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Tooth enamel-inspired ceramic coating on metal surface for enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance

Author

Listed:
  • Shaojia Liu

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University)

  • Jingjing Deng

    (Peking University Health Science Center)

  • Hewei Zhao

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University)

  • Tianbai Wang

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University)

  • Junfeng Lu

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University)

  • Baosen Ding

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University)

  • Tianqi Guo

    (Beihang University)

  • Robert O. Ritchie

    (University of California Berkeley)

  • Lin Guo

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University)

Abstract

Stiffness-damping balance, high specific mechanical performance, and corrosion resistance are demanded for metals. Here, we developed an enamel-inspired ceramic (EIC) coating strategy involving hydrothermal growth of a tooth enamel-like ZrO₂ nanorods on Zr foil and amorphous ZrO₂ intergranular phase formation via controlled hydrolysis. The EIC coated Zr foil (Zr-EIC) achieved a high viscoelastic figure of merit (4.6 GPa); as well as excellent specific stiffness and hardness owing to the lightweight of ceramics, surpassing the values of Zr and previously reported Zr-based alloys or Zr-based composites. This was due to the vertically oriented stiff nanorods and unique energy dissipation derived from deformation at the crystalline/amorphous interfaces. It demonstrated exceptional NaCl corrosion resistance. This approach showed universality across Ti, Zn, and Cu substrates, enhancing both mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. By constructing an enamel-like hierarchical structure on the metal surface, the strategy overcomes traditional metal limitations without causing an increase in density.

Suggested Citation

  • Shaojia Liu & Jingjing Deng & Hewei Zhao & Tianbai Wang & Junfeng Lu & Baosen Ding & Tianqi Guo & Robert O. Ritchie & Lin Guo, 2025. "Tooth enamel-inspired ceramic coating on metal surface for enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61060-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61060-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Bongjun Yeom & Trisha Sain & Naida Lacevic & Daria Bukharina & Sang-Ho Cha & Anthony M. Waas & Ellen M. Arruda & Nicholas A. Kotov, 2017. "Abiotic tooth enamel," Nature, Nature, vol. 543(7643), pages 95-98, March.
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    4. Karen A. DeRocher & Paul J. M. Smeets & Berit H. Goodge & Michael J. Zachman & Prasanna V. Balachandran & Linus Stegbauer & Michael J. Cohen & Lyle M. Gordon & James M. Rondinelli & Lena F. Kourkoutis, 2020. "Chemical gradients in human enamel crystallites," Nature, Nature, vol. 583(7814), pages 66-71, July.
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