Procurement of a Tandem EDS/STEM Mapping, SEM and 3D-Rendering System for Chemical-Structural Analysis of Biological Composites
Abstract:
After acquiring the Infrared Imaging Microscope with large area mapping capabilities for structure-function research and education in composite and semiconducting materials, we have been largely successful in obtaining high quality, high-resolution FTIR maps of multiple biological composites. This includes the chemical mapping of the radular teeth of Cryptochiton stellerichiton, the crush resistant exoskeleton from Phloeodes diabolicus the Iron Clad beetle, and the hard and impact resistant dactyl club from the stomatopod Odontodactylus scyllarus.The FTIR microscope has enabled us to make significant contributions in uncovering details about ultrastructural features of the various regions within these biological composites and has enabled us to begin deriving new design strategies for the synthesis of impact and abrasion resistant composites.