The Amazing Nacre (Mother of Pearl)
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?