Progressive changes in crystallographic textures of biominerals generate functionally graded ceramics

Biomineralizing organisms are widely praised for their ability to generate structural materials with exceptional crystallographic control. While earlier studies highlighted near-to single-crystalline biominerals, complex polycrystalline features are more widespread yet challenging to account for. Here, we propose that biominerals whose crystal texture varies with depth are functionally graded materials. Using the exemplary case of the nacro-prismatic pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera, we demonstrate systematic textural changes in a biogenic ceramic. This bivalve employs three synergistic mechanisms to generate a texture gradient across its outer calcitic shell layer. This prismatic layer transitions from an initially weakly-textured to a strongly-textured material. Such changes in texture cause a variation in Young's modulus normal to the shell, owing to the anisotropic mechanical properties of the composing crystallites. Based on finite-element simulations and indentation experiments on the bivalve shell, we conclude that such graded bioceramics yield intrinsic toughening properties similar to those found in compositionally-graded synthetic materials. Notwithstanding, the gradation concept of Pinctada margaritifera is unparalleled among synthetic materials as it rests solely upon elastic anisotropy, making oyster shells potential blueprints for future bioinspired functional materials and damage-resistant ceramics.

Automated summary

Biomineralizing organisms have the ability to generate structural materials with exceptional crystallographic control, and the nacro-prismatic pearl oyster demonstrates systematic textural changes in its biogenic ceramic. The textured gradients in the shell result in variations in Young's modulus, providing intrinsic toughening properties similar to those of compositionally-graded synthetic materials. This unique concept of gradation based on elastic anisotropy makes oyster shells potential blueprints for future bioinspired functional materials and damage-resistant ceramics.