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Structural and Mechanical Characterization of Atrina Pectinata and Freshwater Mussel Shells

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Abstract

The microstructures of Atrina pectinata and freshwater mussel shells are investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of these shells are characterized by nanoindentation and three-point bending tests. Results show that both shells possess a prismatic microstructure mainly composed of columnar crystals and an organic matrix. The fracture toughness of the prismatic structure of Atrina pectinata and freshwater mussel are approximately 1.15 MPa·m½ and 0.87 MPa·m½, respectively, while the fracture toughness of natural calcite is approximately 0.2 MPa·m½. Calculated results from indentations agree with those obtained from the three-point bending tests. The columnar crystal material shows excellent fracture toughness due to grain refinement. In addition, the organic matrix of the prismatic layer can arrest cracks, and thereby improves the fracture toughness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Xueyuan Road No. 37, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China

    Jianlu Lv, Yonggang Jiang & Deyuan Zhang

  2. International Research Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Beihang University, Xueyuan Road No. 37, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China

    Yonggang Jiang

Authors
  1. Jianlu Lv
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  2. Yonggang Jiang
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  3. Deyuan Zhang
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Correspondence to Yonggang Jiang.

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Lv, J., Jiang, Y. & Zhang, D. Structural and Mechanical Characterization of Atrina Pectinata and Freshwater Mussel Shells. J Bionic Eng 12, 276–284 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1672-6529(14)60120-7

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