Inorganic Interfaces And Spiral Growth In Nacre

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 28 Aug 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Nacre, the crown jewel of natural materials, has been extensively studied because of its remarkable physical properties for over 160 years. Yet, the precise structural features governing its extraordinary strength and its growth mechanism remain elusive.

In this paper, we present a series of observations pertaining to the red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) shell's organic-inorganic interface, organic interlayer morphology and properties, large-area crystal domain orientations, and nacre growth.

In particular, we describe unique lateral nano-growths and paired screw dislocations in the aragonite layers, and demonstrate that the organic material sandwiched between aragonite platelets consists of multiple organic layers of varying nano-mechanical resilience.

Based on these novel observations and analysis, we propose a spiral growth model that accounts for both [001] vertical propagation via helices that surround numerous screw dislocation cores and simultaneous <010> lateral growth of aragonite sheet structure. These new findings may aid in creating novel organic-inorganic micro/nano composites through synthetic or biomineralization pathways.

Journal of the Royal Society Interface

Journal of the Royal Society Interface is the Society's cross-disciplinary publication promoting research at the interface between the physical and life sciences. It offers rapidity, visibility and high-quality peer review and is ranked fifth in JCR's multidisciplinary category. The journal also incorporates Interface Focus, a peer-reviewed, themed supplement, each issue of which concentrates on a specific cross-disciplinary subject.

Journal of the Royal Society Interface