• Kumpenza, Cedou
• Stadlmann, Alexander
• Ungerer, Bernhard
• Rohner, Martin
• Müller, Ulrich
• Keckes, Jozef
• Pramreiter, Max

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The crossed lamellar structure (CLS) found in mollusc shells is an excellent example for nature’s ability to form complex hierarchical microstructures with a remarkable balance between strength and toughness. The CLS has become the subject of numerous studies focusing on the replication of the unique microstructure using synthetic composites. The present study proposes a wood composite replicating the CLS’ middle layer microstructure and investigates the mechanical properties using three-point bending tests. The morphology of the failure mechanisms is recorded using digital microscopy and the experimental data are compared to those from ply- and solid woods. The results show a successful replication of the dominating failure mechanisms of crack deflection and crack bridging. While strength decreased significantly by ∼60%, toughness increased remarkable by ∼70% compared to plywood and was in the range of solid wood. The small data scattering from the wooden CLS samples compared to solid wood further hints on a stable failure mechanism and uniform energy-absorption. The results document that wood can be used to design an energy-absorbing composite based on the CLS-inspired ductile microstructure.</jats:p>

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• morphology
• crack
• strength
• composite
• bending flexural test
• wood
• microscopy
• lamellae