Microstructures and mechanical properties of mollusk shell in different growing periods

The microstructures and mechanical properties of the gastropod shell of Hemifusus tuba during different growing periods were studied. The results show that the thickness and mechanical performance of the aragonite fiber increase with the accretion of Hemifusus tuba shell. Thus the mollusk shell alters the microstructure through the soft tissue in the growth process and the structure of mineral and mechanical performance of mollusk shell varies. The mechanical properties of mollusk shells are affected synthetically by the microstructure, organic matrix and some other factors, which are different from the higher strength and little dimension of the traditional engineering material.