AFM nanoindentations of diatom biosilica surfaces.

摘要: Diatoms have intricately and uniquely nanopatterned silica exoskeletons (frustules) are a common target of biomimetic investigations. A better understanding the diatom frustule structure function at nanoscale could provide new insights for fabrication nanostructured ceramic materials lightweight, yet strong, scaffold architectures. Here, we mapped mechanical properties Coscinodiscus sp. diatoms using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanoindentation. Mechanical were correlated with structures obtained from high-resolution AFM scanning electron (SEM). Significant differences in micromechanical different layers observed. comparative study other related inorganic material including porous silicon films free-standing membranes as well alumina was also undertaken.