Adv. Eng. Mater. 4/2012

The cover shows examples of 3D wollastonite-based scaffolds from preceramic polymers with reactive fillers.Upper side: sample from fused deposition, after ceramization; Lower side: samples from conventional hot extrusion, after and before ceramization, on the left and on the right, respectively.Further details can be found in the article by E. Bernardo et.al. on page 269.Scales provide fishes with a thin, flexible and light-weight protection against predators.Puncture tests on individual scales have revealed an unusually high resistance to sharp penetration, and unique failure mechanisms which could inspire new designs for protective materials.