Published in

Materials Research Society, Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings, (874), 2005

DOI: 10.1557/proc-874-l2.8/k2.8

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

The Jaws of Nereis : Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

Journal article published in 2005 by Henrik Birkedal ORCID, Chris Broomell, Rashda K. Khan, Nelle Slack, Helga C. Lichtenegger ORCID, Frank Zok, Galen D. Stucky, J. Herbert Waite, J. Herbert Waite
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

Full text: Download

Red circle
Preprint: archiving forbidden
Green circle
Postprint: archiving allowed
Upload
Green circle
Published version: archiving allowed
Upload
Policy details
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

AbstractThe jaws of the marine wormNereissp. are made of protein fibers and are reinforced by zinc. Here we study a transverse section through the jaw using optical microscopy and nanoindentation. Optical microscopy images demonstrate a complex microstructure which includes channels that extend throughout the jaw. We suggest that these channels may be related to jaw remodeling. The mechanical results reveal spatial variations in both indentation hardness and reduced modulus. Specifically, the toothed side of the jaw (used for grasping food) is harder than the remainder of the jaw and the very exterior surface is hardest.