Research on Multiscale Structure, Component and Properity of Meretrix Lusoria Shell

Abstract

This research was carried out with focus on the multi-scale structure of meretrix lusoria shell. In mesoscopic, meretrix lusoria shell contains three layers; the thickness of different layers is 0.6mm, 0.8mm and 0.7mm respectively. Compared to mesoscopic structure, the microstructure also has three layers, it refers to cuticle, prismatic layer and nacre. The cuticle is composed of a great number of particles, and its main composition is protein.The prismatic layer is composed of stagger structure. The inner layer presents orthogonal-sheets arrangement. This microstructure might show a special enhanced effect for the whole shell. The different inorganic layers’ crystal is same, which is aragonite. The mechanical properties of Meretrix lusoria shell are excellent, its elastic modulus was the same order of magnitude of high strength glass fiber composites. From this research will provide the theoretical basis for designing and producing bioinspired composite materials.