Bioinspired micro-composite structure

Abstract

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and mechanical testing of a bioinspired composite structure with characteristic dimensions on the order of tens of microns. The microarchitecture, designed and fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, involves two distinct length scales and represents the first attempt at mimicking the crossed-lamellar microstructure of molluscan shells such as the giant Queen conch, Strombus gigas, which contains features with dimensions spanning five distinct length scales. The displacement control capabilities of a nanoindenter enabled the observation of the graceful failure of the micro-composite under three point bending and, in turn, the measurement of its post-peak load–displacement response and work of fracture.