A Novel Approach to Developing Biomimetic ("Nacre-Like") Metal-Compliant-Phase (Nickel-Alumina) Ceramics through Coextrusion.

Bioinspired "brick-and-mortar" alumina ceramics containing a nickel compliant phase are synthesized by coextrusion of alumina and nickel oxide. Results show that these structures are coarser yet exhibit exceptional resistance-curve behavior with a fracture toughness three or more times higher than that of alumina, consistent with significant extrinsic toughening, from crack bridging and "brick" pull-out, in the image of natural nacre.