Bio-Inspired Toughening of Composites in 3D-Printing

Bio-inspired Ceramic/carbon Composites

Bio-inspired impact-resistant composites.

Through evolutionary processes, biological composites have been optimized to fulfil specific functions. This optimization is exemplified in the mineralized dactyl club of the smashing predator stomatopod (specifically, Odontodactylus scyllarus). This crustacean's club has been designed to withstand the thousands of high-velocity blows that it delivers to its prey. The endocuticle of this multir...

Bio - inspired stretchable network - based intelligent composites

The human skin hosts an array of sensors that are capable of detecting and interpreting many traits important to how we function and survive. The goal of mimicking this capability in composites to create intelligent composite materials has led to the development of a bio-inspired stretchable network composed of numerous micro-fabricated sensors capable of detecting multiple stimuli. The compone...

3D-printing of lightweight cellular composites.

A new epoxy-based ink is reported, which enables 3D printing of lightweight cellular composites with controlled alignment of multiscale, high-aspectratio fiber reinforcement to create hierarchical structures inspired by balsa wood. Young's modulus values up to 10 times higher than existing commercially available 3D-printed polymers are attainable, while comparable strength values are maintained.

3D-printing and mechanics of bio-inspired articulated and multi-material structures.

3D-printing technologies allow researchers to build simplified physical models of complex biological systems to more easily investigate their mechanics. In recent years, a number of 3D-printed structures inspired by the dermal armors of various fishes have been developed to study their multiple mechanical functionalities, including flexible protection, improved hydrodynamics, body support, or t...