Scientists from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have discovered the structural detail behind the toughness of deer antlers and how they can resist breaking during fights.

The team looked at the antler structure at the nano-level and were able to identify the mechanisms at work, using computer modeling and x-ray techniques.

The fibrils that make up the antler are staggered rather than in line,According to the research, the fibrils that make up the antler are staggered rather than in line with each other. This allows them to absorb the energy from the impact of a clash during a fight.

The research, published in the journal ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, fills a gap in the area of structural modeling of bone. It also opens up possibilities for creating a new generation of materials that can resist damage.

According to researchers, the next step is to create a 3D-printed model with fibers arranged in staggered configuration and linked by an elastic interface.

The aim is to prove that additive manufacturing—where a prototype can be created a layer at a time—can be used to create damage-resistant composite material.