Mechanical performance of triply periodic minimal surface structures with a novel hybrid gradient fabricated by selective laser melting

•A new hybrid gradient TPMS structure was proposed by combining GDG and VFG.•GDG structure can develop a better deformation mode to enhance energy absorption.•VFG structure can reduce the initial peak force and delay the densification point.•Hybridization of GDG and VFG increases energy absorption and delays densification point.