Periodic Bicontinuous Composites for High Specific Energy Absorption

We report on the mechanical behavior of an interpenetrating carbon/epoxy periodic submicrometer-scale bicontinuous composite material fabricated following the design principles deduced from biological composites. Using microscopic uniaxial compressive tests, the specific energy absorption is quantitatively evaluated and compared with the epoxy/air and carbon/air precursors. The carbon/epoxy material demonstrates extremely high specific energy...