Synthetic materials that behave like mollusc shells

Nacre, commonly known as mother-of-pearl, is the iridescent material lining many mollusc shells. It is part of a two-layer armour system that protects the animal from predators. The brittle outer layer of the shell absorbs the initial impact, but is prone to cracking. To prevent these cracks from catastrophically propagating through the shell to the animal itself, the nacreous layer is surprisingly strong and tough, with outstanding crack arresting properties. Thus it acts as a lining to maintain the integrity of the shell in the event of cracking of the outer layer...

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