Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Simple Simon on 17/10/2016 21:04:06

Title: Could Mussel Byssus be Processed into a Rubber-Like Material?
Post by: Simple Simon on 17/10/2016 21:04:06

I was wondering if mussel byssus might be able to be processed into a rubber-like material. I'm not sure if Chemistry is the right area for this post, and I hope it is not too speculative.

I was interested in a rubber-like material which may be resistant to temperature and saltwater, and wondered if this might be a good ingredient.


Thank you for considering this question.

Title: Re: Could Mussel Byssus be Processed into a Rubber-Like Material?
Post by: chris on 20/10/2016 08:47:15

Mussel "glue" is certainly an active area of research; scientists are looking for resilient underwater adhesives that are also non-toxic:]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3801061/

Title: Re: Could Mussel Byssus be Processed into a Rubber-Like Material?
Post by: Simple Simon on 20/10/2016 19:26:49

I would love to give my fictional underwater people byssus glue. It does seem that since scientists are having trouble with the process in modern times, that these people would not be likely to have come upon the recipe in ancient times, even if they do a lot with mussels. That is, unless random alchemy could let them stumble upon something we currently don't have?

Thank you for the article, Chris!