figure 2: lobster- homarus americanus Diffraction Measurements of Biomaterials

The exoskeleton of crustacean arthropods is a biological multiphase composite consisting of an organic matrix (crystalline chitin and non-crystalline proteins) and biominerals (calcite, phosphate). The crystalline chitin and the biominerals are embedded in a chitin-protein matrix. The crustacean outer covering is referred to as cuticle. It extents as an exoskeleton over the cephalothorax of the animal and is secreted by a single layer of epidermis cells. The carapace (chitinous outer covering) has mainly a mechanic support function as an armour against loads that are externally imposed by predators. It prevents inner and control organs from dehydration as it is water resistant but penetrable to gas. The exoskeleton also provides attachment sites for muscles [1-3]. The cuticle is constructed of three layers, namely, the epicuticle, the exocuticle, and the endocuticle (fig. 1). The epicuticle has mainly functional properties. It provides an outer thin waxy layer which is formed from long chain hydrocarbons and esters of fatty acids and alcohols as a permeability barrier to water. In contrast, the material of th