Particle Networks are ubiquitous in important materials, ranging from latex paints, to foods, to battery materials, to 3D printable materials, such as those made by direct ink writing. We explore some of these materials, as well as the contributions of Nick Kotov towards building a science of particle networks and a sociology of human scientific networks. We focus particularly on creating materials whose networks spontaneously rebuild after being broken down in the nozzle of a 3D printer. We also show the range of materials with extraordinary properties that have emerged from the Kotov lab, focusing on his group’s “hedgehog” particles, and how they behave as network formers in 3D printable materials.
