From timeless Japanese wood joinery to advanced ceramic joint interlocking

Abstract Efficiency and adaptability are key factors in the development of high-performance architectural hybrid materials. While monolithic ceramics have limitations in advanced applications, hybrid structures combining multiple components or geometries offer enhanced adaptability and functionality...

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Main Authors: Patrizia Hoffmann, Larissa Wahl, Swantje Funk, Tobias Fey
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-04-01
Series:Discover Materials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43939-025-00250-6
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author Patrizia Hoffmann
Larissa Wahl
Swantje Funk
Tobias Fey
author_facet Patrizia Hoffmann
Larissa Wahl
Swantje Funk
Tobias Fey
author_sort Patrizia Hoffmann
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Efficiency and adaptability are key factors in the development of high-performance architectural hybrid materials. While monolithic ceramics have limitations in advanced applications, hybrid structures combining multiple components or geometries offer enhanced adaptability and functionality. This study explores modular, interlocking ceramic structures with inherent stability, consisting of detachable and individually replaceable building blocks. Inspired by timeless Japanese Wood Joining (WJ), we have transitioned from the traditional bonded wood joints to advanced interlocking rigid joints without additional bonding phases to meet the requirements of self-supporting ceramic structures under demanding conditions such as high temperatures. To address the brittle nature of ceramics, we additionally incorporated the principles of Topological Interlocking (TI), which localizes fracture propagation and prevents catastrophic failure using modularity, providing a significant advantage over monolithic structures. We present a novel hybrid approach, referred to as Ceramic Joint Interlocking (CJI), which combines the self-supporting stability of WJ with the modularity of TI. Using low-pressure ceramic injection molding, we fabricated intricate interlocking ceramic components with multiple integrated interlocking joints that assemble without external forces. Mechanical performance was evaluated using deflection measurements, which highlight their potential for structural integrity and adaptability. This novel approach opens the way for modular, reusable, and inherently stable ceramic structures, increasing the potential for high-performance applications that require durability and flexibility.
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publishDate 2025-04-01
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spelling doaj-art-b00baa5c3caa477b9982f69e7a1d06482025-08-20T02:20:02ZengSpringerDiscover Materials2730-77272025-04-015111510.1007/s43939-025-00250-6From timeless Japanese wood joinery to advanced ceramic joint interlockingPatrizia Hoffmann0Larissa Wahl1Swantje Funk2Tobias Fey3Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Institute of Glass and Ceramics), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergDepartment of Materials Science and Engineering (Institute of Glass and Ceramics), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergDepartment of Materials Science and Engineering (Institute of Glass and Ceramics), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergDepartment of Materials Science and Engineering (Institute of Glass and Ceramics), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergAbstract Efficiency and adaptability are key factors in the development of high-performance architectural hybrid materials. While monolithic ceramics have limitations in advanced applications, hybrid structures combining multiple components or geometries offer enhanced adaptability and functionality. This study explores modular, interlocking ceramic structures with inherent stability, consisting of detachable and individually replaceable building blocks. Inspired by timeless Japanese Wood Joining (WJ), we have transitioned from the traditional bonded wood joints to advanced interlocking rigid joints without additional bonding phases to meet the requirements of self-supporting ceramic structures under demanding conditions such as high temperatures. To address the brittle nature of ceramics, we additionally incorporated the principles of Topological Interlocking (TI), which localizes fracture propagation and prevents catastrophic failure using modularity, providing a significant advantage over monolithic structures. We present a novel hybrid approach, referred to as Ceramic Joint Interlocking (CJI), which combines the self-supporting stability of WJ with the modularity of TI. Using low-pressure ceramic injection molding, we fabricated intricate interlocking ceramic components with multiple integrated interlocking joints that assemble without external forces. Mechanical performance was evaluated using deflection measurements, which highlight their potential for structural integrity and adaptability. This novel approach opens the way for modular, reusable, and inherently stable ceramic structures, increasing the potential for high-performance applications that require durability and flexibility.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43939-025-00250-6Interlocking materialsModular building blocksJapanese wood joiningCeramic joint interlocking
spellingShingle Patrizia Hoffmann
Larissa Wahl
Swantje Funk
Tobias Fey
From timeless Japanese wood joinery to advanced ceramic joint interlocking
Discover Materials
Interlocking materials
Modular building blocks
Japanese wood joining
Ceramic joint interlocking
title From timeless Japanese wood joinery to advanced ceramic joint interlocking
title_full From timeless Japanese wood joinery to advanced ceramic joint interlocking
title_fullStr From timeless Japanese wood joinery to advanced ceramic joint interlocking
title_full_unstemmed From timeless Japanese wood joinery to advanced ceramic joint interlocking
title_short From timeless Japanese wood joinery to advanced ceramic joint interlocking
title_sort from timeless japanese wood joinery to advanced ceramic joint interlocking
topic Interlocking materials
Modular building blocks
Japanese wood joining
Ceramic joint interlocking
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s43939-025-00250-6
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AT tobiasfey fromtimelessjapanesewoodjoinerytoadvancedceramicjointinterlocking