Nacre-mimetics with synthetic nanoclays up to ultrahigh aspect ratios

Paramita Das, Jani-Markus Malho, Khosrow Rahimi, Felix H. Schacher, Baochun Wang, Dan Eugen Demco and Andreas Walther ()
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Paramita Das: DWI–Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50
Jani-Markus Malho: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tietotie 2
Khosrow Rahimi: DWI–Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50
Felix H. Schacher: Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8
Baochun Wang: DWI–Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50
Dan Eugen Demco: DWI–Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50
Andreas Walther: DWI–Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Nacre-mimetics hold great promise as mechanical high-performance and functional materials. Here we demonstrate large progress of mechanical and functional properties of self-assembled polymer/nanoclay nacre-mimetics by using synthetic nanoclays with aspect ratios covering three orders in magnitude (25–3,500). We establish comprehensive relationships among structure formation, nanostructuration, deformation mechanisms and mechanical properties as a function of nanoclay aspect ratio, and by tuning the viscoelastic properties of the soft phase via hydration. Highly ordered, large-scale nacre-mimetics are obtained even for low aspect ratio nanoplatelets and show pronounced inelastic deformation with very high toughness, while those formed by ultralarge nanoplatelets exhibit superb stiffness and strength, previously only reachable for highly crosslinked materials. Regarding functionalities, we report formerly impossible glass-like transparency, and excellent gas barrier considerably exceeding earlier nacre-mimetics based on natural nanoclay. Our study enables rational design of future high-performance nacre-mimetic materials and opens avenues for ecofriendly, transparent, self-standing and strong advanced barrier materials.

Date: 2015
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms6967

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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6967

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