Biomaterials for lightweight construction

High-performance nanocomposite materials, which increase the efficiency of lightweight constructions (e.g.) are precipitated by diatoms during a dynamic formation process.  The process of structure development and the combination of complex structures and directed composite materials have a high potential  regarding new production technologies and extremely efficient reduction of weight.

The transmission electron microscopic picture of the composite structure of the marine diatom Thalassiotrix shows a combination of layers and spheres. The application of such combined composite materials has a high potential for automotive and aerospace structures.