Berlin 2012 – scientific programme
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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik
CPP 7: Poster: Biopolymers and Biomaterials (jointly with BP)
CPP 7.9: Poster
Monday, March 26, 2012, 17:30–19:30, Poster A
Using confocal spectroscopy to determine the Mg content and the crystalline orientation of calcite within the exocuticle of isopods — •Katja Huemer1, Christian Reisecker1, Martin Laher1, Bastian Seidel2, Andreas Zielger2, and Sabine Hild1 — 1Institute of Polymer Science, Johannes Kepler University, Altenbergerstrasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria — 2Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89069 Ulm, Germany
The exceptional properties of biological composites, such as the exoskeleton of crustaceans, are based on a complex hierarchical architecture of inorganic and organic components. The mineralized exoskeleton formed by the cuticle of crustaceans is an excellent model to study biological composite materials. The cuticle consists of an organic matrix composed of chitin-protein fibers associated with various amounts of crystalline and amorphous calcium carbonate. Using scanning confocal Raman microscopy (SCRM) for isopods is was possible to show that mineral phases have a layered arrangement where calcite is restricted to the outer area of the cuticle forming the outer protective layer. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the Mg content and crystalline morphology in the mechanical properties of the exocuticle the tergites of three isopod species. Using SCRM for the different species the Mg content can be determined and different types of oriented growth of nanocrystalline calcite can be discriminated. SFM nanodindentation experiments are performed to show the influence of these parameters in the local mechanical properties.