As a typical keratinous material, the mechanical properties of pangolin scales are affected by hydration. Clarifying the mechanism of influence of hydration on dynamic response of materials may provide valuable inspiration for bio-inspired design. In this study, mechanical properties and impact wear behaviors of pangolin scales from different hydrated levels were investigated on a low-velocity impact wear tester. The dynamic response and damage behavior of these pangolin scales were systematically analyzed. Results showed that the energy absorption and impact contact force were considerably distinct with different hydrated levels. The maximum values of the impact contact force are similar to each other in various impact cycles. However, the damage extent of scales was not the same in varied impact cycles. Impact worn scars size of scales increased as the impact cycles increased. Under varied hydrated levels, energy absorption initially decreased and then increased with the increase in moisture content. Specifically, for a hydrated level of 10.5%, the energy absorption had the lowest rate, down to 26.6%, and the impact force decreased. Finally, the mechanisms and factors affecting the dynamic response and impact wear of scales were investigated. This study promoted a bio-inspired design for improving impact wear resistance properties.

中文翻译：

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水合作用对穿山甲鳞片力学特性的影响

作为一种典型的角质材料，穿山甲鳞片的机械性能受水化作用的影响。阐明水化作用对材料动态响应的影响机制，可为仿生设计提供宝贵的启示。在这项研究中，在低速冲击磨损试验机上研究了不同水合水平的穿山甲鳞片的机械性能和冲击磨损行为。系统地分析了这些穿山甲鳞片的动态响应和损伤行为。结果表明，能量吸收和冲击接触力随水合水平的不同而显着不同。在各种冲击循环中，冲击接触力的最大值彼此相似。然而，在不同的冲击周期中，鳞片的损坏程度并不相同。随着冲击周期的增加，冲击磨损疤痕的尺寸也随之增加。在不同的水化水平下，能量吸收随着水分含量的增加而先减少然后增加。具体来说，10.5%的水合水平，能量吸收率最低，下降到26.6%，冲击力下降。最后，研究了影响鳞片动态响应和冲击磨损的机制和因素。这项研究推广了一种仿生设计，以提高抗冲击磨损性能。研究了影响鳞片动态响应和冲击磨损的机理和因素。这项研究推广了一种仿生设计，以提高抗冲击磨损性能。研究了影响鳞片动态响应和冲击磨损的机理和因素。这项研究推广了一种仿生设计，以提高抗冲击磨损性能。