Micromechanics of engineered interphases in nacre-like composite structures

Although the composition of polymer matrix is only ≈5% by weight, the presence of polymer as an interlayer between the brittle aragonite bricks significantly enhances the toughness characteristics of the natural nacre. In this study, the mechanics of nacre-like brick-mortar structures is investigated through numerical simulations. The shear stress distribution in the matrix of nacreous composites is found to be non-homogeneous primarily due to:...