi, L. Cheng, W. Zhai, and X. Yu*, Journal of Sound and Vibration, 2022
  5. 3D-Printed Porous Thermoelectrics for In Situ Energy Harvesting, D. Zhang, X. J. G. Lim, X. Li, K. Saglik, S. F. D. Solco, X. Y. Tan, Y. Leow, W. Zhai, C. K. I. Tan, and J. Xu*, ACS Energy Letters, 2022
  6. Correlation between the macroscopic adhesion strength of cold spray coating and the microscopic single-particle bonding behaviour: Simulation, experiment and prediction, X.-Z. Jin, X. Song*, W. Zhai, A. W.-Y. Tan, W. Sun, F. Li, I. Marinescu, and E. Liu, Applied Surface Science, 2021
  7. Wave trapping by acoustic black hole: Simultaneous reduction of sound reflection and transmission, Y. Mi, W. Zhai, L. Cheng, C. Xi, and X. Yu*, Applied Physics Letters, 2021
  8. Micro selective laser melting of NiTi shape memory alloy: Defects, microstructures and thermal/mechanical properties, J. Fu, Z. Hu, X. Song, W. Zhai, Y. Long, H. Li, and M. Fu*, Optics & Laser Technology, 2020
  9. Advances in additive manufacturing process simulation: residual stresses and distortion predictions in complex metallic components, X. Song*, S. Feih*, W. Zhai, C.-N. Sun, F. Li, R. Maiti, J. Wei, Y. Yang, V. Oancea, L. R. Brandt, and A. M. Korsunsky, Materials & Design, 2020
  10. Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) simulation of multiple particle impact during Metal Cold Spray process for coating porosity prediction, X. Song*, K. L. Ng, J. M.-K. Chea, W. Sun, A. W.-Y. Tan, W. Zhai, F. Li, I. Marinescu, and E. Liu, Surface and Coatings Technology, 2020
Skip to toolbar