Parker, A.R.; Palka, B.P.; Albon, J.; Meek, K.M.; Holden, S.; Malik, F.T. Biomimetic Transparent Eye Protection Inspired by the Carapace of an Ostracod (Crustacea). Nanomaterials2021, 11, 663.
Parker, A.R.; Palka, B.P.; Albon, J.; Meek, K.M.; Holden, S.; Malik, F.T. Biomimetic Transparent Eye Protection Inspired by the Carapace of an Ostracod (Crustacea). Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 663.
Parker, A.R.; Palka, B.P.; Albon, J.; Meek, K.M.; Holden, S.; Malik, F.T. Biomimetic Transparent Eye Protection Inspired by the Carapace of an Ostracod (Crustacea). Nanomaterials2021, 11, 663.
Parker, A.R.; Palka, B.P.; Albon, J.; Meek, K.M.; Holden, S.; Malik, F.T. Biomimetic Transparent Eye Protection Inspired by the Carapace of an Ostracod (Crustacea). Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 663.
Abstract
In this study we mimic the unique, transparent protective carapace (shell) of myodocopid ostracods, through which their compound eyes see, to demonstrate that the carapace ultrastructure also provides functions of strength and protection for a relatively thin structure. The bulk ultrastructure of the transparent window in the carapace of the relatively large, pelagic cypridinid (Myodocopida) Macrocypridina castanea was mimicked using thin film deposition of dielectric materials to create a transparent, 15 bi-layer material. This biomimetic material was subjected to the natural forces withstood by the ostracod carapace in situ, including scratching by captured prey and strikes by water-borne particles. The biomimetic material was then tested in terms of its extrinsic (hardness value) and intrinsic (elastic modulus) response to indentation along with its scratch resistance. The performance of the biomimetic material was compared with that of a commonly used, anti-scratch resistant lens and polycarbonate that is typically used in the field of transparent armoury. The biomimetic material showed the best scratch resistant performance, and significantly greater hardness and elastic modulus values. The ability of biomimetic material to revert back to its original form (post loading), along with its scratch resistant qualities, offers potential for a biomimetic eye protection coating that could enhance material currently in use.
Biology and Life Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
