Effect of chemical composition and microstructure on the mechanical properties of fish scales from Megalops Atlanticus
Date
2014
Authors
Gil Durán, Santiago
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universidad EAFIT
Abstract
Fishes use their scales as a protection against external threats like environmental hazards and predators -- This work presents an experimental study of the microstructure, composition and mechanical properties of Megalops Atlanticus (Atlantic tarpon) scales -- Mechanical properties were evaluated in uniaxial tension as a function of position along the length of the fish (head, mid-length and tail) -- Additional tensile tests were performed in three different orientations (0°,45°, and 90°) to evaluate the anisotropic behavior of the scales -- Examination of fish scale microstructure and compositions were performed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and RAMAN spectroscopy -- The results showed that scales from Megalops Atlantiticus are anisotropic, with variations of mechanical properties as a function of body position -- Megalops Atlantiticus scales display a characteristic hierarchical structure composed of fibrous collagen layered structures and hydroxyapatite crystals that provide multifunctional characteristics,
showing to have a non-homogenous distribution within the scale