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Nanoscale deformation mechanics reveal resilience in nacre of Pinna nobilis shell

Author

Listed:
  • Jiseok Gim

    (University of Michigan)

  • Noah Schnitzer

    (University of Michigan)

  • Laura M. Otter

    (Macquarie University)

  • Yuchi Cui

    (University of Michigan)

  • Sébastien Motreuil

    (Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC))

  • Frédéric Marin

    (Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC))

  • Stephan E. Wolf

    (Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
    Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU))

  • Dorrit E. Jacob

    (Macquarie University)

  • Amit Misra

    (University of Michigan)

  • Robert Hovden

    (University of Michigan
    University of Michigan)

Abstract

The combination of soft nanoscale organic components with inorganic nanograins hierarchically designed by natural organisms results in highly ductile structural materials that can withstand mechanical impact and exhibit high resilience on the macro- and nano-scale. Our investigation of nacre deformation reveals the underlying nanomechanics that govern the structural resilience and absorption of mechanical energy. Using high-resolution scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) combined with in situ indentation, we observe nanoscale recovery of heavily deformed nacre that restores its mechanical strength on external stimuli up to 80% of its yield strength. Under compression, nacre undergoes deformation of nanograins and non-destructive locking across organic interfaces such that adjacent inorganic tablets structurally join. The locked tablets respond to strain as a continuous material, yet the organic boundaries between them still restrict crack propagation. Remarkably, the completely locked interface recovers its original morphology without any noticeable deformation after compressive contact stresses as large as 1.2 GPa.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiseok Gim & Noah Schnitzer & Laura M. Otter & Yuchi Cui & Sébastien Motreuil & Frédéric Marin & Stephan E. Wolf & Dorrit E. Jacob & Amit Misra & Robert Hovden, 2019. "Nanoscale deformation mechanics reveal resilience in nacre of Pinna nobilis shell," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-12743-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12743-z
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    Cited by:

    1. L. M. Otter & K. Eder & M. R. Kilburn & L. Yang & P. O’Reilly & D. B. Nowak & J. M. Cairney & D. E. Jacob, 2023. "Growth dynamics and amorphous-to-crystalline phase transformation in natural nacre," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Yuan Chen & Yangzezhi Zheng & Yang Zhou & Wei Zhang & Weihuan Li & Wei She & Jiaping Liu & Changwen Miao, 2023. "Multi-layered cement-hydrogel composite with high toughness, low thermal conductivity, and self-healing capability," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.

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