Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Papers in Scientific Journals

Structure/mechanical behavior relationships in crossed-lamellar sea shells

Abstract

Common sea shells are composed by layers of CaCO3, sandwiched between biopolymers. This structure provides strength, hardness and toughness (e.g. nacre is 3000 times as tough as its constituent phases), and has inspired the development of high performance nanocomposites. Micro-mechanics experiments have shown that the organic phase between the ceramic plates, despite its low volume content, plays an important role in the fracture resistance of the marine shell structures.

This study aims at investigating the influence of the adhesive organic phase upon the macroscopic mechanical properties in a sea shell (Solen marginatus). In this work the mechanical properties of those systems are measured in different conditions: wet state; dry state and with the organic phase removed. A clear crossed-lamellar morphology was observed in the fresh shell. The drying (loss of water) did not influence the microstructure but caused a substantial decrease in stiffness. The extraction of the organic phase by calcination changed severely the microstructure and decrease significantly the strength and the work of fracture of the specimens.

Journal
Materials Science and Engineering C
Volume
25
Pagination
113-118
Keywords
biocomposites, Calcium Carbonate, Microstructure, Mollusc shell
Rights
Restricted Access
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
Year of Publication
2005
DOI
10.1016/j.msec.2005.01.004
Date Published
2005-12-01
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