Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for using particle templating, e.g., to produce composites, discrete particles, or the like. In some embodiments, the present invention generally relates to the production of particles using the interstitial spaces between templating elements in a template structure. For example, a plurality of templating elements, which can include colloidal particles, may be arranged to form a template structure. The interstices of the templating elements can provide regions in which a fluid may be introduced. The fluid may be hardened (e.g., solidified) in some cases, e.g., to form a composite comprising the templating elements and the interstitial segments. In certain embodiments, the template structure may then be broken down to release the hardened fluid, e.g., as a plurality of discrete particles.

Abstract: A system for producing multi-component colloidal structures has a supply system; an assembly system that is in fluid connection with the supply system to receive a supply of colloidal structural components from the supply system; and an output system in fluid connection with the assembly system. The assembly system has an assembly chamber adapted to contain colloidal structural components during assembly of a multi-component colloidal structure and is structured and arranged to control positions and orientations of first and second c structural components in the assembly chamber to bring the first and second colloidal structural components together in predetermined relative positions and orientations for assembly into at least a portion of the multi-component colloidal structure.

Abstract: A method of producing an elastic material including providing a viscous material having an initial material composition thereof, the viscous material being a multiphase dispersion comprising a plurality of discrete elements of a first component dispersed within a continuous fluid phase of a second component; and applying stress to the plurality of discrete elements of the first component to break up the plurality of discrete elements into a second plurality of discrete elements having a greater number of discrete elements than the first plurality of discrete elements. The discrete elements of the second plurality of discrete elements have at least one of a composition or a surface layer that provides at least a repulsion between adjacent discrete elements to prevent the discrete elements from irreversibly coalescing or irreversibly re-uniting, the viscous material thus irreversibly becoming an elastic material having a same material composition as the initial material composition.