Toughening has always been an important research direction of structure ceramics. The addition of secondary phases to the ceramic matrix to prepare composite ceramics is an effective toughening ...

Ling Li, an assistant professor in mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech, has found insights into building stronger and tougher ceramics by studying the shells of bivalve mollusks. This perspective ...

In addition to adding strength, this design allows the structure to use its crack patterns to minimize damage into the inner shell. Ling Li, an assistant professor in mechanical engineering at ...