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Title: Tough, aorta-inspired soft composites
Spatial variations in fiber alignment (and, therefore, in mechanical anisotropy) play a central role in the excellent toughness and fatigue characteristics of many biological materials. In this work, we examine the effect of fiber alignment in soft composites, including both “in-plane” and “out-of-plane” fiber arrangements. We take inspiration from the spatial variations of fiber alignment found in the aorta to three-dimensionally (3D) print soft, tough silicone composites with an excellent combination of stiffness, toughness, and fatigue threshold, regardless of the direction of loading. These aorta-inspired composites exhibit mechanical properties comparable to skin, with excellent combinations of stiffness and toughness not previously observed in synthetic soft materials.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1720530
PAR ID:
10414971
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Volume:
119
Issue:
28
ISSN:
0027-8424
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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