Design and study of biomimetic resin matrix composites based on shellfish structure

Differences in microstructure can often lead to large differences in mechanical properties. Here, the composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of mussel, scallop, and ostreidae were researched. And subsequently, three bionic models were designed based on the microstructures of the three shellfish. Three models were prepared by printing the substrate with light-cured resin and filling with carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin. The mechanical properties and reinforcement mechanisms of the three models were also investigated. The bending fracture force, compression fracture, and the impact fracture energy of mussels was best of three shellfish. The bionic model 1 with mimic mussel structure has good mechanical properties. Bending strength of model 1 is 42.80 ± 7.00 MPa which was 5.42% higher than bionic model 2 and bionic model 3, and 33.75% higher than that of the pure epoxy resin (32.00 MPa). The absorbed energy of the model 1 is 63.53 ± 2.56%, which is 3.82% and 7.89% higher than model 2 and model 3, respectively. The fracture showed obvious toughness fracture. The unique crack deflection induced by the structure also leads to enhanced mechanical properties. This study provides new design ideas and references for the structural design of high-strength composites.