Structure-property relationships in Arapaima Gigas scales revealed by nanoindentation tests

F. G. Torres, E. Le Bourhis, O. P. Troncoso, J. Llamoza

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fish scales from Arapaima Gigas have been studied in terms of their structure (morphology, collagen content) and mechanical properties. A strong mechanical gradient was revealed in the scale, hardness and reduced modulus being reduced by a factor of three. Correlations between the hardness and reduced modulus and the mineral content have been found. The external mineral rich layers were determined to be hard and stiff while the inner surface, being collagen rich, was less hard and less stiff. The inside of the scales showed a progressive decrease of mechanical properties, with variations attributed to the plywood-like structure of the scale.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)369-374
Number of pages6
JournalPolymers and Polymer Composites
Volume22
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2014

Keywords

  • Arapaima gigas scales
  • Collagen content
  • Nanoindentation response
  • Plywood structure

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