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

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.