Biomimetic cellular-structured MCMB@WC composites with excellent mechanical properties

Inspired by the unique structures of plant cells, tungsten carbide (WC, cytoderm) coated mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB, cytoplasm) powders were prepared by molten salt synthesis, which were then densified by spark-plasma sintering to obtain the biomimetic cellular-structured MCMB@WC composites. The in-situ formed WC cytoderm significantly contributed to the densification of the composites. Additionally, the formation of periodically ar-ranged hard-soft architecture and perfect MCMB/WC interface bonding enhanced the mechanical properties significantly. The composite with WC concentration of 53 vol% exhibited the maximal bending strength and fracture toughness of 446 MPa and 4.48 MPa m1/2, respectively. The developed biomimetic ceramic/graphite composites with excellent mechanical properties are expected to be applied in aerospace and other industries.

Automated summary

Inspired by the structures of plant cells, WC-coated MCMB powders were prepared by molten salt synthesis and then densified by spark-plasma sintering to obtain biomimetic cellular-structured MCMB@WC composites. The in-situ formed WC cytoderm significantly contributed to the densification of the composites. The composite with a WC concentration of 53 vol% exhibited the maximal bending strength and fracture toughness of 446 MPa and 4.48 MPa m1/2, respectively.