Multi-scale analysis of growth layers in molluscan shells

We propose to perform multi-scale tomography at either beamline BM18 or BM05 on different molluscan shells. The novel capability of multi-resolution scanning offered at these beamlines and the high penetration potential due to the EBS upgrade will allow us to analyze the formation of layers and mineral units in the context of the geometry of the entire shell. These data will help determine geometric and mechanical constraints that affect their morphogenesis adding unprecedented insights into the growth mechanisms of molluscan shells that will serve as inspiration for manufacturing processes of composite and bioinspired materials.