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Kin-tak Lau - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Effect of degumming time on Silkworm Silk fibre for biodegradable polymer composites
    Applied Surface Science, 2012
    Co-Authors: Hao Wang, Kin-tak Lau
    Abstract:

    Recently, many studies have been conducted on exploitation of natural materials for modern product development and bioengineering applications. Apart from plant-based materials (such as sisal, hemp, jute, bamboo and palm fibre), animal-based fibre is a kind of sustainable natural materials for making novel composites. Silkworm Silk fibre extracted from cocoon has been well recognized as a promising material for bio-medical engineering applications because of its superior mechanical and bioresorbable properties. However, when producing Silk fibre reinforced biodegradable/bioresorbable polymer composites, hydrophilic sericin has been found to cause poor interfacial bonding with most polymers and thus, it results in affecting the resultant properties of the composites. Besides, sericin layers on fibroin surface may also cause an adverse effect towards biocompatibility and hypersensitivity to Silk for implant applications. Therefore, a proper pre-treatment should be done for sericin removal. Degumming is a surface modification process which allows a wide control of the Silk fibre's properties, making the Silk fibre possible to be used for the development and production of novel bio-composites with unique/specific mechanical and biodegradable properties. In this paper, a cleaner and environmentally friendly surface modification technique for tussah Silk in polymer based composites is proposed. The effectiveness of different degumming parameters including degumming time and temperature on tussah Silk is discussed through the analyses of their mechanical and morphological properties. Based on results obtained, it was found that the mechanical properties of tussah Silk are affected by the degumming time due to the change of the fibre structure and fibroin alignment.

  • Thermal properties and structure conformation on Silkworm Silk fibre
    2012
    Co-Authors: Hao Wang, Kin-tak Lau
    Abstract:

    Silkworm Silk fibre extracted from cocoon has been well recognized as a promising material for bio-medical engineering applications because of its superior mechanical and bioresorbable properties. Degumming is a surface modification process which allows a wide control of the Silk fibre's properties, making the fibre possible to be used for the development and production of novel bio-composites with unique/specific mechanical and biodegradable properties. In this paper, the thermal properties and secondary structure were investigated to study the effects of distilled boiling water degumming. It was found that the degumming time had a little effect on the thermal decomposition properties and secondary structure of the Silk fibre.

  • Mechanical properties of an injected Silk fibre reinforced PLA composite
    2011
    Co-Authors: Kin-tak Lau, Hao Wang, Debes Bhattacharyya
    Abstract:

    Chopped Silkworm Silk fibres and Poly-lactic acid (PLA) were mixed to form a fully biodegradable thermoplastic composite. Injection moulding process was used to mix these constituents together at a controlled temperature range. The mechanical properties of the composite were examined through tensile and flexural property and Izod impact tests. It was found that the Young's and flexural moduli of the composite increased while their strengths and impact resistance decreased during the tests as compared with a PLA sample. Early fibre fractures observed from micrographs explain the reasons of enhanced moduli and reduction of strengths.

  • Silkworm Silk poly lactic acid biocomposites dynamic mechanical thermal and biodegradable properties
    Polymer Degradation and Stability, 2010
    Co-Authors: Yong Qing Zhao, Hoi Yan Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Dan-dan Zhao
    Abstract:

    Silkworm Silk/Poly(lactic acid) (Silk/PLA) biocomposites with potential for environmental engineering applications were prepared by using melting compound methods. By means of Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Coefficient of thermal expansion test, Enzymatic degradation test and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effect of Silk fiber on the structural, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties and enzymatic degradation behavior of the PLA matrix was investigated. As Silk fiber was incorporated into PLA matrix, the stiffness of the PLA matrix at higher temperature (70—160 °C) was remarkably enhanced and the dimension stability also was improved, but its thermal stability became poorer. Moreover, the presence of Silk fibers also significantly enhanced the enzymatic degradation ability of the PLA matrix. The higher the Silk fiber content, the more the weight loss.

