Abstract
It is suggested on the basis of experiments carried out in vitro on whole caries-free human premolars that the energy absorbing capacity (mechanical toughness) of the enamel depends upon the explusion of liquid from between the mineral fibre of this natural composite material. Classical theory of flow through narrow channels with recent modifications to allow for the influence of the electrical double layers at the surface of the fibres has been applied to show how toughness can be influenced and controlled by wholly chemical methods. In particular the effect of replacing the hydroxyl groups with flouride ions is shown to result in an increase in toughness. Finally, it is suggested that the flow of liquids through fine capillaries may be responsible for toughness in other natural fibrous composites such as wood.
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Dr. Peter Fox died shortly after the acceptance of this paper for publication. It has been my pleasure to publish several of Dr Fox's distinctive papers over the years and his thoughtful contributions to the subject of Materials Science will be missed.
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Fox, P.G. The toughness of tooth enamel, a natural fibrous composite. J Mater Sci 15, 3113–3121 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00550384
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00550384