Influence of the draw ratio on the tensile and fracture behavior of NMMO regenerated silk fibers

• Published in: Journal of polymer science. Part B, Polymer physics Vol. 45; no. 18; pp. 2568 - 2579
• Main Authors: Corsini, Paola, Perez-Rigueiro, José, Guinea, Gustavo V, Plaza, Gustavo R, Elices, Manuel, Marsano, Enrico, Carnasciali, Maria M, Freddi, Giuliano
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15-09-2007; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; biomaterials; Exact sciences and technology; fibers; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; mechanical properties; Polymer industry, paints, wood; silk; Technology of polymers; wet spinning; Silk; Artificial fiber; Oriented polymer; fibers; Mechanical properties; Birefringence; Tensile property; biomaterials; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Wet spinning; Fracture mode
• ISSN: 0887-6266; 1099-0488
• DOI: 10.1002/polb.21255

The tensile properties and fracture surfaces of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) regenerated silk fibroin fibers produced with a range of draw ratios has been characterized and related to their microstructure with data obtained from Raman spectroscopy and birefringence measurements. The spinning process allows control of two different draw ratios, coagulation, and postspinning, and it has been found that the microstructure and the properties of the fibers can be modified by the proper combination of both draw ratios. NMMO regenerated silk fibroin fibers subjected to postspinning drawing yield tensile properties comparable to other regenerated fibers and strain at breaking comparable to natural Bombyx mori silk fibers. Tensile strength; however, is still significantly lower than that of natural fibers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2568-2579, 2007