  • biodegradation of a Silkworm Silk pla composite
    Composites Part B-engineering, 2010
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Yong Qing Zhao, Yu-fung Brian Pow, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Animal Silks and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are potential materials for biomedical and bioengineering applications. Biodegradability of these materials thus is important to minimize any extra pain of patients with bone defects due to second operations for removing those non-biodegradable implants. However, the control of their biodegradability and mechanical properties is essential to ensure a smooth load transfer from a depredating implant to neo-tissue. In this study, a biodegradation test on Silk/PLA biocomposites was performed. Physical and mechanical properties, pH condition of the surrounding fluid and the morphology of fractured samples were studied at specific time points. It was found that there were no significant differences between the pH values of the solution and weight loss for both pure PLA samples and Silk/PLA biocomposites. Moreover, with the reinforcement of Silk fiber, stiffness and ductility of PLA were enhanced and a faster biodegradation rate was observed within the 4-month biodegradation period. It can be concluded that the biodegradation rate of implants can be altered and their mechanical properties can be enhanced by incorporation of Silk fiber. This is a potential solution to match with the degradation rate of PLA to the regeneration rate of neo-tissues.

David Hui - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • biodegradation of a Silkworm Silk pla composite
    Composites Part B-engineering, 2010
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Yong Qing Zhao, Yu-fung Brian Pow, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Animal Silks and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are potential materials for biomedical and bioengineering applications. Biodegradability of these materials thus is important to minimize any extra pain of patients with bone defects due to second operations for removing those non-biodegradable implants. However, the control of their biodegradability and mechanical properties is essential to ensure a smooth load transfer from a depredating implant to neo-tissue. In this study, a biodegradation test on Silk/PLA biocomposites was performed. Physical and mechanical properties, pH condition of the surrounding fluid and the morphology of fractured samples were studied at specific time points. It was found that there were no significant differences between the pH values of the solution and weight loss for both pure PLA samples and Silk/PLA biocomposites. Moreover, with the reinforcement of Silk fiber, stiffness and ductility of PLA were enhanced and a faster biodegradation rate was observed within the 4-month biodegradation period. It can be concluded that the biodegradation rate of implants can be altered and their mechanical properties can be enhanced by incorporation of Silk fiber. This is a potential solution to match with the degradation rate of PLA to the regeneration rate of neo-tissues.

  • Biodegradation of a Silkworm Silk/PLA composite
    Composites Part B: Engineering, 2010
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Yong Qing Zhao, Yu-fung Brian Pow, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Animal Silks and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are potential materials for biomedical and bioengineering applications. Biodegradability of these materials thus is important to minimize any extra pain of patients with bone defects due to second operations for removing those non-biodegradable implants. However, the control of their biodegradability and mechanical properties is essential to ensure a smooth load transfer from a depredating implant to neo-tissue. In this study, a biodegradation test on Silk/PLA biocomposites was performed. Physical and mechanical properties, pH condition of the surrounding fluid and the morphology of fractured samples were studied at specific time points. It was found that there were no significant differences between the pH values of the solution and weight loss for both pure PLA samples and Silk/PLA biocomposites. Moreover, with the reinforcement of Silk fiber, stiffness and ductility of PLA were enhanced and a faster biodegradation rate was observed within the 4-month biodegradation period. It can be concluded that the biodegradation rate of implants can be altered and their mechanical properties can be enhanced by incorporation of Silk fiber. This is a potential solution to match with the degradation rate of PLA to the regeneration rate of neo-tissues.

