Strong and tough glass composites with a partially segmented micro-architecture

Abstract

Inspired by the composition of “hard” fin rays and “soft” collagen and the non-segmented and segmented composite structure of fish fins, we propose a partially segmented laminated structure design concept to overcome the brittleness of hard materials. Here, laminated glass composites with a partially segmented micro-architecture are fabricated using a laser engraving approach and a mechanical evaluation of the structure is performed. It is found that the involvement of segmentation enables an incremental cracking mechanism by restraining cracks in segments and a tablet sliding mechanism, thereby producing an unusual combination of strength and toughness. The strength of the partially segmented glass composite is controlled by the depth of segmentation, while the enhancement of toughness is controlled by a superposition of the cracking and sliding mechanisms. The balanced zone involving these mechanisms enables simultaneous improvement of strength and toughness. Additionally, the strength and toughness of partially segmented glass composite can be tuned by varying segment thickness and changing the interlayer materials.