Crack-resistant material developed

2010-03-09
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Materials scientists and chemists have succeeded in creating a new composite material with high resistance to cracking by combining calcium carbonate with polystyrene particles.

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Materials scientists and chemists have succeeded in creating a new composite material with high resistance to cracking by combining calcium carbonate with polystyrene particles.

The ceramics created by researchers from the University of Manchester and the University of Leeds - who were inspired by sea shells - could be used in crack-resistant building materials and bone replacements.

Scientists noticed that the reinforced material is more ductile compared to its original brittle form, the study published in the journal Advanced Materials said.

They said the polystyrene, which acts as a toughening agent, help prevent the growth of cracks.

Moreover, if the reinforced material cracks the polymer lengthens within the cracks, enhancing toughness and absorbing energy.

For better results, the properties of the new material can be manipulated by choosing particles of different shapes, sizes and composition.

Dr Stephen Eichhorn, from the School of Materials at the University of Manchester, said: "Calcium carbonate is the main ingredient of chalk, which is very brittle and breaks easily when force is applied.

"But shells are strong and resistant to fracturing, and this is because the calcium carbonate is combined with proteins which bind the crystals together, like bricks in a wall, to make the material stronger and sometimes tougher."

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