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Tensile and dynamic mechanical analysis of the distal portion of mussel (Mytilus edulis) byssal threads

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nicholas Aldred, Professor Tony Clare

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Abstract

Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to record the behaviour of hydrated and dehydrated byssal threads under tensile stress and during dynamic thermal cycling. Fresh byssi, and byssi aged two weeks prior to testing, were used to further study the effects of age on the mechanical properties of this material. It was found that while older threads demonstrated increased stiffness, age did not necessarily affect their ultimate tensile strength. Dehydration had a more pronounced effect on thread stiffness and also increased the ultimate strength of the material. In their dry state, byssal threads displayed multiple yield points under tension and these, it is suggested, could equate to different phases within the bulk of the material. Dynamic analysis revealed glass transition (T-g) and ecologically relevant operational temperatures for byssi, where their modulus (E-1) remained constant. These discoveries are related to the ecological function of byssal threads and to the emerging yield of biomimetics.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Aldred N, Wills T, Williams DN, Clare AS

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of the Royal Society: Interface

Year: 2007

Volume: 4

Issue: 17

Pages: 1159-1167

ISSN (print): 1742-5689

ISSN (electronic): 1742-5662

Publisher: The Royal Society Publishing

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2007.1026

DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2007.1026

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