The contribution of the individual constituents of red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) to the strength of the nacre structure is investigated. Nacre sections were deproteinized to establish the contribution of the organic components. Tensile testing, scratch, and nanoindentation tests are performed on the isolated mineral constituent (deproteinized nacre) and the untreated nacre of red abalone shell. Specimens are characterized by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies to verify the deformation mechanisms. Results obtained from the isolated mineral validate the importance of the organic constituent, as the mechanical properties decline greatly when the organic component is removed. Scratch tests reveal the anisotropy of the material and the effects of the thick layers of protein (mesolayers) on the deformation behavior. This approach confirms the importance of the integrated structure to the overall mechanical behavior of nacre.
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