Bio-Inspired Applications of Composites

Dear Colleagues,

Composite materials are comprised of two or more distinct phases, in such a way that the two phases are complementary to one another such that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Most composites are homogenous, such as nanocomposites (e.g., zirconia-toughened-alumina (ZTA)) and fiber-reinforced composites (e.g., fiberglass, fiber-reinforced ceramics). Some composites are macroscopic in nature, such as honeycomb wing panels, and reinforced concrete. Some composites are not homogenous in composition, for example, one of the most remarkable bioinspired materials is inspired by bamboo—a class of composite materials known as functionally-graded materials (FGMs), which are typically metal-ceramic FGMs, in which the composition grades gradually from the hard refractory ceramic side to the tough ductile metal side, inspired by the functional grading of bamboo.

Biomaterials relates to the study of biocompatible materials used for biomedical applications. It involves, not only synthetic materials (e.g., biometals, biopolymers, bioceramics, and biocomposites), but also biological materials (e.g., proteins, cells, natural tissues, etc.). Biomaterials research encompasses various topics including: Materials synthesis and characterization, surface modification, biostability and biodegradation, and cell-material and/or tissue-implant interactions. Typical composite biomaterials include, but are not limited to, nano-biomaterials, smart biomaterials, hybrid biomaterials, nano-biocomposites, and hierarchically porous biomaterials.

Bioinspired materials involve taking inspiration from nature in the development of novel materials. Many biologically-inspired materials are biomaterials, i.e., materials used in medical devices. Biomaterials are used in a wide range of medical devices from joint replacements to heart pacemakers. There is a huge range of biomaterials in commercial use today, and many more under development. Most of the established biomaterials are pure metals polymers or ceramics, i.e., not composites, for example cobalt-chrome, titanium, platinum, polyethylene, silicone, polyurethane, alumina ceramics, and calcium phosphate ceramics. However, composite biomaterials represent the cutting-edge for the future of biomaterials. One of those at the forefront is the nanocomposite zirconia-toughened-alumina (ZTA). Collagen-reinforced hydroxyapatite as a bone analog is another. There are many more.

Not all biologically-inspired composite materials are biomaterials. This Special Issue is concerned with both composite biomaterials, such as ZTA, and composite advanced engineering materials, such as honeycomb wing sections. Bioinspiration involves the study and mimicking of natural processes, not only in the design of new materials, but is also in the understanding of the mechanisms by which natural materials achieve their material properties, from the nanostructure of life-forms and tissues, right up to the micro and macrostructure of natural biological structures.

Contributions to this Special Issue are invited along all of the associated thematic areas: Composite biomaterials, composite advanced engineering materials, theory and analysis of bioinspiration mechanisms underlying composites, and specific applications of bioinspired composite materials. Ideally, contributions to this Special Issue will combine one or more of these themes.

Prof. Dr. Andrew Ruys
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.