Fungi Inspired Materials for Strong and Resilient Composites

The quest for lightweight yet robust materials has led scientists to explore nature's blueprints. Nacre and turtle shells, for instance, owe their strength and toughness to a clever arrangement of soft and hard layers. This natural design has sparked interest in creating similar structures in the lab. One innovative approach involves using fungi. Specifically, the filamentous structures of fungi, known as hyphae, are employed to anchor graphene nanosheets and a soft polymer matrix. This method results in a three-dimensional layered bulk composite. The process is unique because it mimics the growth pattern of fungi, unlike traditional methods for creating biomimetic composites. These composites are not just strong; they also have self-regenerative capabilities. This means they can repair themselves to some extent, adding another layer of resilience. Moreover, they can be produced on a large scale, making them practical for various applications. The mechanical properties of these composites are impressive. They boast a specific strength of 92. 8 MPa g cm^-3, a fracture toughness of 6. 5 MPa m^1/2, and an impact resistance of approximately 3. 1 kJ m^-2. These figures outperform natural nacre and other biomimetic layered composites, making them a significant advancement in material science. But strength isn't the only advantage. These composites can also sense external forces and provide a warning function. This feature makes them ideal for anti-collision applications in fields like sports and aerospace. For example, they could be used in protective gear or vehicle components to enhance safety. However, while the potential is vast, there are challenges to overcome. The integration of structural and functional properties is complex. Ensuring that these composites can monitor external forces while maintaining their strength and toughness is a hurdle that researchers are working to clear. In the broader context, this development is part of a growing trend in biomimicry. Scientists are increasingly looking to nature for inspiration, seeking to replicate natural processes and structures to solve modern problems. This approach holds promise for creating sustainable and efficient solutions.