General Aspects of Biomimetic Materials - Biotechnologies and Biomimetics for Civil Engineering - page 56

Chapter 3
General Aspects of Biomimetic Materials

P.M.M. Pereira, G.A. Monteiro and D.M.F. Prazeres

Abstract Natural materials like bone, ligaments, wood, shells, and scales are
remarkably efficient in terms of fulfilling complex and multiple functional
requirements with minimal amounts of matter. Mimicking design features found in
these biomaterials like hierarchical structure and composite nature, and resorting
to bio-inspired manufacturing processes like biomineralization and self-assembly
could yield man-made materials that are multifunctional, lightweight, benign, and
recyclable. More specifically, the incorporation of many of the characteristics and
properties found in natural materials into paints, coatings, films, concrete, glass,
ceramics, fibers, and insulation has the potential to revolutionize the way infra-
structures and buildings are constructed. This chapter provides a concise coverage
of the area of biomimetic materials. A brief outline of the discipline is followed by
a discussion of general aspects related to the structure and synthesis of natural
materials. Next, the recent progress made in the development of biomimetic
materials with improved mechanical resistance, optical, self-cleaning, adhesive-
ness, and anti-adhesion properties is reviewed with reference made to the most
noteworthy examples.

3.1 Introduction

Biomimetics or bio-inspired design relies on an understanding of biological
functions, structures, and principles of various entities found in nature with the
goal of designing products, processes, and systems of commercial and/or industrial
value, which mimic certain features of the biological counterparts (Benyus 1997 ).
The rationale behind the biomimetic approach is the realization that throughout