NIST Researchers Develop Advanced Material Based on Exoskeleton of Mantis Shrimp

Sujin Lee, a National Research Council postdoctoral fellow, was curious to understand why a mantis shrimp’s appendage did not break when it smashed the shells of other creatures with the force of a .22 caliber bullet. Lee joined NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) materials research engineer Edwin Chan to discover how this is possible. The result of the research led to the development of an advanced material based on the Bouligand structures of the exoskeleton of these amazing creatures that is tough enough to withstand challenging aerospace applications.

The researchers synthesized the structures from cellulose nanocrystals found in plant fibers and the nanocrystals assembled into plates and layered on top of each other forming synthetic Bouligand structures. Using high-frequency sound waves, the researchers modified the crystals then formed them into thin films.

The films were tested using high-intensity lasers to fire microprojectiles made of silica. The microprojectiles can leave indentations but can also bounce back depending on how the energy spreads in shockwaves after impact. By making the nanocrystals thicker, the films redirected the shockwaves from the impact.

Chan explained, “The results and insights of this research mark an important advance in bioinspired materials design with applications for aerospace, such as helping spacecraft survive the impact of micrometeoroids and protecting orbiting satellites that collide with debris.”

The team sees future uses of the bioinspired material in applications such as blast-resistant building materials, bullet-resistant glass, protective helmets, and more.

“These findings suggest that there are different ways to design materials to absorb impact, and we can use this knowledge to create more resilient and longer-lasting materials,” said Chan. “If you’re a boxer in the ring, you want to fight nine rounds, not just one.”

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