This paper presents the methods used for probing spatially correlated chemical, structural, and mechanical properties of the multilayered scale of Atractosteus spatula (A. spatula) using nanoindentation, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT). The experimental results have been used to investigate the design principles of protective biological materials.
Allison, P. G., Rodriguez, R. I., Moser, R. D., Williams, B. A., Poda, A. R., Seiter, J. M., Lafferty, B. J., Kennedy, A. J., Chandler, M. Q. Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales (Atractosteus spatula) Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM. J. Vis. Exp. (89), e51535, doi:10.3791/51535 (2014).