For many years coral reefs are under threat of extinction. The solution to this problem was proposed by scientists from Hong Kong University. Using the technology of 3D printing, they have created a special mosaic tiles to be placed on the bottom of shallow areas.
As a result you can create a structure that resembles a natural reef. But coral polyps are free to colonize it. The tile does not exceed a few tens of centimeters in diameter and produced on a 3D printer from terracotta clay. After high temperature firing are resistant to moisture, the elements which can be grouped in any quantity.
In the experiment, the scientists combined 128 tiles, which became the basis for the future of the reef in the Marine Park of Hong Kong. For the resulting design will follow within a few years. You can then assess the success of this approach, which in contrast to the use of analogs of metal promises the best survival rate of corals and compliance with strict environmental requirements.
Source — University of Hong Kong