Abstract
In nature, there are many examples of complex hierarchical material designs where weak constituent polymers assemble into composites with exceptional mechanical properties. These structures are attracting considerable attention in the scientific and engineering communities as sources of inspiration for polymer composite design. Natural polymers or, biopolymers, may include proteins, polypeptides and polysaccharides. These biopolymers are the essential building blocks of hierarchical polymer composites in nature. This chapter elucidates a variety of different polymer composite structures from nature; how they are organised, and the specialised designs that provide for superior functionality. Recurring concepts in biological material structures will also be explained and hence, the chapter will draw upon the elements of structural biology in context to biomimetic and bioinspired composites science.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | New Developments in Polymer Composites Research |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
| Pages | 325-379 |
| Number of pages | 55 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781629483436 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781629483405 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2013 |
Keywords
- Biological structures and biomimesis
- Biomimetics
- Biopolymers
- Biostructures
- Composites
- Mechanics