Bioinspired design: lessons from hierarchical structures and local properties of natural ceramics and their composites

Nature has created materials with characteristics and processes that are far beyond the thinking of the engineering materials industry. Nature is supreme when it comes to architecture and intricate designing. This design does not compromise with the properties of materials. Nature has used inorganic and solid-state materials along with their composites as elements that can be utilized in sensors, precision tools, functional materials, etc. These biogenic materials have undergone millions of years of evolution before their utilization by humankind for various purposes. These natural structural materials are made from a small number of components at room temperature. Various phases are commonly arranged in complicated hierarchical systems, with diameters ranging from nanoscale to macroscale. The hierarchical organization of nature-based materials offers varied characteristics based on weak components, high-performance per unit mass, and varied functions in addition to mechanical capabilities. Bioinspired materials require the development of a fundamental understanding of biological materials and integrating that understanding with current needs as well as manufacturing hierarchically organized materials with improved properties. The current review focuses mainly on bioinspired materials and bioceramics.