  • a potential material for tissue engineering Silkworm Silk pla biocomposite
    Composites Part B-engineering, 2008
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Xiaoming Tao, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a kind of well recognized biodegradable polymer, was reinforced by Silkworm Silk fibers to form a completely biodegradable and biocompatible biocomposite for tissue engineering applications. The influence on the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposite in relation to the length and weight content of Silk fibers is studied in this paper. Through the micro-hardness test, optimized fiber length and weight content of Silk fibers used to make a better strength Silk fiber/PLA biocomposite was determined. Tensile property test and thermal analyses including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) for the Silk fiber/PLA biocomposite with specified fiber length and weight content were then conducted to investigate its property changes in comparison to a pristine PLA sample. Experimentally, it was found that the fiber length and weight content of Silk fibers are key parameters that would substantially influence the hardness of the biocomposite samples. For microscopic observations, good wettability of the fibers inside the biocomposite was seen. The surface of the fibers was well bonded with the matrix, as observed by a SEM image of fractured sample. As a result, it was found that the use of Silk fibers can be a good candidate, as reinforcements for the development of polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

  • A potential material for tissue engineering: Silkworm Silk/PLA biocomposite
    Composites Part B: Engineering, 2008
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Xiaoming Tao, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a kind of well recognized biodegradable polymer, was reinforced by Silkworm Silk fibers to form a completely biodegradable and biocompatible biocomposite for tissue engineering applications. The influence on the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposite in relation to the length and weight content of Silk fibers is studied in this paper. Through the micro-hardness test, optimized fiber length and weight content of Silk fibers used to make a better strength Silk fiber/PLA biocomposite was determined. Tensile property test and thermal analyses including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) for the Silk fiber/PLA biocomposite with specified fiber length and weight content were then conducted to investigate its property changes in comparison to a pristine PLA sample. Experimentally, it was found that the fiber length and weight content of Silk fibers are key parameters that would substantially influence the hardness of the biocomposite samples. For microscopic observations, good wettability of the fibers inside the biocomposite was seen. The surface of the fibers was well bonded with the matrix, as observed by a SEM image of fractured sample. As a result, it was found that the use of Silk fibers can be a good candidate, as reinforcements for the development of polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

Yong Qing Zhao - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Silkworm Silk poly lactic acid biocomposites dynamic mechanical thermal and biodegradable properties
    Polymer Degradation and Stability, 2010
    Co-Authors: Yong Qing Zhao, Hoi Yan Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Dan-dan Zhao
    Abstract:

    Silkworm Silk/Poly(lactic acid) (Silk/PLA) biocomposites with potential for environmental engineering applications were prepared by using melting compound methods. By means of Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Coefficient of thermal expansion test, Enzymatic degradation test and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effect of Silk fiber on the structural, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties and enzymatic degradation behavior of the PLA matrix was investigated. As Silk fiber was incorporated into PLA matrix, the stiffness of the PLA matrix at higher temperature (70—160 °C) was remarkably enhanced and the dimension stability also was improved, but its thermal stability became poorer. Moreover, the presence of Silk fibers also significantly enhanced the enzymatic degradation ability of the PLA matrix. The higher the Silk fiber content, the more the weight loss.

  • biodegradation of a Silkworm Silk pla composite
    Composites Part B-engineering, 2010
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Yong Qing Zhao, Yu-fung Brian Pow, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Animal Silks and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are potential materials for biomedical and bioengineering applications. Biodegradability of these materials thus is important to minimize any extra pain of patients with bone defects due to second operations for removing those non-biodegradable implants. However, the control of their biodegradability and mechanical properties is essential to ensure a smooth load transfer from a depredating implant to neo-tissue. In this study, a biodegradation test on Silk/PLA biocomposites was performed. Physical and mechanical properties, pH condition of the surrounding fluid and the morphology of fractured samples were studied at specific time points. It was found that there were no significant differences between the pH values of the solution and weight loss for both pure PLA samples and Silk/PLA biocomposites. Moreover, with the reinforcement of Silk fiber, stiffness and ductility of PLA were enhanced and a faster biodegradation rate was observed within the 4-month biodegradation period. It can be concluded that the biodegradation rate of implants can be altered and their mechanical properties can be enhanced by incorporation of Silk fiber. This is a potential solution to match with the degradation rate of PLA to the regeneration rate of neo-tissues.

