Bioinspired Impact‐Resistant and Self‐Monitoring Nanofibrous Composites. Issue 2 (20th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Zhen‐Bang; He, ZeZhou; Pan, Xiao‐Feng; Gao, Huai‐Ling; Chen, Si‐Ming; Zhu, YinBo; Cao, Saisai; Zhao, Chunyu; Wu, Shuang; Gong, Xinglong; Wu, HengAn; Yu, Shu‐Hong
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 19:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-11-20
• Subjects: aramid nanofibers -- bioinspiration -- impact‐resistance -- nanofibrous composite -- self‐monitoring capability; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205219
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: Lightweight and impact‐resistant materials with self‐monitoring capability are highly desired for protective applications, but are challenging to be artificially fabricated. Herein, a scalable‐manufactured aramid nanofiber (ANF)‐based composite combining these key properties is presented. Inspired by the strengthening and toughening mechanisms relying on recoverable interfaces commonly existing in biological composites, mechanically weak but dense hydrogen bonds are introduced into the ANF interfaces to achieve simultaneously enhanced tensile strength (300 MPa), toughness (55 MJ m −3 ), and impact resistance of the nanofibrous composite. The achieved mechanical property combination displays attractive advantages compared with that of most of previously reported nanocomposites. Additionally, the nanofibrous composite is designed with a capability for real‐time self‐monitoring of its structural safety during both quasi‐static tensile and dynamic impact processes, based on the strain/damage‐induced resistance variations of a conductive nanowire network inside it. These comprehensive properties enable the present nanofibrous composite with promising potential for protective applications. Abstract : A lightweight and impact‐resistant nanofibrous composite is produced by a scalable spray‐assisted manufacturing process. Synergetic strengthening and toughening is achieved relying on mechanically weak but dense interfacial hydrogen bonds. By further designing a self‐sensing capability for real‐time monitoring of its structural safety, the nanofibrous composite is promising to serve as an intelligent protective material.