Mechanical and thermal properties of dragline silk from the spider Nephila clavipes

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Abstract
Dragline silk from the spider, Nephila clavipes, was characterized by thermal analysis (TGA, DSC, DMA), computational modeling, scanning electron microscopy and by quasi‐static as well as high rates of strain. Thermal stability to about 230°C was observed by TGA, two transitions by DMA, −75°C, representative of localized motion in the amorphous domain, and a main chain motion associated with partial melt at 210°C. Tensile tests indicated average initial modulus, ultimate tensile strength and ultimate tensile strain of 22 GPa, 1.1 GPa and 9%, respectively. The corresponding properties of the best fibers tested were 60 GPa, 2.9 GPa and 11%, respectively. High strain rates (>50,000%/sec) indicated similar mechanical properties to the average values indicated above. Microscopy showed compressive and tensile strains to failure of 34%. Computational modeling yielded a crystal modulus of 200 GPa.