Silk as a Biomimetic Ideal for Structural Polymers

Abstract

Two factors are critical for understanding silks: the nanoscale semicrystalline folding structure, which gives high strength and toughness, and the degree of hydration of the disordered fraction, which modifies these material properties. The combination of these two factors allows for a massive range of mechanical properties. Understanding and controlling these two factors are the key to the functionality of protein elastomers.