Mechanical properties of mussel byssus threads

The byssus threads of the common mussel, <it>Mytilus edulis</it> L., have been tested mechanically and the results from the tests related to the ecology of the animal. The threads are mechanically similar to other crystalline polymers such as polyethylene having a modulus of about 108N m−2 and a long relaxation time. Resilience of 60&percnt; is similar to tendon; ultimate strain is about five times that of tendon at 0.44. The thread is laid down with a prestrain of 10&percnt; and so guys the mussel in position. Calculation shows that a mussel with 50 byssus threads would be able to resist all but severe winter storms