About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Biological Materials Science
|
| Presentation Title |
Hierarchical Structure and Multiscale Mechanical Properties of the Gooseneck barnacle Capitulum mitella: Integration of Biomineralized Scales and Soft Tissues |
| Author(s) |
Yung-Ya Chuang, Po-Yu Chen |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Yung-Ya Chuang |
| Abstract Scope |
The gooseneck barnacle (Capitulum mitella) features rigid calcite-based shells and a flexible stalk composed of mineralized scales embedded within a chitinous cuticle. The hierarchical structure and elemental composition of gooseneck barnacle were investigated by using micro-CT, SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR. To further assess its mechanical performance, tensile and nanoindentation tests were conducted. Results revealed that the transverse stalk samples exhibited elastic modulus and ultimate tensile stress of 32.64±10.68 MPa and 14.04±1.56 MPa, both approximately 1.8 times those of the longitudinal ones, indicating anisotropic behavior. Nanoindentation demonstrated significant differences between the mineralized and non-mineralized regions within scales. The mineralized regions exhibited a hardness of 4.2 ± 0.8 GPa, over 10 times that of the non-mineralized areas. Finally, the deformation mechanisms of organic and inorganic components were explored by DIC. This study not only reveals the adaptive survival strategies of this organism but also provides novel insights into bio-inspired designs for protective applications. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Mechanical Properties, |