Nanogranular origins of the strength of bone

Tai, Kuangshin; Ulm, Franz-Josef; Ortiz, Christine

Affiliations

¹Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts AVenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

²Department of Civil Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts AVenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

Abstract

Here, we investigate the ultrastructural origins of the strength of bone, which is critical for proper physiological function. A combination of dual nanoindentation, three-dimensional elastic-plastic finite element analysis using a Mohr-Coulomb cohesive-frictional strength criterion, and angle of repose measurements was employed. Our results suggest that nanogranular friction between mineral particles is responsible for increased yield resistance in compression relative to tension and that cohesion originates from within the organic matrix itself, rather than organic−mineral bonding.

Links

DOI: 10.1021/nl061877k

PubMed: 17090084

WoS: 000241856700023

History

Received: 2006-08-10

Revised: 2006-09-13

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