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Micro-Scale Physical and Chemical Heterogeneities in Biogenic Materials - A Combined Micro-Raman, Chemical Composition and Microhardness Investigation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

E. Griesshaber ,
R. Job ,
T. Pettke  and
W. W. Schmahl
E. Griesshaber
Affiliation:
University of Bochum, Dept. of Geology, Mineralogy and Geophysics, Bochum, Germany
R. Job
Affiliation:
University of Hagen, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Hagen, Germany
T. Pettke
Affiliation:
ETH Zürich, Institute of Isotope Geochemistry, Zürich, Switzerland
W. W. Schmahl
Affiliation:
University of Bochum, Dept. of Geology, Mineralogy and Geophysics, Bochum, Germany
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Abstract

The ultrastructure and chemical composition of calcitic shells of the modern brachiopod specimen Magellania flavescens (Linnaeus) – order: Terebratulida – was investigated with μ-Raman spectroscopy, Vickers microhardness indentation and laser-ablation-inductively-coupled-plasma-mass-spectrometry. The shells contain a thin outer, nanocrystalline primary layer, which is followed by an inner, much softer, secondary layer composed of inorganic/organic fibre composite material. We observed significant chemical and structural inhomogeneities within the shells. The calcite A1g Raman mode was slightly reduced from 1084 cm-1 at the hinge (lock) down to 1083.5 cm-1 towards the tip. This is accompanied by a variation of some chemical impurity concentrations (e.g. Mg, Sr). A strong decrease in microhardness and distinct changes in chemical composition from the primary or the outermost part of the secondary layer towards the innermost portion of the secondary shell layer can be observed. Thus, our measurements show that chemical and structural inhomogeneities occur in modern brachiopods and not only between the primary and the secondary shell layer, but also within the secondary layer of the shell.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 844: Symposium Y – Mechanical Properties of Bio-Inspired and Biological Materials , 2004 , Y7.2
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2005

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References

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