Why silk fibres could find uses in kit for astronauts and Artic explorers

Download this

A summary slide about silkworm fibres as MS Powerpoint or pdf.

An image showing a silkworm

Source: © Prisma Bildagentur/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Antheraea pernyi – this silkworms’ fibres could find their way to space

Silk fibres retain their toughness and ductility even at extremely low temperatures, such as those in space and at the Arctic, say researchers in China. The weak intermolecular forces holding the nanofibrils together could be the key to the material’s use in devices destined for the Arctic and outer space.

Read the full story in Chemistry World. 

Put this in context

Add context and highlight diverse careers with our short career videos showing how chemistry is making a difference and let your learners be inspired by chemists such as Robert, a consumer products technician. 

 

 

Downloads

Download all

Topics