Turning Theory into Practice: Robust Hierarchical Biomimetic Composites by Design using Direct Write Assembly and Biomineralization-Inspired Interfaces

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Conventional engineering materials, like metals and plastics, typically trade toughness for strength. This represents a challenge in demanding engineering applications where both strength and toughness are required. Natural composite biomaterials like bone, antler, and nacre serve as inspiration in the pursuit of high performance and durable materials because they are stiff, strong and tough. They also compete with metals when compared in terms of “strength to weight ratios”. Theoretical modeling has provided insights into the composition and multi-scale structure required to achieve their desirable properties. Recent studies have resulted in potential “design guidelines” for synthetic hierarchical biomimetic composites. But can these design guidelines be applied? This is the fundamental engineering challenge addressed in this proposal. A nacre-like biomimetic composite with remarkable mechanical properties comparable to some metal alloys has been produced using freeze casting but the process lacks adaptability and versatility. Additive manufacturing can overcome these limitations.***The Objective of the proposed research program is to produce and test hierarchical, multi-scale biomimetic composites and to subsequently enable novel, disruptive technologies for their design, production and application in various fields of engineering.***Two specific objectives are:***A) Expedient testing and verification of hierarchical biomechanics-derived “design guidelines” using conventional and well-understood engineering polymer systems combined with commercially available inorganic particles and novel interface coupling agents.***B) Development of “by design” approaches for production of biomimetic composites that highly mimic but mechanically outperform cortical bone.******Novel “designed” biomimetic composites will be produced using direct write assembly. By the precise extrusion of novel inks, filaments on the order of 100 microns in diameter will be printed. Composites will be assembled in a layer by layer fashion. The structures of the composites will be characterized and tested using state-of-the-art methods. The structure and mechanical behaviour will be compared to the “design guideline” model predictions and model materials. This is a bottom-up, “by design” approach.***It is broadly agreed that synthetic biomimetic composite materials have the potential to revolutionize many fields of engineering due to their predicted superior mechanical properties if they can be produced efficiently and effectively. This research program will initiate a path to the practical and adaptable design and production of durable, high performance biomimetic composite materials. Such innovation will help drive Canada's economy as we shift from a natural resource base to a knowledge/innovation base in the future. Ten HQP will be trained during the 5 years of the program.***********