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Distinct structural and optical regimes in natural silk spinning
Author(s) -
Holland Chris,
O'Neil Kathy,
Vollrath Fritz,
Dicko Cedric
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
biopolymers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.556
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1097-0282
pISSN - 0006-3525
DOI - 10.1002/bip.22022
Subject(s) - silk , chemistry , spinning , polymer science , natural (archaeology) , structural coloration , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , composite material , optics , physics , geology , materials science , paleontology , engineering , photonic crystal
This study investigates the relationship between birefringence and mechanical properties in the dragline silk of the gold orb weaving spider Nephila edulis. Using a custom birefringence‐tensile testing device, we probed the orientation and water‐induced swelling of fibers spun at variety of drawing rates ranging from 0.003 to 400 mm s −1 . Our results indicate that based upon drawing rate, silk fibers fall into three distinct regimes each with characteristic orientation and swelling properties. Further investigation using in situ tensile testing reveals interactions between a fiber's drawing speed, mechanical properties, and orientation that support previous model predictions. We propose that simultaneous birefringence‐tensile testing provides a unique and readily accessible insight into the structural behavior of this interesting and important biomaterial. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 368–373, 2012.