About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Biological Materials Science
|
| Presentation Title |
Microstructure and Mechanical Roles of the Spherulitic Layer in Polyplacophora Shell Plates |
| Author(s) |
Cheng-Han Li, Chang-Yu Sun |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Cheng-Han Li |
| Abstract Scope |
Spherulites are polycrystalline aggregates with elongated crystals radiating from a common center. Spherulites are widely found in carbonate biominerals, including coral skeletons and eggshells. Previous studies on coral skeletons have shown that spherulitic crystals can create mechanical isotropy from anisotropic crystals and increase toughness. Chitons are intertidal mollusks armored with eight aragonite (CaCO3) shell plates for protection. While many studies focused on the optical functions of their shell plates, the spherulitic layer within have received little attention. This study aims to investigate the microstructure, crystallography, and mechanical properties of the spherulitic layer in the chiton shell plates. We used SEM, EDX, and XRD to characterize the hierarchical structure and the composition of the spherulitic layer. Crystal orientations are measured with EBSD and correlated with the multi-scale mechanical properties measured by nanoindentation. Together, these results provide a new perspective on the role of spherulites in constructing an effective inorganic protective armor. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Characterization, |