US: Researchers at Princeton University have developed cementitious composites with 17-times greater toughness and 19-times greater ductility than ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The materials are laser-processed into a grooved structure and laminated with elastomeric polyvinyl siloxane interlayers. The design is inspired by the nacre inner lining of seashells, also known as mother-of-pearl. This results in the toughening mechanisms of interlayer deformation, tortuous crack propagation and crack bridging. The composites have fracture toughness of 73.7MPa.mm1/2, without any reduction in strength compared to OPC.
Princeton University team develops tough cement based on mother-of-pearl
URL: https://www.globalcement.com/news/item/19380-princeton-university-team-develops-tough-cement-based-on-mother-of-pearl
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