Biocomposites: A Sinusoidally Architected Helicoidal Biocomposite (Adv. Mater. 32/2016)

Abstract

This artistic rendering depicts the mantis shrimp, an aggressive marine crustacean, employing its hammer-like dactyl appendages to smash through the tough exoskeletal structure of its hard-shelled prey with tremendous force and speed. In the work presented on page 6835, D. Kisailus and co-workers uncover a unique ultrastructural motif within the dactyl impact surface that exhibits enhanced energy absorption and out-of-plane stiffness compared to traditional arthropod cuticle designs.