The mechanical properties of the mussel byssal thread have been investigated via nano-indentation, with the emphasis on the differences between the cuticle and the fibrous interior. The cuticle hardness was found to be 30-40% higher than that of the underlying fibrous interior. In contrast, the Young's moduli in the two regions were virtually identical to one another. Elemental analysis via energy dispersive spectroscopy indicated surprisingly high levels of Al and Br in the cuticle considering the low amounts found in seawater. A potential role of Al in byssal thread mechanics is discussed in light of the unique capability of the cuticle to accommodate strains of 70% by the underlying fibrils in the core without delamination.
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