Hierarchical structure design of Strombus gigas shell inspired laminated artificial composites and the mechanical performance optimization strategy

Strombus gigas shell is a natural biocomposite with good strength and extraordinary toughness, inspired by its internal refined hierarchical microstructures, a soft and hard phases composed cross-laminated hierarchical artificial structural composite that reinforced by discontinuous fiber was designed and prepared by 3D printing, and an investigation on the failure behavior and its strengthening and toughing mechanisms was carried out. It shows that the geometric configuration of the crossed-structure will regulate the local stress status in the hard phase and soft interface of the hierarchical structure significantly, and four different failure modes of this structure were proposed. Through the optimal design of the crossed-structure, the internal structure will undergo adaptive adjustment during loading process, then multiple failure forms and energy dissipation modes may burst out together and realize the improved combination of strength and toughness. This result may provide an optimization strategy for the lightweight composites design and additive manufacturing process.