Total morphosynthesis of biomimetic prismatic-type CaCO₃ thin films.

ABSTRACT: Biomimetic mineralization can lead to advanced crystalline composites with common chemicals under ambient conditions. An exceptional example is biomimetic nacre with its superior fracture toughness. The synthesis of the prismatic layer with stiffness and wear resistance nonetheless remains an elusive goal. Herein, we apply a biomimetic mineralization method to grow prismatic-type CaCO₃ thin films, mimicking their biogenic counterparts found in mollusk shells with a three-step pathway: coating a polymer substrate, deposition of a granular transition layer, and mineralization of a prismatic overlayer. The synthetic prismatic overlayers exhibit structural similarity and comparable hardness and Young's modulus to their biogenic counterparts. Furthermore, employment of a biomacromole

SUBMITTER: Xiao C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5680295 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature