Anisotropic diffraction of materials with fibre symmetry: application to chitin cuticle.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the structure-function relationships in anisotropic fibre-symmetric materials is critical for both biological insight and bioinspired design. We present a generalized analytical model for X-ray diffraction intensity from nanofibrillar materials with fibre symmetry, accommodating arbitrary diffraction rings beyond prior axial and equatorial limits. This model integrates 3D orientation, strain heterogeneity and angular misalignment effects, and is validated using wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) from the Bouligand-structured cuticle of the mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus). Using scanning synchrotron WAXD, we extract depth-averaged and sub-lamellar information on 3D fibre orientation and crystalline parameters from 2D scans. Model simulations and experimental fits sho

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12809525 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature