From three-dimensional weavings to swollen corneocytes

Myfanwy E. Evans*, Stephen T. Hyde

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    19 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A novel technique to generate three-dimensional Euclidean weavings, composed of close-packed, periodic arrays of one-dimensional fibres, is described. Some of these weavings are shown to dilate by simple shape changes of the constituent fibres (such as fibre straightening). The free volume within a chiral cubic example of a dilatant weaving, the ideal conformation of the G 129 weaving related to the ∑ + rod packing, expands more than fivefold on filament straightening. This remarkable three-dimensional weaving, therefore, allows an unprecedented variation of packing density without loss of structural rigidity and is an attractive design target for materials. We propose that the G 129 weaving (ideal ∑ + weaving) is formed by keratin fibres in the outermost layer of mammalian skin, probably templated by a folded membrane.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1274-1280
    Number of pages7
    JournalJournal of the Royal Society Interface
    Volume8
    Issue number62
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 7 Sept 2011

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'From three-dimensional weavings to swollen corneocytes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this