Abstract
A fibrous herringbone-modified helicoidal architecture is identified within the exocuticle of an impact-resistant crustacean appendage. This previously unreported composite microstructure, which features highly textured apatite mineral templated by an alpha-chitin matrix, provides enhanced stress redistribution and energy absorption over the traditional helicoidal design under compressive loading. Nanoscale toughening mechanisms are also identified using high-load nanoindentation and in situ transmission electron microscopy picoindentation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 6835-6844 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Advanced Materials |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 32 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- biomineralization
- composites
- proteins