Layered and scrolled nanocomposites with aligned semi-infinite graphene inclusions at the platelet limit, Liu, et al. Strano, Science, 2016
Novelty/impact/significance:
A stacking and folding method (semi-infinite graphene/polycarbonate (Gr/PC) films, exponential increase in thickness with quadrant fold) to generate aligned Gr/PC composites (~320 layers) that have superior modulus and strength at exceptionally low volume fraction of Gr.
Materials from renewable sources: Learning from Nature, Martin-Martinez, Jin, Barreiro, Buehler, ACS Nano, 2018
Novelty/impact/significance:
Design of robust superhydraphobic surfaces, Dehui Wang, Zuankai Wang, Robin H.A. Ras, Xu Deng, et al., Nature, 2020
Superhydrophobic surfaces have promising applications in various medical and engineering applications; however, these surfaces, either via physical and/or chemical methods, suffer from one major flaw- extremely vulnerable to mechanical damage, so lose superhydrophobicity easily in practice.
Impact-resistant nacre-like transparent materials, Yin, Hannard, Barthelat, Science, 2019
Novelty/impact/significance:
Propose and fabricate nacre-inspired glass panels (50x50x3) that possess large-scale tablet sliding toughening mechanism, is 2-3 times more impact resistant than conventional laminated and tempered glass, and maintains transparency, high strength/stiffness.
The method (laser engraving and lamination) produces large size with high order and periodicity, and is inexpensive and scalable.
Layered nanocomposites by shear-flow-induced alignment of nanosheets, Chuangqi Zhao, Lei Jiang, Mingjie Liu, Nature, 2020
Novelty/impact/significance:
A generalizable and scalable, continuous fabrication of ultrastrong composite films (with nanosheets of graphene oxide and clay, strength 1215 MPa modulus 198.8 GPa,, and ultrastrong and ultratough composites (with nanosheets of clay, toughness 36.7 MJ/m2 strength 1195 MPa) based on a superspreading layering strategy.
Scientific question:
