ABSTRACT
Like in many other scientific innovations, the observation of Nature has been an inspiration to develop new synthetic nanocomposite materials.1 As described in the previous chapter, some admirable nanostructures are produced naturally through biological processes, in aqueous environments at room temperature and ambient pressure conditions. One of the most striking examples is abalone (the outer layer of pearls), formed through biological processes for millions of years by a sea mollusc. This material consists in nanolayers of aragonite (CaCO3) dispersed in a polymeric mixture of proteins and polysaccharides (Fig. 6.1). Other examples of improved structures and perfect synergy between the components of a composite include bones, teeth and the shell of some sea animals which show extraordinary mechanical
properties. Many researchers tried to reproduce such effects and approach the structure/properties achieved by Nature, preparing advanced synthetic composites. Biomineralization is at present an intensively investigated area, with strong impact in the field of composite materials.2
