MIT Creates Lycra-Like Materials Inspired by Spider Silk

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the U.S. have developed strong, elastic polymeric nanocomposites inspired by spider silk which could have applications in stronger packaging materials, tear-resistant fabrics, and biomedical devices. Researchers previously had difficulty producing materials that were both very strong and very elastic, but by mimicking the nanocrystalline structure of spider silk, they were able to achieve both properties simultaneously. Employing a new process that they developed, the researchers used nanoscale clay platelets to reinforce commercial polyurethane in a solution. The article says that the resulting nanocomposite materials are “reinforced in every direction and [exhibit] very little distortion even when heated to temperatures above 150 degrees Celsius.” The article says that the U.S. military is interested in applying these materials to tear-resistant films, body armor parts, and packaging for soldiers’ meals. It also says that fabric companies are interested in using the materials for fabric similar to Lycra and nylon.

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