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Nacre-Inspired Crystal Framework Points to Stiff, Tough Materials
Key Takeaways
- A Science paper (Volume 394, Issue 6819, pages 81–86, October 2026) is titled “Hierarchical crystalline organic-inorganic framework enabling high-modulus toughening in nacre.”
- Nacre combines brittle aragonite with a few percent organic material to achieve toughness far beyond pure mineral, thanks to layered architecture across multiple length scales.
- The paper's framing centres on toughening a stiff material while maintaining a high modulus, addressing the classic stiffness–toughness trade-off in materials science.
- Potential applications include lightweight protection, aerospace and automotive structures, biomedical implants, coatings, and electronics substrates.
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DT Editorial Team··via science.org