Ice-Templated Nacre-Inspired Ceramic Is 10× Tougher
French researchers have created a nacre-inspired ceramic that is ten times tougher than conventional ceramics by aligning alumina platelets with controlled ice growth (ice templating) using water and alumina powder; the resulting layered microstructure diverts cracks, boosting fracture resistance while maintaining performance up to at least 600°C, with potential uses in aerospace, energy systems, and ballistic protection.