A Sinusoidally Architected Helicoidal Biocomposite.

Yaraghi, Nicholas A; Guarín-Zapata, Nicolás; Grunenfelder, Lessa K; Hintsala, Eric; Bhowmick, Sanjit; Hiller, Jon M; Betts, Mark; Principe, Edward L et al. · Adv Mater · 2016

basic_science · Level V

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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.