What are mice unable to gnaw? - briefly
Mice cannot chew materials that are excessively hard, such as metal, glass, stone, or thick plastic. Their incisors are suited only for softer substances like wood, seeds, and paper.
What are mice unable to gnaw? - in detail
Mice possess strong incisors that continuously grow, enabling them to bite through many soft and semi‑hard materials. However, several substances exceed their mechanical capability or are chemically resistant, preventing effective gnawing.
- Metals – steel, aluminum, copper and similar alloys are far harder than rodent teeth and cannot be penetrated.
- Glass and ceramics – brittle, non‑fibrous structures resist cutting and cause tooth damage if attempted.
- Hard plastics – high‑density polymers such as polycarbonate or acrylic are too rigid for sustained chewing.
- Stone and concrete – mineral composites lack the fibrous texture required for incisors to grip and wear down.
- Carbon fiber composites – reinforced fibers combine strength and toughness beyond mouse bite force.
- Certain composites used in electronics – solder masks, epoxy resin layers, and laminated boards are engineered for durability against mechanical abrasion.
Materials that are extremely tough, non‑fibrous, or chemically inert present a barrier that mouse incisors cannot overcome. The limitation derives from the maximum bite force (approximately 0.5 N) and the enamel‑dentin structure, which is effective on softer, fibrous, or porous substrates but fails against the aforementioned hard or composite substances.