Strategies for simultaneous strengthening and toughening via nanoscopic intracrystalline defects in a biogenic ceramic

Zhifei Deng, Hongshun Chen, Ting Yang, Zian Jia, James C. Weaver, Pavel D. Shevchenko, Francesco Carlo, Reza Mirzaeifar and Ling Li ()
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Zhifei Deng: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Hongshun Chen: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Ting Yang: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Zian Jia: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
James C. Weaver: Harvard University
Pavel D. Shevchenko: Argonne National Laboratory
Francesco Carlo: Argonne National Laboratory
Reza Mirzaeifar: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Ling Li: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract While many organisms synthesize robust skeletal composites consisting of spatially discrete organic and mineral (ceramic) phases, the intrinsic mechanical properties of the mineral phases are poorly understood. Using the shell of the marine bivalve Atrina rigida as a model system, and through a combination of multiscale structural and mechanical characterization in conjunction with theoretical and computational modeling, we uncover the underlying mechanical roles of a ubiquitous structural motif in biogenic calcite, their nanoscopic intracrystalline defects. These nanoscopic defects not only suppress the soft yielding of pure calcite through the classical precipitation strengthening mechanism, but also enhance energy dissipation through controlled nano- and micro-fracture, where the defects’ size, geometry, orientation, and distribution facilitate and guide crack initialization and propagation. These nano- and micro-scale cracks are further confined by larger scale intercrystalline organic interfaces, enabling further improved damage tolerance.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19416-2

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