Page 25 - Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature
P. 25

Harun Yahya

















            A great many substances in na-
            ture possess features that can
            be used as models for modern
            inventions. On a gram-for-gram
            basis, for example, bone is
            much stronger than iron.


                 Man-made materials eventually crack and shatter. This requires re-
            placement or repairs, carried out with adhesives, for instance. But some

            materials in nature, such as the mussel’s shell, can be repaired by the orig-
            inal organisms. Recently, in imitation, scientists have begun development
            of substances such as polymers and polycyclates, which can renew them-
                  22
            selves. In the search to develop strong, self-renewing bio-inspired mate-
            rials, one natural substance taken as a model is rhinoceros horn. In the 21 st
            century, such research will form the basis of material science studies.


                 Composites

                 Most of the materials in nature consist of composites. Composites are
            solid materials that result when two or more substances are combined to
            form a new substance possessing properties that are superior to those of

            the original ingredients. 23
                 The artificial composite known as fiberglass, for instance, is used in
            boat hulls, fishing rods, and sports-equipment materials such as bows


                                                                            23
   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28   29   30