Spider Silk Stretching Enhances Strength

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spider silk

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Stretching spider silk makes it stronger

Summary

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77% Informative

Stretching spider silk makes it stronger New study finds the amount of stretching determines the fibers' properties.

New simulations show stretching during spinning causes the protein chains within the fibers to align and the number of hydrogen bonds between those chains to increase.

Insights could be applied to designing stronger, tougher synthetic materials.

"I used to think spiders were nuisances. Now, I see them as a source of fascination," Graham says.

He notes that engineered spider silk provides a stronger, biodegradable alternative to other synthetic materials, which are mostly petroleum-derived plastics.

The study was supported by the National Science Foundation .

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