Effects of polar solvents on the mechanical behavior of fish scales

Fish scales are unique structural materials that serve as a form of natural armor. In this investigation the mechanical behavior of scales from the Cyprinus carpio was evaluated after exposure to a polar solvent. Uniaxial tensile and tear tests were conducted on specimens prepared from the scales of multiple fish extracted from near the head, middle and tail regions, and after exposure to ethanol for periods from 0 to 24h. Submersion in ethanol caused instantaneous changes in the tensile properties regardless of anatomical site, with increases in the elastic modulus, strength and modulus of toughness exceeding 100%. The largest increase in properties overall occurred in the elastic modulus of scales from the tail region and exceeded 200%. Although ethanol treatment had significant effect on the tensile properties, it had limited influence on the tear resistance. The contribution of ethanol to the mechanical behavior appears to be derived from an increase in the degree of interpeptide hydrogen-bonding of the collagen molecules. Spatial variations in the effects of ethanol exposure on the mechanical behavior arise from the differences in degree of mineralization and lower mineral content in scales of the tail region. •The mechanical behavior of elasmoid scales was evaluated before and after chemical dehydration.•An immediate increase in the elastic modulus, strength and modulus of toughness was found with dehydration.•The degree of change in the tensile properties with ethanol treatment was inversely proportional to the mineral content.•Changes in the fracture resistance of the scales with ethanol treatment didn’t correlate with the degree of mineralization.•The relative contribution of dehydration to mechanical behavior is a function of mineral content and scale anatomic location.