Biomimetics of brazil nut shell: structure and failure analysis

• Grant number: 15/25523-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2016
• End date: August 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Antonio Pessan
• Grantee: Marilia Sonego
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 17/15265-0 - BIOMIMETICS OF BRAZIL NUTSHELL: STRUCTURE AND FAILURE ANALYSIS, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

For thousands of years the nature accumulates possibilities for optimized solutions to solve engineering problems using limited raw material, room temperature, aqueous solutions, solar energy and renewable resources. . Recently, this natural accumulated knowledge is being studied and applied to the optimize materials and structures in studies of biomimicry and bioinspiration. Gecko feet, nacre, bone and wood are examples of natural materials that inspired studies, search for answers and theoretical fundaments, scientific and technological development projects in the recent years. This doctoral project's main objectives are to identify the mechanical principles responsible for the excellent mechanical properties of the brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) shell and to artificially reproduce this structure, in a preliminary way. This will be done by identifying the hierarchical levels of organization of the nut shell structure by chemical analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microtomography (¼CT). In addition, mechanical properties of the nut shell will be evaluated in tensile, compression, hardness, nanohardness and Charpy impact test. Besides, the analysis of fracture surface will be carried out by optical microscopy, SEM and ¼CT to identify the fracture and toughness mechanisms developed by the brazil nut shell. Finally, the principles responsible for the brazil nut shell mechanical performance will be applied to optimize bioinspired polymeric composites.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SONEGO, M.; SCIUTI, V. F.; VARGAS, R.; CANTO, R. B.; PESSAN, L. A.. Composite design bioinspired by the mesocarp of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa). BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS, v. 17, n. 4, p. 14-pg., 2022-07-01. (18/23081-0, 18/02801-4, 15/25523-1)

SONEGO, MARILIA; FLECK, CLAUDIA; PESSAN, LUIZ ANTONIO. Hierarchical levels of organization of the Brazil nut mesocarp. SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, v. 10, n. 1, APR 22 2020. (15/25523-1)

SONEGO, MARILIA; MADIA, MAURO; EDER, MICHAELA; FLECK, CLAUDIA; PESSAN, LUIZ A.. Microstructural features influencing the mechanical performance of the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) mesocarp. JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS, v. 116, APR 2021. (15/25523-1)