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A Molecular Rationale of Shock Absorption and Self‐Healing in a Biomimetic Apatite–Collagen Composite under Mechanical Load
Author(s) -
Zahn Dirk
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201002663
Subject(s) - composite number , apatite , materials science , composite material , deformation (meteorology) , mechanical load , compression (physics) , chemistry , mineralogy
Once bitten : Compression along the c axis of apatite–collagen composites (see picture), such as that on tooth enamel during biting, reveals a molecular mechanism that accounts for the steel‐like characteristics of these composites. Simulations reveal that before eventual failure, inelastic deformation is initiated near the collagen molecules followed by pseudo‐elastic deformation. The composite may undergo self‐healing after release of the mechanical load.