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The main load bearing spicules from many hexactinellid sponges exhibit a distinctive laminated architecture (left) with a gradual reduction in silica layer thickness from the spicule core to its periphery (center), a design strategy which is highly effective in slowing crack propagation through these materials (right). Figure adapted from Weaver, et al, 2007, JSB and Weaver, et al, 2010, Journal of Adhesion. https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/glass-sponges-hold-internal-secrets-to-structural-strength/

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The main load bearing spicules from many hexactinellid sponges exhibit a distinctive laminated architecture (left) with a gradual reduction in silica layer thickness from the spicule core to its periphery (center), a design strategy which is highly effective in slowing crack propagation through these materials (right). Figure adapted from Weaver, et al, 2007, JSB and Weaver, et al, 2010, Journal of Adhesion. https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/glass-sponges-hold-internal-secrets-to-structural-strength/
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John Carlos Baez (johncarlosbaez@mathstodon.xyz)'s status on Monday, 12-Jun-2023 11:30:32 JST John Carlos Baez
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The skeleton of this glass sponge is made of tiny 'spicules' of silica. When you carefully examine the cross-section of a spicule, you'll see it's made of concentric layers. This helps stops cracks from growing through the spicule! And the variable thickness of these concentric layers turns out to be optimized, to make them as strong as possible.
Even though we know this now, we would still be unable to create a machine that grows its own skeleton of silica, made of optimized spicules. So there's a lot left to learn!
For a prettier picture of this glass sponge, read on....
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