Learning from biology, we understand complexity as the performance-oriented structural organization of matter combining order and disorder. Complexity in various human-made and biological materials can be spontaneous but its emergence is hard to predict because it (1) originates from extensive multibody interactions; (2) incorporate diverse non-ideal components and (3) spans multiple lengths scales. The practical needs for complexity are vital and timely. They stem from the pursuit of specific combinations of properties exemplified by combinations of strength vs. lightweight, conductivity vs. transparency, and recyclability vs. environmental robustness. Incorporating complexity into material design makes it also possible to combine these and other properties while mimicking nature's energy efficiency.

The subtopics of our symposium will cover gel networks, high-performance composites, complex particles, high entropy materials, microscopy tools, additive manufacturing of complex materials using 3D printing, and self-organization phenomena. Mathematical methods applicable to complex materials exemplified by graph theory, network science, fractal mathematics, percolation theory and machine learning are also included.

elastic properties electrical properties morphology multiscale nanostructure nonlinear effects thermal diffusivity