Molecular Materials, Department of Applied Physics, Helsinki University of Technology/Aalto University, FIN-00076 Finland.
Nano Lett. 2010 Aug 11;10(8):2742-8. doi: 10.1021/nl1003224.
Although remarkable success has been achieved to mimic the mechanically excellent structure of nacre in laboratory-scale models, it remains difficult to foresee mainstream applications due to time-consuming sequential depositions or energy-intensive processes. Here, we introduce a surprisingly simple and rapid methodology for large-area, lightweight, and thick nacre-mimetic films and laminates with superior material properties. Nanoclay sheets with soft polymer coatings are used as ideal building blocks with intrinsic hard/soft character. They are forced to rapidly self-assemble into aligned nacre-mimetic films via paper-making, doctor-blading or simple painting, giving rise to strong and thick films with tensile modulus of 45 GPa and strength of 250 MPa, that is, partly exceeding nacre. The concepts are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and economic and are ready for scale-up via continuous roll-to-roll processes. Excellent gas barrier properties, optical translucency, and extraordinary shape-persistent fire-resistance are demonstrated. We foresee advanced large-scale biomimetic materials, relevant for lightweight sustainable construction and energy-efficient transportation.
尽管在实验室规模的模型中已经取得了令人瞩目的成功，成功模拟了珍珠母的机械卓越结构，但由于耗时的顺序沉积或能源密集型工艺，仍然难以预见其主流应用。在这里，我们介绍了一种用于大面积、轻质和厚层珍珠母仿生膜和层压板的简单而快速的方法，具有优异的材料性能。具有软聚合物涂层的纳米粘土片被用作具有固有硬/软特性的理想构建块。它们通过造纸、刮刀或简单的涂漆被强制快速自组装成取向的珍珠母仿生膜，从而产生具有 45 GPa 拉伸模量和 250 MPa 强度的强而厚的膜，部分超过珍珠母。这些概念具有环保、节能和经济的特点，并可通过连续的卷对卷工艺进行放大。展示了优异的气体阻隔性能、光学半透明性和非凡的形状保持防火性能。我们预见到了先进的大规模仿生材料，这些材料适用于轻质可持续建筑和节能运输。
