Co-authors​ :

 Ehsan AZAD , Hamidreza YAZDANI SARVESTANI (CANADA), Behnam ASHRAFI , Farjad SHADMEHRI (CANADA), Mehdi HOJJATI (CANADA) 

Ceramic materials, while holding immense potential for advanced applications, often grapple with issues such as brittleness and limited energy absorption. Seeking inspiration from the robustness found in natural armors like nacre and seashells, composed of inherently brittle ceramic-like substances, this study ventures into the realm of bioinspired architected ceramics. Alumina serves as the rigid component, while Surlyn (ionomer) acts as the pliable counterpart. The primary objective is to address a significant knowledge gap by scrutinizing the impact of the soft component's volume fraction on interfacial properties. Mimicking the intricacies of natural armors, this investigation delves into the intricate microstructures at the interfaces between Alumina and Surlyn. Employing high-precision ablation machining facilitated by ultra-short pulsed picosecond lasers, a myriad of diverse micro patterns is intricately engraved onto the Alumina surface. Experimental tests, encompassing single-lap joint, double-lap joint, and three-point bending evaluations, bring to light compelling insights. Notably, an augmented volume fraction of Surlyn induces heightened plastic deformation at the interface, resulting in the preservation of adhesive failure. Remarkably, the introduction of micro-patterns alters the failure mode from adhesive to cohesive, marking a paradigm shift in interfacial behavior. This transformative approach yields an outstanding up to 65% increase in interfacial shearing strength and an approximately 110% surge in energy absorption. These noteworthy findings not only enhance our understanding of the protective shield designs observed in nature but also lay the groundwork for the development of advanced materials endowed with unprecedented properties. The intricate fusion of Alumina and Surlyn, guided by bioinspiration, showcases a promising avenue for crafting materials with improved resilience and energy absorption capabilities. As researchers and engineers continue to explore the fascinating intersections of biology and materials science, this study stands as a testament to the potential of biomimicry in revolutionizing material design and engineering for a diverse array of applications.