Molecular orientation of spider silks in the natural and supercontracted states

Two theoretical models are presented to predict average molecular orientation properties of spider silk which has unknown molecular orientation and chemical structure. Birefringence and elongation (or shrinkage) data are required for two distinct lengths of a sample in order to fit the data. The first model is based on the assumptions that each molecule behaves as the average and that the deformations are affine. The second model is based on a random distribution of the molecules as the fiber is first formed and that the molecular deformations are affine when the fiber is elongated to any length. Data were taken from spider silks in the natural state and in a shrunken state (due to water). The second model gives a much better fit of the data. The models are applicable to other systems.