Dynamic compressive response and microstructure evolution of bioinspired spider web‐like composites

Abstract A bioinspired web‐like (TiB + TiC + Ti 3 Si)/TC4 composite architecture was developed through an innovative integration of boron‐modified polysilazane‐derived ceramic shells and TC4 titanium alloy cores using solution mixing and pressureless sintering. The composite features a biomimetic structure comprising ultralong TiB nanowires (aspect ratios up to 48.5) serving as structural “webs,” synergistically integrated with spherical TiC and rod‐shaped Ti 3 Si particles as connecting “nodes.” TiB nanowires were synthesized via a solid–liquid–solid (SLS) growth mechanism. The composite demonstrates exceptional dynamic mechanical performance, achieving a compressive flow stress of 2167 MPa with a strain of 10.1% at a strain rate of 3000 s −1 . This enhancement arises from synergistic reinforcement mechanisms, including hybrid load transfer, grain refinement, and solid solution strengthening. Notably, the bioinspired hybrid architecture reduces the strain rate sensitivity, improves the strain‐hardening capacity, and delays adiabatic shear band (ASB) formation, while enhancing ASB stability under dynamic loading. This precursor‐derived approach eliminates the need for conventional boron‐containing ceramic powders and offers a new design paradigm for high‐performance titanium matrix composites.