Oysters May Treat Corrosion

[rattler]

SOURCE: Strategy Page, citing Aviation Week & Space Technology Magazine
DATE: Feb 11, 2008

Researchers at the University of Dayton in Ohio are preparing an Air Force report showing the corrosion-protection potential that results from prodding oysters to produce pearl-like coatings on metals.

Senior research scientist Doug Hansen says his team has manipulated oyster blood cells, prompting them to deposit nacre, a natural calcium carbonate ceramic, onto aluminum, titanium and stainless-steel alloys.

The deposits are "fracture resistant" and, as coatings, "they can last a lifetime,", he says. The work is funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.