e-Polymers (Aug 2020)

Mechanical properties and application analysis of spider silk bionic material

  • Gu Yunqing,
  • Yu Lingzhi,
  • Mou Jiegang,
  • Wu Denghao,
  • Zhou Peijian,
  • Xu Maosen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1515/epoly-2020-0049
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 1
pp. 443 – 457

Abstract

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Spider silk is a kind of natural biomaterial with superior performance. Its mechanical properties and biocompatibility are incomparable with those of other natural and artificial materials. This article first summarizes the structure and the characteristics of natural spider silk. It shows the great research value of spider silk and spider silk bionic materials. Then, the development status of spider silk bionic materials is reviewed from the perspectives of material mechanical properties and application. The part of the material characteristics mainly describes the biocomposites based on spider silk proteins and spider silk fibers, nanomaterials and man-made fiber materials based on spider silk and spider-web structures. The principles and characteristics of new materials and their potential applications in the future are described. In addition, from the perspective of practical applications, the latest application of spider silk biomimetic materials in the fields of medicine, textiles, and sensors is reviewed, and the inspiration, feasibility, and performance of finished products are briefly introduced and analyzed. Finally, the research directions and future development trends of spider silk biomimetic materials are prospected.

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