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Nature’s hierarchical materials

Peter Fratzl, Richard Weinkamer

Progress in Materials Science · 2007 · 2,822 citationsOpen access

doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2007.06.001Free full text

Abstract

Many biological tissues, such as wood and bone, are fiber composites with a hierarchical structure. Their exceptional mechanical properties are believed to be due to a functional adaptation of the structure at all levels of hierarchy. This article reviews the basic principles involved in designing hierarchical biological materials, such as cellular and composite architectures, adapative growth and as well as remodeling. Some examples that are found to utilize these strategies include wood, bone, tendon, and glass sponges – all of which are discussed.

Cite this paper

Fratzl, P., & Weinkamer, R. (2007). Nature’s hierarchical materials. Progress in Materials Science, 52(8), 1263–1334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2007.06.001

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