  • Silkworm Silk/poly(lactic acid) biocomposites: dynamic mechanical, thermal and biodegradable properties.
    Polymer Degradation and Stability, 2010
    Co-Authors: Yong Qing Zhao, Hoi Yan Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Dan-dan Zhao
    Abstract:

    Silkworm Silk/Poly(lactic acid) (Silk/PLA) biocomposites with potential for environmental engineering applications were prepared by using melting compound methods. By means of Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Coefficient of thermal expansion test, Enzymatic degradation test and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effect of Silk fiber on the structural, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties and enzymatic degradation behavior of the PLA matrix was investigated. As Silk fiber was incorporated into PLA matrix, the stiffness of the PLA matrix at higher temperature (70—160 °C) was remarkably enhanced and the dimension stability also was improved, but its thermal stability became poorer. Moreover, the presence of Silk fibers also significantly enhanced the enzymatic degradation ability of the PLA matrix. The higher the Silk fiber content, the more the weight loss.

  • Biodegradation of a Silkworm Silk/PLA composite
    Composites Part B: Engineering, 2010
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Yong Qing Zhao, Yu-fung Brian Pow, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Animal Silks and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are potential materials for biomedical and bioengineering applications. Biodegradability of these materials thus is important to minimize any extra pain of patients with bone defects due to second operations for removing those non-biodegradable implants. However, the control of their biodegradability and mechanical properties is essential to ensure a smooth load transfer from a depredating implant to neo-tissue. In this study, a biodegradation test on Silk/PLA biocomposites was performed. Physical and mechanical properties, pH condition of the surrounding fluid and the morphology of fractured samples were studied at specific time points. It was found that there were no significant differences between the pH values of the solution and weight loss for both pure PLA samples and Silk/PLA biocomposites. Moreover, with the reinforcement of Silk fiber, stiffness and ductility of PLA were enhanced and a faster biodegradation rate was observed within the 4-month biodegradation period. It can be concluded that the biodegradation rate of implants can be altered and their mechanical properties can be enhanced by incorporation of Silk fiber. This is a potential solution to match with the degradation rate of PLA to the regeneration rate of neo-tissues.

  • Tensile Properties of Different Silkworm Silk Fibers
    Advanced Materials Research, 2008
    Co-Authors: Hoi Yan Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Yong Qing Zhao
    Abstract:

    Mechanical properties of two different types of Silkworm Silk fibers under three conditions: (i) Bombyx mori; (ii) twisted Bombyx mori; and (iii) Tussah Silk fibers were under investigations. The values of ultimate tensile strength, elongation at break and Young’s modulus were examined by performing tensile test on single bave. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphologies of the two different types of Silk fibers, and measure their general diameters so as to determine the cross-sectional area of the two different types of Silk fibers and convert the experimental load-extension data into stress-strain data accordingly.

Hoi-yan Karen Cheung - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • biodegradation of a Silkworm Silk pla composite
    Composites Part B-engineering, 2010
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Yong Qing Zhao, Yu-fung Brian Pow, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Animal Silks and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are potential materials for biomedical and bioengineering applications. Biodegradability of these materials thus is important to minimize any extra pain of patients with bone defects due to second operations for removing those non-biodegradable implants. However, the control of their biodegradability and mechanical properties is essential to ensure a smooth load transfer from a depredating implant to neo-tissue. In this study, a biodegradation test on Silk/PLA biocomposites was performed. Physical and mechanical properties, pH condition of the surrounding fluid and the morphology of fractured samples were studied at specific time points. It was found that there were no significant differences between the pH values of the solution and weight loss for both pure PLA samples and Silk/PLA biocomposites. Moreover, with the reinforcement of Silk fiber, stiffness and ductility of PLA were enhanced and a faster biodegradation rate was observed within the 4-month biodegradation period. It can be concluded that the biodegradation rate of implants can be altered and their mechanical properties can be enhanced by incorporation of Silk fiber. This is a potential solution to match with the degradation rate of PLA to the regeneration rate of neo-tissues.

