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In situ transmission electron microscopy observation of reversible deformation in nacre organic matrix

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Taro Sumitomo ,
Hideki Kakisawa ,
Yusuke Owaki  and
Yutaka Kagawa
Taro Sumitomo*
Affiliation:
National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
Hideki Kakisawa
Affiliation:
National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
Yusuke Owaki
Affiliation:
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
Yutaka Kagawa
Affiliation:
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
*
a)Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The deformation behavior of the organic polymer matrix of the biocomposite nacre structure in abalone shell was investigated by in situ straining during transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We observed strong adhesion to mineral plates and high ductility of the organic matrix, confirming a crack-bridging toughening mechanism. In addition, direct observation of reversible mechanical behavior was made in the viscoelastic reformation of matrix ligaments after failure. Crystalline β-sheet structures identified through electron diffraction suggested the presence of protein structures similar to spider or cocoon silk, and the reversible mechanism was attributed to hydration-induced unfolding and refolding of domains in these silklike proteins. This work provides further insight into the molecular and nanoscale behavior of nacre organic matrix and its contribution to bulk mechanical performance.

Keywords

BiomaterialNanostructureComposite
Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 23 , Issue 5 , May 2008 , pp. 1466 - 1471
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2008

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References

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