Effects of asperities and organic-inorganic interactions on the strength of nacre-mimetic composites

Nacre is a natural organic-inorganic hybrid composite, whose hierarchical structure has a complex influence on its high strength. Many structural features have been discovered, which influence the mechanical properties of nacre, and the authors have a particular interest in the role of the asperities and organic-inorganic interactions. In this study, a composite was prepared which mimics the asperity structure using clay minerals. Organic-inorganic bonding was induced with silane treatment. Both factors increased the yield strength of the composites; however, different deformation behavior was exhibited. It was found that asperities improved the strength of the composite, and that composition influences the stiffness of the composite. The organic-inorganic interaction between the resin and the other components of the composite reduced the deformation of the composite and consequently improved strength.