Microstructure and mechanical properties of an alpha keratin bovine hoof wall

Bovine hoof wall with an alpha keratin structure, as the interface between the ground and the body, can protect the bony skeleton from the impact and the destruction. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the bovine hoof wall are investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and quasi-static mechanical tests. Mechanical results show that the mean J-integral values of the LD specimens parallel to the tubular axis are higher than those of the TD specimens normal to the tubular axis, and the fracture toughness reaches the peak values (21 kJ/m², 33 kJ/m² for the TD and the LD specimens, respectively) at 16.5% moisture content. The morphology results show that the laminated keratin structure can form the extensive strain-transition interfaces and the tubules played an important role in twisting crack propagation. Angles of the laminated structures within the inter-tubular materials are not a uniform distribution varying from 0° to 90° against to the tubular axis. The interlocking interface in the tubular structure can provide increased the contact area and contribute to the bonding strength between the layers. We also propose models to illustrate the morphological structure and the crack propagation mechanism of the bovine hoof wall. This structure with the strong fracture resistance ability will provide a new inspiration for design of structural materials and architectures.