Structure and mechanical properties of pincers for freshwater lobster

Abstract

The mineral phases and structure of pincer for the freshwater lobster were analyzed and observed by using X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electronic microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties of pincer were determined by using nano-indenter and micro-tribometer. The results showed that the pincers contained Ca, Mg, C, O, Na, etc. elements and there were many amorphous mineral phases in the lobster pincers. There were many concave hollows and convex domes with seta on the surface of pincer, and some spines were observed on the surface of seta, which exhibited non-smooth surface. The exoskeleton of pincer consisted of epicuticle, exocuticle and endocuticle, and the microstructure of exocuticle and endocuticle displayed the twisted plywood structure with chitin protein fibers. The mean hardness and elastic modulus on the surface of fresh pincers were 0.27 GPa and 5.28 GPa, respectively. With the increase in distance from the surface, the hardness and elastic modulus all decreased gradually. This indicated that the transition of hardness and elastic modulus occurred from exocuticle to endocuticle. When the heat treatment temperature was lower than 200°C, the values of hardness and elastic modulus fluctuated slightly, while they increased at the temperature beyond 200°C. As the pincers slid against Si3N4 balls in water and air, the friction coefficients in water were higher than those in air. The research could provide a bio-inspired basis for the structural design of composite materials and anti-friction surface.