| Abstract Scope |
We employed hybrid graphene/metal-oxide platelets with surface nanointerlocks as hard bricks for primary load bearer and mechanical interlocking, along with metal laminates as soft mortar for load distribution and energy dissipation, to replicate nacre’s architecture and reinforcing effects in metal-matrix composites. Compared with metal-matrix, the bioinspired, graphene/metal-oxide doubly reinforced metal-matrix composites demonstrated an exceptional, joint improvement in hardness, strength, stiffness, and toughness, that are even superior over nacre. This design strategy and model material system should guide the synthesis of bioinspired materials to achieve exceptionally high strength and toughness. |