In the quest for stronger, more durable materials, researchers are turning to an unlikely source: nature. Sherwan Mohammed Najm, from the Department of Fuel and Energy Engineering Techniques at the College of Oil & Gas Techniques Engineering in Kirkuk, Iraq, has published a study in *Advances in Mechanical and Materials Engineering* (which translates to *Advances in Mechanical and Materials Engineering* in English) that explores the potential of bioinspired impact-resistant composites in mechanical structures. This research could have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in enhancing the durability and sustainability of mechanical components.
Najm’s work focuses on three primary natural sources of bioinspiration: pearl structures, insect exoskeletons, and fruit shells. These natural materials have evolved over millions of years to withstand significant impacts and environmental stresses. By mimicking these structures, researchers aim to create advanced composite materials that are not only stronger but also more sustainable.
One of the most promising sources of bioinspiration highlighted in the study is insect cuticles. “Insect cuticles offer a sustainable alternative due to their exceptional stiffness, unique properties, and mechanical parameters,” Najm explains. These cuticles, which form the exoskeletons of insects, are composed of a complex hierarchy of chitin fibers and proteins. By replicating this structure, researchers can develop materials that are both strong and lightweight, making them ideal for a variety of applications in the energy sector.
The potential commercial impacts of this research are substantial. In the energy sector, mechanical structures are often subjected to extreme conditions, including high temperatures, pressures, and impacts. Traditional materials, while effective, can be heavy and resource-intensive to produce. Bioinspired composites, on the other hand, offer a more sustainable and potentially cost-effective alternative. For example, these materials could be used in the construction of offshore wind turbines, where they would need to withstand the corrosive effects of seawater and the impact of waves. Similarly, they could be used in the production of pipelines and other infrastructure in the oil and gas industry, where durability and resistance to impact are crucial.
The use of biocomposites in the production of mechanical structures is expected to grow in the coming years due to the continuous development of new composite technologies. This growth is driven by the need for more sustainable and efficient materials that can meet the demands of modern industry. As Najm notes, “The use of biocomposites in the production of mechanical structures is expected to grow in the coming years due to the continuous development of new composite technologies.”
The research published by Najm in *Advances in Mechanical and Materials Engineering* represents a significant step forward in the field of bioinspired materials. By drawing on the wisdom of nature, researchers are paving the way for a new generation of materials that are not only stronger and more durable but also more sustainable. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the adoption of these materials could play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of mechanical structures.