J Mater Sci(2008)43:6747-6757 6749 the two principal methodologies o b n designing multiscale Bridging laws omposite structures, i.e., the MACRO top-bottom engineering 101-10-1m approach observed in natural MESO opposites with the emphasi 102-103m on the role of interphase Coating MICRO henomena at various length 10-106m and time scales Bottom~up fiber-matⅸx adhesion 10-109 110∞-102m1 immobilization I 10-15s TE MESO MICRO NANO 10·101mm 100-200nm 2=4nm 123nm MACRO 0 Tissue Fibrillar Mineral particle 50 x 25*3 nm level ensuring mechanical performance of the bone and providing means natural multiscale, functionall for functional hierarchy and signaling between the various length polymer composite structure scales [assembled with help of Ref. 101 methodology with the mol starting from mineralized protein fibrils, to osteons up to a man made composites, significantly. One of the main dif- complete bone [10, 11]( Fig. 2). Despite of similar multi- ferences is in the role of the molecular interphases allowing scale structure, natural composite structures differ from the the natural composite to be hierarchical, adaptive and 2 Springerstarting from mineralized protein fibrils, to osteons up to a complete bone [10, 11] (Fig. 2). Despite of similar multi￾scale structure, natural composite structures differ from the man made composites, significantly. One of the main dif￾ferences is in the role of the molecular interphases allowing the natural composite to be hierarchical, addaptive and Fig. 2 Schematic drawing of the two principal methodologies in designing multiscale composite structures, i.e., the top–bottom engineering approach and the bottom-up approach observed in natural composites with the emphasis on the role of interphase phenomena at various length and time scales Fig. 3 Part of the femur bone can serve as an example of a large natural multiscale, functionally hierarchical composite structure. This polymer composite structure has been designed using the bottom-up methodology with the molecularly designed discrete interphase ensuring mechanical performance of the bone and providing means for functional hierarchy and signaling between the various length scales [assembled with help of Ref. 10] J Mater Sci (2008) 43:6747–6757 6749 123