Emergence in biomimetic materials systems

Abstract

The importance of emergent characteristics in the knowledge transfer from biological role models to biomimetic materials systems is discussed. After a brief definition of biomimetics and a description of the two basic approaches to develop biomimetic materials systems and products, we attempt to discern different types of emergence important in biomimetics. Emergent characteristics occurring in thematerials systems may concern the same physical property (type 1) or a different physical property (type 2) compared to the properties of the single elements. Additional emergent characteristics important in biomimetics are related to societal values. These emergent values include aesthetic and symbolic values of the biomimetic products (type 3) and the potential contribution to moral values such as sustainability (type 4).