Bioinspired hierarchical composite with inorganic macromolecules for high toughness and thermal electrical resistance

While hierarchical composite materials show great potential for enhancing structural materials, organic-based systems face challenges from the limitation of thermostability. In this study, activated tantalate nucleation agent is applied to form an inorganic cellular composite in vitreous phase, mimicking biological cells with nucleus, cytoplasm, and membrane, supported by collagen-like CrTaO4 nanofibers. The increase of Q²(Si) spectral intensity confirms silicate polymerization to form chains. The ordered adsorption of silicate species around high-field-strength tantalate cores forms a hierarchical inorganic framework that enhances thermostability during cooling, inspired by protein-based structural reinforcement such as collagen frameworks. The resulting hierarchical structure reduces ionic mobility, yielding 5 times increase in high-temperature electrical resistance and viscosity, and the growth of crystalline phase leads to 30% improvement in Vickers hardness. By integrating nanoscale fiber with macromolecular reinforcement, this bioinspired approach concurrently enhances thermostability, mechanical strength, and electrical performance while maintaining glass processability. The appropriately controlled cellular structure overcomes limitations of traditional organic-inorganic composites, providing valuable insights into the inorganic cellular structure and associated strengthening mechanisms.