At approx 30 nm thickness plates have close to theoretical strength crystal defects have little effect
From Griffith Crack theory h*= critical length scale 2 h*= a 2gEm s th h*= 30nm h is mineral plate thickness
Source Gao, Fratzl et al PNAS 2003
Source: Belcher et al 1999
Bio-mimetic Processes Leveraging Bio-Technology Seashells 98% mineral 2% binder Nature uses calcium carbonate plates that look like our kaolins
Kaolin; the building block
Source: Barthelat 2007
We have the Building Blox Mineral Liquid Crystals Domains Align with Blade
PVOH Use as protective colloid or Suspending agent
L-Dopa Polysaccharide Protector chemistry Borane Ester @ pH 7
Cross link Gluteraldehyde Borax
Change pH to 6 De-activate protector chem
Applied Water box print
Applied Water box print IMERYS confidential
PVOH treated montmorillonite -Excess PVOH centrifuged away -coatings applied with a blade -Show excellent alignment -Cross-linked with gluteraldehyde UPM Looking at this Source: Walther et al 2010 (Helsinki)
Biomimetic system Bentonite assembly with PVOH and crosslinking
Platelet alignment through Blade applicator
Source:Walther et al 2010
Adhesive in Nature L-Dopa based 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine
Adhesive made from L-Dopa on polysaccharide framework provides reversible bond of strength between H-bond and covalent H-Bond ~ 80 pN Covalent ~ 2000 pN
Source. P Messersmith Northwestern U See; Langmuir (2012) , 28., 2200
Source. H Waite; Science, 328., 9 April 2010, 217