Microstructure of Eobania vermiculata (Müller, 1774): SEM, F-TIR and XRD methods

Abstract

In this study, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses are used for the characterization of Eobania vermiculata samples extracted from Iskenderun region. The shells of land snails are discarded as waste, however, they are qualified materials with multiple use areas. To substantiate this proposition, an attempt was made to elucidate the physical and chemical properties of the shells of land snail, E. vermiculata. SEM observations indicated that nacre crystals are always aragonite, laminated, usually presenting sharp edges. Nacre crystallites which pile up into columns vertically abreast aligned observed. The crystals are about 390-155 nm thick, and they form stacks along a fixed spacing, filled with biological matter. The XRD and FTIR observations revealed the dominance of the aragonite form of the calcium carbonate crystal in the microstructures of each snail shell with the occurrence of different shell surface functional groups. Thus, further exploration of the shell inclusive of the organic components is required to promote its possible use as a biocomposite. Nonetheless, the present study provides an overview of physical and chemical characteristics of the land snail shells and inlight their potential use in different areas in the perspective of sustainability.