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Structure and Composition of Rhinoceros Horn

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

Ann Chidester Van Orden  and
Joseph C. Daniel Jr.
Ann Chidester Van Orden
Affiliation:
Analytical Services and Materials, 107 Research Dr., Hampton, VA 23666
Joseph C. Daniel Jr.
Affiliation:
Old Dominion University, Dept. of Biology, Norfolk, VA.
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Abstract

Rhinoceros horn has been used medicinally and as a talisman in many cultures and animals are slaughtered to obtain the horn. With the dwindling populations of rhinos, and the limited number and breeding success of captive rhinos, there is a critical need to learn as much as is possible about their horns to find an adequate substitute. Examination of rhino horn was made using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The structure of the horn is unusual and consists of two separate phases, one of hair-like filaments, built around a central core in circumferential layers and the other surrounding and filling in the spaces between the filaments as a matrix. Together, these two structures make up a biological composite, structurally similar to metal, ceramic or polymer based composites. The structural morphology, the dimensions of the structures, and the chemistry of the horn are discussed. Comparisons are made between horn, hoof, and hair of rhinos and hoof and hair from horses, their nearest living relatives.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 292: Symposium S – Biomolecular Materials , 1992 , 45
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1993

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