The crossed lamellar structure (CLS) found in mollusc shells is an excellent example for nature’s ability to form complex hierarchical microstructures with a remarkable balance between strength and toughness. The CLS has become the subject of numerous studies focusing on the replication of the unique microstructure using synthetic composites. The present study proposes a wood composite replicating the CLS’ middle layer microstructure and investigates the mechanical properties using three-point bending tests. The morphology of the failure mechanisms is recorded using digital microscopy and the experimental data are compared to those from ply- and solid woods. The results show a successful replication of the dominating failure mechanisms of crack deflection and crack bridging. While strength decreased significantly by ∼60%, toughness increased remarkable by ∼70% compared to plywood and was in the range of solid wood. The small data scattering from the wooden CLS samples compared to solid wood further hints on a stable failure mechanism and uniform energy-absorption. The results document that wood can be used to design an energy-absorbing composite based on the CLS-inspired ductile microstructure.

在软体动物壳中发现的交叉层状结构 (CLS) 是大自然形成复杂分层微观结构的能力的一个很好的例子，在强度和韧性之间取得了显着的平衡。CLS 已成为众多研究的主题，重点是使用合成复合材料复制独特的微观结构。本研究提出了一种复制 CLS 中间层微观结构的木材复合材料，并使用三点弯曲试验研究了机械性能。使用数字显微镜记录失效机制的形态，并将实验数据与胶合木和实木的数据进行比较。结果显示成功复制了裂纹偏转和裂纹桥接的主要失效机制。虽然强度显着下降了约 60%，与胶合板相比，韧性显着增加了约 70%，处于实木范围内。与实木相比，来自木质 CLS 样品的小数据散射进一步暗示了稳定的失效机制和均匀的能量吸收。结果表明，木材可用于设计基于 CLS 启发的延性微结构的吸能复合材料。