Energy-absorbing wood composite for improved damage tolerance inspired by mollusc shells. (2nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pramreiter, Maximilian; Rohner, Martin; Kumpenza, Cedou; Ungerer, Bernhard; Stadlmann, Alexander; Keckes, Jozef; Müller, Ulrich
• Is Part Of: Materials research express. Volume 7:Number 9(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02
• Subjects: Bionics -- Crossed-lamellar-structure -- damage tolerance -- wood composite; Materials science -- Research -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/abb1f3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-1591

Abstract

Abstract: The crossed lamellar structure (CLS) found in mollusc shells is an excellent example for nature's ability to form complex hierarchical microstructures with a remarkable balance between strength and toughness. The CLS has become the subject of numerous studies focusing on the replication of the unique microstructure using synthetic composites. The present study proposes a wood composite replicating the CLS' middle layer microstructure and investigates the mechanical properties using three-point bending tests. The morphology of the failure mechanisms is recorded using digital microscopy and the experimental data are compared to those from ply- and solid woods. The results show a successful replication of the dominating failure mechanisms of crack deflection and crack bridging. While strength decreased significantly by ∼60%, toughness increased remarkable by ∼70% compared to plywood and was in the range of solid wood. The small data scattering from the wooden CLS samples compared to solid wood further hints on a stable failure mechanism and uniform energy-absorption. The results document that wood can be used to design an energy-absorbing composite based on the CLS-inspired ductile microstructure.