Creating an exoskeleton/shell for a creature living on an Earth-like planet with specific properties

On a world similar to Earth in many aspects, a species exists that is partly carbon-based and partly X-based. X can (mostly) be found in the thick exoskeleton that this creature possesses. I'm looking for what kind of compound X might be that is scientifically plausible. The exoskeleton should have the following properties:

• Good electrical conductivity on the 'inside', electrically isolating on the 'outside' (possibly multiple layers)
• Heat and fire resistant
• (Somewhat) difficult to penetrate with regular means (like knives, bullets)
• Flexible enough to allow movement
• Rigid enough to allow structural integrity without an endoskeleton
• Needs to be shed / regrown (moulting)
• Should allow heat transfer (for creature to lose heat)
• Should be able to occur in an Earth-like environment (see also below)

As I understand it, a silicon structure can resist high temperatures and is quite stable with regards to chemical reactions, which are good properties for a natural defensive shell/armour that this creature needs. But I'm not sure if silicon meets enough of the above.

I understand that this is a rather long 'wish list'. If there is a compound that covers most of these, I would also really like to hear about it! (and what the flaws are) Maybe a combination of compounds or just different layers made up of different substances might work as well. X might also be something carbon-based, if that is applicable, or something that does not exist / has not been discovered, but is plausible to exist.

Edit: moved some questions to be asked later.

Interesting threads regarding silicon on Worldbuilding:

• What would the chemical make-up of a silicon based life-form be like?
• Silicon based life in Earth-like condition?
• What else is involved in "silicon based" life?

posted about 7 years ago

Century‭

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