Unraveling the relation of the Mechanics and nano-structure of Sea Urchin Spines for Bio-Inspired Materials

Sea urchin spines possess intricate 3D structures, combining strength and flexibility. These remarkable properties arise from a unique composition, including varying magnesium distribution and amorphous material. By subjecting the spines to mild heat treatments, previous research showed changes in flexibility, suggesting the role of compositional variations. Our proposed study employs nanotomography and in-situ annealing to track temperature-induced alterations in spine morphology and microstructure. Detecting density changes may reveal the crystallization of amorphous particles and shed light on non-uniform magnesium distribution. This investigation deepens our understanding of sea urchin spine mechanics, offering insights for bio-inspired materials.