Event Title
Characterization of Silk Material for Biomimetic Spinning and Film Casting
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Location
Clifford Hall, Room 210
Document Type
presentation
Start Date
8-5-2018 10:30 AM
End Date
8-5-2018 10:45 AM
Description
In preparation to future human exploration of deep space, the ability for materials to be repaired needing little to no human interaction, is a key element for upcoming mission technologies. This idea saves valuable time and energy that could direct focus towards other pressing aspects of exploration missions. There is an ever-increasing necessity for special lightweight, self-strengthening and multifunctional materials within the field of human space flight. These materials could be used for space suit, vehicle and habitat structures to survive long duration missions in the harsh environments of space. In this study through the ND Space Grant Consortium an investigation into biomimicry provides a framework for the development of flexible, light-weight, “smart” and biologically compatible sensor materials.
Natural silks produced by spiders and silkworms exhibit tailorable mechanical performance yet to be achieved synthetically. In earth’s gravity, spiders can create a variety of mechanically robust (i.e., high tensile strength, high extensibility) silk fibers, each with unique characteristics which has been developed by an evolutionary niche and promoting survival for millions of years. This phenomenon is derived from a biological system that has been evolutionarily optimized. In efforts to harness this elusive promise of tailorable bio-material fabrication, a study was conducted to investigate 1) silk solution processing 2) silk spinning via a biomimetic spinning system 3) dispersions of carbon nanotubes into regenerated silk by spinning and casting to improve conductivity and strength. Resulting carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxylic-acid (CNTC) and non-functionalized (CNTNF) were integrated into spinning and casting processes. Decreases in performance was observed in CNTNF constructs, however an increase was present in CNTC suggesting structural integration of silk proteins.
Characterization of Silk Material for Biomimetic Spinning and Film Casting
Clifford Hall, Room 210
In preparation to future human exploration of deep space, the ability for materials to be repaired needing little to no human interaction, is a key element for upcoming mission technologies. This idea saves valuable time and energy that could direct focus towards other pressing aspects of exploration missions. There is an ever-increasing necessity for special lightweight, self-strengthening and multifunctional materials within the field of human space flight. These materials could be used for space suit, vehicle and habitat structures to survive long duration missions in the harsh environments of space. In this study through the ND Space Grant Consortium an investigation into biomimicry provides a framework for the development of flexible, light-weight, “smart” and biologically compatible sensor materials.
Natural silks produced by spiders and silkworms exhibit tailorable mechanical performance yet to be achieved synthetically. In earth’s gravity, spiders can create a variety of mechanically robust (i.e., high tensile strength, high extensibility) silk fibers, each with unique characteristics which has been developed by an evolutionary niche and promoting survival for millions of years. This phenomenon is derived from a biological system that has been evolutionarily optimized. In efforts to harness this elusive promise of tailorable bio-material fabrication, a study was conducted to investigate 1) silk solution processing 2) silk spinning via a biomimetic spinning system 3) dispersions of carbon nanotubes into regenerated silk by spinning and casting to improve conductivity and strength. Resulting carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxylic-acid (CNTC) and non-functionalized (CNTNF) were integrated into spinning and casting processes. Decreases in performance was observed in CNTNF constructs, however an increase was present in CNTC suggesting structural integration of silk proteins.