Sea Urchins Usability Study

In the future, single crystal spines of sea urchins can be used to increase the strength of concrete. Sea urchin spines are made of derivatives known that calcium carbonate has a natural form, some types of which are more fragile than others. X-ray imaging results showed that the sea urchin animal constructed of calcite crystals, with the "mortar" in the form of lime.

Red Sea-Urchin. (Picture from: http://www.fish-journal.com/)

Naturally, the thorns serve as a defense against predators, is hard, and at the same time to absorb shocks. As a result of this nature, the thorn among the most studied biomaterials by construction experts. 

Urchin spines serve as a powerful defense against predators. However, attempts to understand exactly how the functions of the thorns are still being studied by biologists. 

"Some researchers argue that the spine of the animal is a single crystal. Other researchers see the mechanical properties of thorns is more like glass," says senior author on the study Helmut Coelfen of the University of Konstanz in Germany, told the BBC. 

Coelfen continued, if the spines are from a single crystal type, they can be formed as well as mica, slate, glass, or ceramic may be. 

To further investigate the usefulness of sea urchins, the team started to experiment with a sample of sea urchins in Beijing. In a joint study, they used an imaging technique stronger. 

Throughout the research they gather experts and collaborators from seven other institutions. Starting with a standard light microscope, move to an electron microscope, and then to the X-ray crystallography at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. 

"We started using the techniques of higher to go further into the structure, and the farther we go down, the architecture and the different organizations we found," said Jong Seto, researchers from Konstanz. 

From the results of deepening it, found a pattern that shows a brick measuring 200 nanometers. 

The team found a brick and mortar structure that consists of 92 percent calcite crystals, bound together by 8 percent calcium carbonate has no crystalline structure. 

Prof. Coelfen added, the most obvious applications is how to get building materials to get the material by simply copying or attempting to copy the principle building. The researchers also are working with two major international companies, trying to improve the properties of concrete. *** [DEDI RISKOMAR | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 26042012]

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