Emerging Bioinspired Artificial Woods

Abstract

As an abundant natural resource, wood has gained great attention for thousands of years, spanning from the primitive construction materials to the modern high-added-value engineering materials. The unique delicate microstructures and the wonderful properties (e.g., low-density, high strength and stiffness, good toughness, and environmental sustainability) have made wood a natural source of inspiration that guides researchers to invent various wood-inspired materials. Herein, as an emerging material system, bioinspired artificial wood, with similar cellular structures and comparable mechanical properties, is discussed in the view of the design concept, fabrication strategy, properties, and possible applications. The present challenges and further research opportunities are also presented for artificial woods to thrive. To achieve the final eco-friendly artificial wood, more endeavors should be made in biomaterials and biodegradable or recyclable engineering of polymers to gain high mechanical properties and environmental sustainability simultaneously.

Keywords: artificial wood; bioinspired materials; freeze casting; oriented channels.