Organically Controlled Crystal Growth and Phase Selection in Ecologically Diverse, Ultrahard Bio-composites
Abstract
We are interested in revealing differences in mineral and organic substructures within the feeding apparatus of the chiton, a marine snail, and their relationship to the algae upon which they feed. We will investigate the teeth from chitons found in ecologically diverse regions of the world that have different architectures and mineral components. We will examine the differences in the multiscale architectures and mineral components of the teeth and reveal how the underlying organic framework is utilized to control the nucleation, growth and phase selection of mineral. We will use modern spectroscopic and microscopic characterization techniques as well as nanomechanical testing to uncover the material hierarchy, phase evolution pathways and mechanical performance of chiton teeth. We will also use proteomic analysis of the chitons to understand how functional proteins dictate phase selection and transformation. Specifically, we will (i) resolve the multiscale (nano to mm-scale) structural features and mechanics of the mature, (ii) investigate the underlying organic framework (structural and chemical) that controls phase selection and regulates nucleation and growth of mineral in the teeth, (iii) understand a universal biomineralization system and protein function in chitons with respect to regulating crystallization and phase and (iv) validate organic-mineral interactions via in-vitro crystallization studies and translate to multifunctional architectures by fabricating biomimetic wear resistant structures. Significance: This project has broad importance and implications for materials science. There is an ongoing quest to develop a new generation of high-performance multifunctional materials for a wide range of applications, ranging from energy storage and conversion to high-strength/low-weight structural materials. Biological systems, with their multitude of elegant solutions to similar dilemmas, can thus provide important inspiration to achieve similar goals in wholly synthetic systems. Beyond structural materials, the lessons learned from the biologically inspired materials synthesis aspect of this research could provide new insight into the factors controlling crystal nucleation and growth, thus having direct applicability to the synthesis of nanostructured materials with broad-based applications (e.g., photovoltaic and battery materials). With this work we intend to address the ongoing quest to develop the new generation of high-performance multifunctional materials by studying the organic scaffolding and function within a broad range of mineralized teeth from chiton found in ecologically diverse regions, the hierarchical structure and mechanical behavior of these teeth as well as the stylus connecting the radular belt to the teeth of chitons. These material systems have been chosen for this study due to (i) the remarkable damage tolerance and abrasion resistance (exhibiting the largest hardness and stiffness of any biominerals reported to date) from its heavily mineralized protective coating, (ii) its multicomponent, hierarchical architecture, (iii) its unique and dynamic mineralization process and (iv) the broad range of material and architectural features initially observed in radular teeth that come from ecologically diverse regions. By investigating the mineralization and multiscale behavior of these unique multicomponent flexible, abrasion-resistant and damage-tolerant structures, we will develop the necessary tools for the design and fabrication of cost-effective, environmentally friendly and high-performance multifunctional materials. These materials will mimic the various design elements and performance properties that can radically break traditional engineering paradigms which will benefit a wide spectrum of military applications, ranging from energy storage and conversion, tunable radar absorbing materials for stealth to high-strength/low-weight structural materials for advanced aircraft/spacecraft and engines.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 28, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910347
Entities
People
- David J Kisailus
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of California, Riverside