New Cement Composite Material Inspired by Shells

TapTechNews June 28, a team of engineers from Princeton University, inspired by the materials of oyster shells and abalone shells, has developed a new type of cement composite material. Its crack resistance is 17 times that of standard cement, and the ability to stretch and deform without breaking is 19 times that of standard cement.

These findings will eventually help improve the crack resistance of various brittle ceramic materials from concrete to porcelain. The relevant results were published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials on June 10.

The project team is led by Assistant Professor Reza Moini from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University, and it is found that alternately using surface cement slurry and thin polymers can significantly improve the crack resistance and the ability to deform without completely fracturing (ductility).

Taking inspiration from the natural material of mother-of-pearl (commonly found in shells), the engineering team mimicked its hexagonal micro-design and designed a brand-new cement composite material, which can withstand huge mechanical stresses while maintaining structural integrity, with both firmness and elasticity.

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