The mechanical behavior of elasmoid scales was evaluated before and after chemical dehydration.
An immediate increase in the elastic modulus, strength and modulus of toughness was found with dehydration.
The degree of change in the tensile properties with ethanol treatment was inversely proportional to the mineral content.
Changes in the fracture resistance of the scales with ethanol treatment didn’t correlate with the degree of mineralization.
The relative contribution of dehydration to mechanical behavior is a function of mineral content and scale anatomic location.