22:T4b7,Ceramic materials are widely used in various protective equipment owing to their excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability, while their applications are limited by monotonous color and poor toughness. Inspired by the colorful and tough natural shells, nacre-mimetic alumina (Al₂O₃)-based (NMA) composites are fabricated by proposing a dual-oxide interface design strategy inspired by the hierarchical structure of natural nacre. The NMA composites achieve color regulation, providing possibilities for their application in camouflage protective armor. The fracture toughness of the optimal NMA composite is more than three times that of commercial Al₂O₃ ceramic. Simultaneously, the NMA composites have obvious advantages in terms of impact resistance compared with Al₂O₃ ceramic and polymer polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Additionally, the hierarchical structure of the NMA composites provides favorable structural conditions for transmission of electromagnetic (EM) waves at the frequency band of 18-26.5 GHz. These characteristics make the NMA composites potential protective materials for radar and communication equipment.23:T4bc,Lightweight and impact-resistant materials with self-monitoring capability are highly desired for protective applications, but are challenging to be artificially fabricated. Herein, a scalable-manufactured aramid nanofiber (ANF)-based composite combining these key properties is presented. Inspired by the strengthening and toughening mechanisms relying on recoverable interfaces commonly existing in biological composites, mechanically weak but dense hydrogen bonds are introduced into the ANF interfaces to achieve simultaneously enhanced tensile strength (300 MPa), toughness (55 MJ m^-3 ), and impact resistance of the nanofibrous composite. The achieved mechanical property combination displays attractive advantages compared with that of most of previously reported nanocomposites. Additionally, the nanofibrous composite is designed with a capability for real-time self-monitoring of its structural safety during both quasi-static tensile and dynamic impact processes, based on the strain/damage-induced resistance variations of a conductive nanowire network inside it. These comprehensive properties enable the present nanofibrous composite with promising potential for protective applications.

	Year	Citations

About