Exploiting plant role models for technical use

An interesting structure can be found in wood, for example in the different layers of conifer tracheids, where helically arranged cellulose micro-fibril bundles are found (Fig. 9.7). The spiral-like lay-up and the angle of the strengthening fibers in the stem walls and of cellulose micro-fibril bundles in the cell walls is optimized according to the types and combinations of 

5 Cross-section of the stem of horsetail (Equisetum hyemale). 

6 Cross-section of the stem wall of giant reed (Arundo dona)d. 

7 Polarized light microscopy of compression wood of spruce (P/cea abies), image of helical cellulose fibers in adjacent cell walls (courtesy of Dr I. Burgert, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam/Golm, Germany). 

Bionic abstraction of wood properties and transfer into techniques 

---