  • Biodegradation of a Silkworm Silk/PLA composite
    Composites Part B: Engineering, 2010
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Yong Qing Zhao, Yu-fung Brian Pow, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Animal Silks and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are potential materials for biomedical and bioengineering applications. Biodegradability of these materials thus is important to minimize any extra pain of patients with bone defects due to second operations for removing those non-biodegradable implants. However, the control of their biodegradability and mechanical properties is essential to ensure a smooth load transfer from a depredating implant to neo-tissue. In this study, a biodegradation test on Silk/PLA biocomposites was performed. Physical and mechanical properties, pH condition of the surrounding fluid and the morphology of fractured samples were studied at specific time points. It was found that there were no significant differences between the pH values of the solution and weight loss for both pure PLA samples and Silk/PLA biocomposites. Moreover, with the reinforcement of Silk fiber, stiffness and ductility of PLA were enhanced and a faster biodegradation rate was observed within the 4-month biodegradation period. It can be concluded that the biodegradation rate of implants can be altered and their mechanical properties can be enhanced by incorporation of Silk fiber. This is a potential solution to match with the degradation rate of PLA to the regeneration rate of neo-tissues.

  • a potential material for tissue engineering Silkworm Silk pla biocomposite
    Composites Part B-engineering, 2008
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Xiaoming Tao, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a kind of well recognized biodegradable polymer, was reinforced by Silkworm Silk fibers to form a completely biodegradable and biocompatible biocomposite for tissue engineering applications. The influence on the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposite in relation to the length and weight content of Silk fibers is studied in this paper. Through the micro-hardness test, optimized fiber length and weight content of Silk fibers used to make a better strength Silk fiber/PLA biocomposite was determined. Tensile property test and thermal analyses including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) for the Silk fiber/PLA biocomposite with specified fiber length and weight content were then conducted to investigate its property changes in comparison to a pristine PLA sample. Experimentally, it was found that the fiber length and weight content of Silk fibers are key parameters that would substantially influence the hardness of the biocomposite samples. For microscopic observations, good wettability of the fibers inside the biocomposite was seen. The surface of the fibers was well bonded with the matrix, as observed by a SEM image of fractured sample. As a result, it was found that the use of Silk fibers can be a good candidate, as reinforcements for the development of polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

  • A potential material for tissue engineering: Silkworm Silk/PLA biocomposite
    Composites Part B: Engineering, 2008
    Co-Authors: Hoi-yan Karen Cheung, Kin-tak Lau, Xiaoming Tao, David Hui
    Abstract:

    Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a kind of well recognized biodegradable polymer, was reinforced by Silkworm Silk fibers to form a completely biodegradable and biocompatible biocomposite for tissue engineering applications. The influence on the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposite in relation to the length and weight content of Silk fibers is studied in this paper. Through the micro-hardness test, optimized fiber length and weight content of Silk fibers used to make a better strength Silk fiber/PLA biocomposite was determined. Tensile property test and thermal analyses including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) for the Silk fiber/PLA biocomposite with specified fiber length and weight content were then conducted to investigate its property changes in comparison to a pristine PLA sample. Experimentally, it was found that the fiber length and weight content of Silk fibers are key parameters that would substantially influence the hardness of the biocomposite samples. For microscopic observations, good wettability of the fibers inside the biocomposite was seen. The surface of the fibers was well bonded with the matrix, as observed by a SEM image of fractured sample. As a result, it was found that the use of Silk fibers can be a good candidate, as reinforcements for the development of polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

Gustavo V. Guinea - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Lessons From Spider and Silkworm Silk Guts
    Frontiers in Materials, 2020
    Co-Authors: José Pérez-rigueiro, Manuel Elices, Víctor Ruiz, José Luis Cenis, Gustavo V. Guinea
    Abstract:

    The results presented in previous works on the formation of fibers from Silkworm and spider Silk guts are reviewed and new information is included on the glands that allow the formation of these fibers. Silk gut fibers are obtained directly from the Silk glands by immersion in a mild acid solution and subsequent stretching. The fibers so produced were characterized in terms of their microstructure and mechanical properties. The comparison of Silk gut fibers with their natural counterparts allows gaining new insights in the processing, microstructure and properties of both Silkworm and spider Silks.

