Development of Bio-Inspired Hierarchical Fibres to Tailor the Fibre/Matrix Interphase in (Bio)composites

Abstract

Several naturally occurring biological systems, such as bones, nacre or wood, display hierarchical architectures with a central role of the nanostructuration that allows reaching amazing properties such as high strength and toughness. Developing such architectures in man-made materials is highly challenging, and recent research relies on this concept of hierarchical structures to design high-performance composite materials. This review deals more specifically with the development of hierarchical fibres by the deposition of nano-objects at their surface to tailor the fibre/matrix interphase in (bio)composites. Fully synthetic hierarchical fibre reinforced composites are described, and the potential of hierarchical fibres is discussed for the development of sustainable biocomposite materials with enhanced structural performance. Based on various surface, microstructural and mechanical characterizations, this review highlights that nano-objects coated on natural fibres (carbon nanotubes, ZnO nanowires, nanocelluloses) can improve the load transfer and interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the fibres, and the resulting mechanical performances of biocomposites. Indeed, the surface topography of the fibres is modified with higher roughness and specific surface area, implying increased mechanical interlocking with the matrix. As a result, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between fibres and polymer matrices is enhanced, and failure mechanisms can be modified with a crack propagation occurring through a zig-zag path along interphases.

Effect of Cellulose and Cellulose Nanocrystal Contents on the Biodegradation, under Composting Conditions, of Hierarchical PLA Biocomposites

“…As a result of these research efforts, PLA is used today in a wide variety of applications [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. In order to increase the competitiveness of biodegradable composite materials in such a way that they can displace conventional non-biodegradable materials in very dynamic and demanding sectors such as packaging, construction, textiles, and the automotive industry, a new generation of hierarchical or multiscale biodegradable composite materials (HBC) containing micro- and nanosized mechanical reinforcements are currently being developed [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”

Structural Mechanisms in Soft Fibrous Tissues: A Review

“…One of the major drawbacks of soft tissue biomimetics is the ability to fabricate functional hierarchical materials. Nanoscale methods such as electrospinning and self-assembly enable the creation of multiscale materials; however, these are not often assembled to higher levels structures (Doineau et al, 2021). The nanoscale level is often responsible for the toughness of materials and is characterized by increased fracture toughness and breaking energy (Evans, 1990;Launey and Ritchie, 2009;Launey et al, 2010;Yang et al, 2019); thus, nested composites fabrication is essential.…”

Bioinspired High-Strength Montmorillonite-Alginate Hybrid Film: The Effect of Different Divalent Metal Cation Crosslinking

“…In all films, the molar ratio of ALG to X 2+ was constantly controlled to be the same as mol ALG/CoCl2 . In addition, a control sample of MMT-ALG without ion crosslinking was prepared through steps (1), (2), and (4). Another control sample of ALG-X 2+ without MMT was prepared through steps (1), (3), and (4).…”

“…Mollusk nacre exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, primarily because of its "brick and mortar" structure of calcium carbonate tablets and ion crosslinking proteins stacked alternately [1,2]. Ion-crosslinked protein can deform elastically, redistribute stresses around the defects, and consume energy [3].…”

“…A layered multistage "brick and mortar" structure offers a "gold standard" for biomimicry to construct high-performance composites [2,7]. Up to now, there have been many reports about nacre imitation materials [8][9][10][11].…”