New ‘spider silk’ fibres for strength and stretch
Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed polymeric nanocomposites inspired by spider’s silk, which could be used to produce tear-resistant fabrics and strengthen packaging materials.
Although it is already possible to create high-strength or high-stretch materials, it has been less straightforward producing materials that combine both properties. The key to this new solution is a nano-crystalline reinforcement of the silk during production.
Mechanical engineering PhD student Shawna Liff and Professor Gareth McKinley have worked together to develop a synthetic polymer emulating the reinforced structure of spider’s silk by reinforcing solutions of a commercial polyurethane elastomer with nano-sized clay platelets. The final product is a ‘nanocomposite’ of stiff clay particles dispersed throughout a stretchy and stronger matrix.
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