3. General Aspects of Biomimetic Materials

Natural materials like bone, ligaments, wood, shells, and scales are remarkably efficient in terms of fulfilling complex and multiple functional requirements with minimal amounts of matter. Mimicking design features found in these biomaterials like hierarchical structure and composite nature, and resorting to bio-inspired manufacturing processes like biomineralization and self-assembly could yield man-made materials that are multifunctional, lightweight, benign, and recyclable. More specifically, the incorporation of many of the characteristics and properties found in natural materials into paints, coatings, films, concrete, glass, ceramics, fibers, and insulation has the potential to revolutionize the way infrastructures and buildings are constructed. This chapter provides a concise coverage of the area of biomimetic materials. A brief outline of the discipline is followed by a discussion of general aspects related to the structure and synthesis of natural materials. Next, the recent progress made in the development of biomimetic materials with improved mechanical resistance, optical, self-cleaning, adhesiveness, and anti-adhesion properties is reviewed with reference made to the most noteworthy examples.