Microstructure and in-situ tensile strength of propodus of mantis shrimp

Low-Temperature 3D Printing Technology of Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Matrix Conductive Hydrogel Sensors with Diversified Path Structures and Good Electric Sensing Properties

Novel and practical low-temperature 3D printing technology composed of a low-temperature 3D printing machine and optimized low-temperature 3D printing parameters was successfully developed. Under a low-temperature environment of 0--20 °C, poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix hydrogels including PVA-sodium lignosulphonate (PVA-LS) hydrogel and PVA-sodium carboxymethylcellulose (PVA-CMC) hydrogel exhibited specific low-temperature rheology properties, building theoretical low-temperature 3D printable bases. The self-made low-temperature 3D printing machine realized a machinery foundation for low-temperature 3D printing technology. Combined with ancillary path and strut members, simple and complicated structures were constructed with high precision. Based on self-compiling G-codes of path structures, layered variable-angle structures with high structure strength were also realized. After low-temperature 3D printing of path structures, excellent electrical sensing functions can be constructed on PVA matrix hydrogel surfaces via monoplasmatic silver particles which can be obtained from reduced reactions. Under the premise of maintaining original material function attributes, low-temperature 3D printing technology realized functionalization of path structures. Based on "3D printing first and then functionalization" logic, low-temperature 3D printing technology innovatively combined structure-strength design, 3D printable ability and electrical sensing functions of PVA matrix hydrogels.

Advanced Composites Inspired by Biological Structures and Functions in Nature: Architecture Design, Strengthening Mechanisms, and Mechanical-Functional Responses

The natural design and coupling of biological structures are the root of realizing the high strength, toughness, and unique functional properties of biomaterials. Advanced architecture design is applied to many materials, including metal materials, inorganic nonmetallic materials, polymer materials, and so on. To improve the performance of advanced materials, the designed architecture can be enhanced by bionics of biological structure, optimization of structural parameters, and coupling of multiple types of structures. Herein, the progress of structural materials is reviewed, the strengthening mechanisms of different types of structures are highlighted, and the impact of architecture design on the performance of advanced materials is discussed. Architecture design can improve the properties of materials at the micro level, such as mechanical, electrical, and thermal conductivity. The synergistic effect of structure makes traditional materials move toward advanced functional materials, thus enriching the macroproperties of materials. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of structural innovation of advanced materials in improving material properties are discussed.