Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is an
organic–inorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner
shell layer. It comprises 95% calcium carbonate (aragonite) which, due to its
layered microstructure, yields tensile strength, toughness and ductility levels
as well as barrier and durability characteristics that far exceed those of
monolithic aragonite or artificial inorganic materials such as concrete.
The superior engineering properties of nacre result from its
controlled microstructure fored during a biomineralization process. This
process involves controlled through-solution crystallization of amorphous
materials (mostly calcium carbonate) to form intricate microstructures tailored
towards serving structural, protective and other purposes.
Can we learn from biomineralization of nacre to produce
improved material for construction of longer-lasting, safer and more sustainable
infrastructure systems?
