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- Material de Construção do Ninho da Vespa Asiática - Um contributoPublication . Sedira, Naim; Gomes, Ana; Nepomuceno, Miguel; Paiva, Anabela; Bentes, I.; Pinto, Jorge Tiago Queirós da Silva; Pereira, SandraMuitos trabalhos de investigação têm vindo a ser desenvolvidos no sentido de encontrar novas soluções para os diversos contextos da ciência através da bio-inspiração. Este trabalho está centrado no estudo do ninho da vespa asiática e, em particular, no estudo do seu material de construção. Esta construção natural é complexa em todas a vertentes. A sua complexidade arquitetónica, estrutural, material, funcional, entre outros aspetos técnicos, são fatores que despertam a curiosidade, esta construção pode ainda apresentar dimensões relativamente grandes. Ela é construída e usada aproximadamente meio ano e não volta a ser reutilizada. Este é outro aspeto técnico que motiva um estudo tendo em conta a escassez de habitação a nível mundial. O material de construção também é interessante e inovador. Neste ponto, tentou-se compreender a constituição deste material através da realização de ensaios MEV-EDS de amostras do material do ninho retiradas em diferentes zonas. Amostras de folhas de árvore foram analisadas para serem usadas como referência. As imagens de MEV mostram que o ninho da vespa asiática é feito de fibras vegetais e pedaços de madeira mastigadas, com sulcos e poros para manipulação, troca de gases e regulação de temperatura e humidade. A análise EDS do material do ninho de vespas asiáticas indica origem vegetal, com elementos como carbono (C) e oxigénio (O) formando 82,31%, e magnésio (Mg), potássio (K), cálcio (Ca) e ferro (Fe) constituindo 9,43%. Alumínio (Al) e silício (Si) representam 7,41%. A saliva das vespas é crucial para a construção. Importa acrescentar que este material é utilizado na construção da fachada do ninho, a qual, apesar de estar diretamente exposta às intempéries, proporciona uma durabilidade adequada. O interior do ninho da vespa asiática também garante o conforto necessário para a reprodução destes insetos. Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo partilhar com a comunidade cientifica alguns dos resultados alcançados por esta equipa de investigação neste contexto.
- Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and MaterialsPublication . Sedira, Naim; Pinto, Jorge; Ginja, Mário; Gomes, Ana; Nepomuceno, Miguel C. S.; Pereira, SandraThis study investigates the internal architecture of Asian hornet nests (AHNs) using advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scanning and X-ray radiography, to understand their construction and function. The primary objective and significance of this study centre on drawing inspiration from the creative way Asian hornets construct their nests, with a particular focus on the architecture, design, functionality, and building materials of these nests. The architectural principles governing the construction of these nests, such as the arrangement of hexagonal cells, pedicels for load bearing, and adhesive materials, serve as a source of inspiration for innovative and sustainable design practices. The pedicels in Asian hornet nests play a crucial role in transferring load and ensuring stability. Additionally, AHNs’ adhesion to tree branches is essential for preventing collapse, and the pedicels provide necessary structural support. The knowledge gained from studying AHNs’ internal architecture could be applied directly to the architecture and civil engineering fields to improve structure stability and durability. The microstructure analysis of the paper-like material that hornets produce to build their nests indicates a complex and heterogeneous structure, composed of various plant fragments and fibres. This unique composition creates intricate grooves and pores, which are essential for regulating temperature and humidity levels within the outer envelope of the nest. The study of Asian hornet nests’ internal structure demonstrated that nature’s engineering principles inspire the design of durable and resilient structures in the construction industry. Civil engineers can incorporate similar principles into their designs to enhance the structural integrity and performance of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
- Microstructural properties of Asian hornet nest paper-like materials: Preliminary step towards biomimicry materials for civil engineering applicationsPublication . Sedira, Naim; Pinto, Jorge; Gomes, Ana; Nepomuceno, Miguel; Pereira, SandraThis paper presents a comprehensive examination of the microstructure and mineralogy of the paper-like material found in Asian hornet nests (referred to as AHN P-LM) and the nearby tree leaves, utilising scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analysis conducted through SEM-EDS demonstrates that AHN P-LM is primarily composed of plant fragments, with slight traces of inorganic substances (such as CaOx). The thread-like morphologies observed in the SEM analysis, which are linked to the secretion of hornets, warrant attention due to their significance in understanding the microstructure of AHN P-LM. The presence of nitrogen (N) in the EDS analysis of AHN P-LM, in contrast to its absence in analysed leaves, strongly implies that the nitrogen originates from hornet saliva. Additionally, SEM-EDS analysis revealed the impact of chemical composition variations on colour differences within AHN P-LM. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction analysis on ash samples from AHN P-LM confirmed the presence of minerals such as quartz, lime, phlogopite, and microcline. These findings about mineral composition align closely with results obtained from SEM-EDS analyses, presenting various aspects related to understanding the structure and compositional makeup of AHN P-LM. Biomimicry principles can be applied to draw inspiration from the AHN P-LM for replication in the civil engineering field, facilitating innovative solutions. Understanding hornet behaviour and nest material composition is essential. Future outlook includes utilising these materials in wood construction, 3D printing for structural components, shelters, infrastructure repair, green building, and architectural innovation.