The mechanical properties of composites manufactured from tendon fibres and pearl glue (animal glue)

The mechanical properties of a composite manufactured from bovine tendon and pearl glue (an animal glue containing gelatine and other proteins) are investigated. This composite was traditionally used in the construction of Asiatic re-curve bows for archery and is reputed to be tough yet elastic. Composites were manufactured by hand laying fibres into a mould and then pouring on hot glue. Tensile tests were performed on the specimens with the load being applied along the long axis of the fibres. The composite was found to absorb 18 MJ/m 3 of energy to failure, comparable to carbon fibre composites, spring steel and butyl rubber. This energy absorption was achieved through the ductility and strength of the collagen fibres, which were found to be several times larger than the glue (fibre strength was 180 MPa, glue strength was 32 MPa, fibre failure strain was 26%, glue failure strain was 3%). However, the tensile modulus of the fibres and glue were similar. The composite was also found to be extremely damage tolerant, with many micro-cracks developing between strains of 2–20%, and dominated by elastic behaviour to surprisingly large deformations. The reasons for this are discussed.