| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Biological Materials Science
|
| Presentation Title |
An Amphibious Amazon Freshwater Sponge: Cauxi |
| Author(s) |
Haocheng Quan, Marc A. Meyers, Birgit Nothdurf, Marcus Koch, Niebuur Bart-Jan, Sheron Tavares, Eduard Arzt |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Haocheng Quan |
| Abstract Scope |
Sponges, ancient organisms lacking a nervous system, have diverse species categorized into three classes: Demonspongiae, Hexactinallida, and Calcarea. While most reside in the ocean, around 150 freshwater sponge species have been found in lakes and rivers. Demonspongiae and Hexactinallida have siliceous skeletons, while Calcarea has a carbonate component. Freshwater sponges, particularly Demonspongiae spicules are composed of amorphous silica. The Cauxi sponge in the Amazon basin produces ultrapure amorphous silica and was intentionally used in pottery for strength. However, handling Cauxi can lead to skin and eye problems. Caution is necessary due to its hazards. The current research aims to investigate the mechanical properties of individual spicules in Demonspongiae and understand their relationship with the sponge's structure. This study is the first of its kind for Demonspongiae and holds significance for potential applications in synthesizing high-purity amorphous silica at ambient temperatures. Modern materials science techniques are employed to achieve this objective. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Characterization, Mechanical Properties |