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J4 ›› 2012, Vol. 9 ›› Issue (3): 367-376.doi: 10.1016/S1672-6529(11)60132-7

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Cuttlebone: Characterisation, Application and Development of Biomimetic Materials

Joseph Cadman1, Shiwei Zhou2, Yuhang Chen3, Qing Li1   

  1. 1. School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
    2. Innovative Structures Group, School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, RMIT University,
    GPO Box 2476, Melbourne 3001, Australia
    3. School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
  • Online:2012-09-30
  • Contact: Qing Li E-mail:Qing.Li@Sydney.edu.au

Abstract:

Cuttlebone signifies a special class of ultra-lightweight cellular natural material possessing unique chemical, mechanical and structural properties, which have drawn considerable attention in the literature. The aim of this paper is to better understand the mechanical and biological roles of cuttlebone. First, the existing literature concerning the characterisation and potential applications inspired by this remarkable biomaterial is critiqued. Second, the finite element-based homogenisation method is used to verify that morphological variations within individual cuttlebone samples have minimal impact on the effective mechanical properties. This finding agrees with existing literature, which suggests that cuttlebone strength is dictated by the cuttlefish habitation depth. Subsequently, this homogenisation approach is further developed to characterise the effective mechanical bulk modulus and biofluidic permeability that cuttlebone provides, thereby quantifying its mechanical and transporting functionalities to inspire bionic design of structures and materials for more extensive applications. Finally, a brief rationale for the need to design a biomimetic material inspired by the cuttlebone microstructure is provided, based on the preceding investigation.

Key words: cuttlebone, characterisation, biomimetic, homogenisation