Predicting the mechanical properties of spider silk as a model nanostructured polymer

@article{Porter2005PredictingTM,
  title={Predicting the mechanical properties of spider silk as a model 
nanostructured polymer},
  author={David Porter and Fritz Vollrath and Zhengzhong Shao},
  journal={The European Physical Journal E},
  year={2005},
  volume={16},
  pages={199-206}
}
Abstract.Spider silk is attractive because it is strong and tough. Moreover, an enormous range of mechanical properties can be achieved with only small changes in chemical structure. Our research shows that the full range of thermo-mechanical properties of silk fibres can be predicted from mean field theory for polymers in terms of chemical composition and the degree of order in the polymer structure. Thus, we can demonstrate an inherent simplicity at a macromolecular level in the design… 
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147 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
8
Background Citations
33
Methods Citations
11
Results Citations
3

147 Citations

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The means by which the mechanical properties of spider silk, particularly the yield strain, can be optimized through structural modifications are discussed.
Spider silk fibers
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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…
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