Production of metamaterials based on spider silk structure

The idea of producing bricks from straw could soon come to fruition after scientists have discovered that it is possible to rely on the crystal structure of spider silk to create new materials.

The crystal structure of the silk spider suggested to scientists a new way of making materials. Source: Internet.

The researchers found that spider silk has a very distinctive crystal structure. They believe that the crystal structure of spider silk will be applied in the future to produce new-generation materials with the advantage of being cheaper and more resistant to current materials. In theory, these new materials could even be made from wood, straw or hay.

The basic properties of spider silk are studied using models that simulate their structure using computers.

Professor Markus Buehler, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who led the study, said:

"Our computer model experiments on the properties of spider silk can provide the basis for the development of cheaper, more durable materials than today's materials."

A striking feature of spider silk is its ability to bond closely to the crystals, giving the spider silk a great resilience and strength. While most of today's artificial materials usually have only one of these two properties. For example, ceramic materials are very hard but have brittle and brittle blemishes.

Spider silk is made up of proteins, including some flat crystals called beta particles. The researchers found that the size of the crystals played a very important role. If the size of spider silk crystals is 3 nanometers, the elasticity and strength of the material is extremely good. However, when the increase is 5 nanometers, the durability of spider silk is reduced.