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Biomimetic Ceramics: What, Why and How?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2011

Paul Calvert
Paul Calvert*
Affiliation:
Arizona Materials Laboratories, 4715 E. Fort Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712
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Abstract

The role of biomimetic approaches in materials engineering is reviewed. In the case of ceramics, close parallels in structure and function can be seen between synthetic and biological materials. Biological ceramics have resolved difficulties which are limiting the application of synthetic materials, particularly in the need for greater toughness. The enhanced toughness of materials such as shell and tooth enamel can be attributed to microstructural factors. Both natural materials contain a small amount of polymer. If this is essential, then any synthetic mimetic material would be limited by the temperature resistance of the polymer. In fact, much of the toughness is dependent on the elongated particle morphology and does not require polymer. Routes to forming ceramics with such elongated particles are discussed.

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References

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