Abstract
The Biomimetic Materials Workshop, a continuing education program during TMS 2011 Annual Meeting, was held in the San Diego Zoo on February 27, 2011. An overview on 'Biological materials-a materials science approach' elucidated characteristic principles used in nature, namely hierarchical structure, multi-functionality self-assembly under environmental conditions using basic building blocks. 'Taking knowledge of biological materials to the next step', bridged natural/biological materials and bioinspired design and synthesis. A talk on 'Bioinspired tough ceramics', included mechanistic origins of toughness in natural ceramic-based composite at varying length scales, then presented innovative approaches to making abalone-inspired ceramics using a freeze-casting technique. The final presentation on inherent nanotechnology on plant leaf surfaces showed that plant leaves are covered by a waxy layer called epicuticular wax, which has evolved to successfully adapt their environment by varying micro- and nano-structural designs.