  • Mechanical behaviour and formation process of Silkworm Silk gut
    Soft matter, 2015
    Co-Authors: José Luis Cenis, Gustavo R. Plaza, Manuel Elices, Gustavo V. Guinea, Núria Marí-buyé, Rodrigo Madurga, Salvador D. Aznar-cervantes, A. Abel Lozano-pérez, Luis Meseguer-olmo, Francisco Del Pozo
    Abstract:

    High performance Silk fibers were produced directly from the Silk glands of Silkworms (Bombyx mori) following an alternative route to natural spinning. This route is based on a traditional procedure that consists of soaking the Silk glands in a vinegar solution and stretching them by hand leading to the so called Silkworm guts. Here we present, to the authors' best knowledge, the first comprehensive study on the formation, properties and microstructure of Silkworm gut fibers. Comparison of the tensile properties and microstructural organization of the Silkworm guts with those of naturally spun fibers allows gain of a deeper insight into the mechanisms that lead to the formation of the fiber, as well as the relationship between the microstructure and properties of these materials. In this regard, it is proved that an acidic environment and subsequent application of tensile stress in the range of 1000 kPa are sufficient conditions for the formation of a Silk fiber.

  • 10 – Structure and properties of spider and Silkworm Silk for tissue scaffolds*
    Advances in Silk Science and Technology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Gustavo V. Guinea, Manuel Elices, José Pérez-rigueiro, Gustavo R. Plaza
    Abstract:

    The structure and properties of Silk fibers are at the root of their performance and applicability in scaffolds for tissue engineering. This chapter briefly reviews the composition and structure, the production and the mechanical behavior of Silk fibers either natural or artificial. The main properties and structural characteristic of Silks produced by Silkworms or spiders, and also the behavior of synthetic Silk fibers obtained from regenerated Silkworm Silk or recombinant artificial spider Silk are considered, with special attention to the mechanical response under the influence of water and temperature. The chapter also presents some models intending to describe the relationship between the structure and the mechanical properties of Silk fibers.

  • Structure and properties of spider and Silkworm Silk for tissue scaffolds
    Silk Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 2014
    Co-Authors: Gustavo V. Guinea, Manuel Elices, José Pérez-rigueiro, Gustavo R. Plaza
    Abstract:

    Abstract: The structure and properties of Silk fibers are at the root of their performance and applicability in scaffolds for tissue engineering. This chapter briefly reviews the composition and structure, the production and the mechanical behavior of Silk fibers either natural or artificial. The main properties and structural characteristic of Silks produced by Silkworms or spiders, and also the behavior of synthetic Silk fibers obtained from regenerated Silkworm Silk or recombinant artificial spider Silk are considered, with special attention to the mechanical response under the influence of water and temperature. The chapter also presents some models intending to describe the relationship between the structure and the mechanical properties of Silk fibers.

  • Correlation between processing conditions, microstructure and mechanical behavior in regenerated Silkworm Silk fibers
    Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, 2011
    Co-Authors: Gustavo R. Plaza, Paola Corsini, Enrico Marsano, José Pérez-rigueiro, Manuel Elices, Christian Riekel, Charlotte Vendrely, Gustavo V. Guinea
    Abstract:

    Regenerated Silkworm fibers spun through a wet-spinning process followed by an immersion postspinning drawing step show a work to fracture comparable with that of natural Silkworm Silk fibers in a wide range of spinning conditions. The mechanical behavior and microstructure of these high performance fibers have been characterized, and compared with those fibers produced through conventional spinning conditions. The comparison reveals that both sets of fibers share a common semicrystalline microstructure, but significant differences are apparent in the amorphous region. Besides, high performance fibers show a ground state and the possibility of tuning their tensile behavior. These properties are characteristic of spider Silk and not of natural Silkworm Silk, despite both regenerated and natural Silkworm Silk share a common composition different from that of spider Silk.