Brandt, KristinaKristinaBrandtWolff, Michael F. H.Michael F. H.WolffSalikov, VitalijVitalijSalikovHeinrich, StefanStefanHeinrichSchneider, Gerold A.Gerold A.Schneider2017-07-252017-07-252013-07-31Scientific Reports 3, Article number: 2322 (2013)http://tubdok.tub.tuhh.de/handle/11420/1401The fascination for hierarchically structured hard tissues such as enamel or nacre arises from their unique structure-properties-relationship. During the last decades this numerously motivated the synthesis of composites, mimicking the brick-and-mortar structure of nacre. However, there is still a lack in synthetic engineering materials displaying a true hierarchical structure. Here, we present a novel multi-step processing route for anisotropic 2-level hierarchical composites by combining different coating techniques on different length scales. It comprises polymer-encapsulated ceramic particles as building blocks for the first level, followed by spouted bed spray granulation for a second level, and finally directional hot pressing to anisotropically consolidate the composite. The microstructure achieved reveals a brick-and-mortar hierarchical structure with distinct, however not yet optimized mechanical properties on each level. It opens up a completely new processing route for the synthesis of multi-level hierarchically structured omposites, giving prospects to multi-functional structure-properties relationships.en2045-23222013Nature Publishing Grouphttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/Bioinspired materialsCharacterization and analytical techniquesDesign, synthesis and processingOrganic–inorganic nanostructuresIngenieurwissenschaftenJournal Articleurn:nbn:de:gbv:830-8821639710.15480/882.139811420/140110.1038/srep0232210.15480/882.1398Journal Article