Centrifugation and index matching yield a strong and transparent bioinspired nacreous composite

A match made clear The fabrication of strong and tough composites is of interest in many technologies, such as the combination of mechanical performance with transparency for robust display systems. Amini et al . combined and centrifuged glass flakes with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to make a transparent composite. By doping the glass flakes, it was possible to alter the refractive index of PMMA to maximize optical clarity. Such composites show good strength and toughness and could have a wide range of potential applications as an alternative to current glass composites. —MSL