Intricate silica architecture survives forces: diatoms

Silica-based skeletons of microscopic diatoms offer significant resistance to impact forces due to symmetry, pores, nanospheres, and ribs.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Impact

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Vehicles that are both impact resistant and light weight Light weight and strong containers for transporting goods

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

“All free-living diatoms differ from other phytoplankton groups in having silicified cell walls in the form of two ‘shells’ (the frustule) of manifold shape and intricate architecture… Here we show that the frustules are remarkably strong by virtue of their architecture and the material properties of the diatom silica. We conclude that diatom frustules have evolved as mechanical protection for the cells because exceptional force is required to break them.” (Hamm et al. 2003:841)

About the inspiring organism

Fragilariopsis kerguelensis
Fragilariopsis kerguelensis (O'Meara) Hustedt

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Some organism data provided by: AlgaeBase
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Vehicles that are both impact resistant and light weight. Light weight and strong containers for transporting goods via rail or ship.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Automotive, aerospace, shipping

Experts

Marine Structures and Nanomaterials (IMARE)
Christian Hamm
Biosciences Division, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research

References

Hamm, Christian E.; Merkel, Rudolf; Springer, Olaf; Jurkojc, Piotr; Maier, Christian; Prechtel, Kathrin; Smetacek, Victor. 2003. Architecture and material properties of diatom shells provide effective mechanical protection. Nature. 421(6925): 841-843.

Intricate silica architecture survives forces: diatoms

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