Structure and properties of ultrafine silk fibers produced by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Theriodopteryx ephemeraeformis</Emphasis>

Theriodopteryx ephemeraeformis commonly known as bag worms produce ultrafine silk fibers that are remarkably different than the common domesticated (Bombyx mori) and wild (Saturniidae) silk fibers. Bag worms are considered as pests and commonly infect trees and shrubs. Although it has been known that the cocoons (bags) produced by bag worms are composed of silk, the structure and properties of the silk fibers in the bag worm cocoons have not been studied. In this research, the composition, morphology, physical structure, thermal stability, and tensile properties of silk fibers produced by bag worms were studied. Bag worm silk fibers have considerably different amino acid contents from those of the common silks. The physical structure of the bag worm silk fibers is also considerably different compared with B. mori and common wild silk fibers. Bag worm’s silk fibers have lower tensile strength (3.2 g/denier) and Young’s modulus (45 g/denier) but similar breaking elongation (15.3%) compared with B. mori silk. However, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of bag worm fibers are similar to those of the common Saturniidae wild silk fibers. Bag worm silk fibers could be useful for some of the applications currently using the B. mori and wild silk fibers.     

Structure and properties of cocoons and silk fibers produced by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hyalophora cecropia</Emphasis>

This paper shows that silk fibers produced by cecropia (Hyalophora cecropia) have similar tensile properties but different amino acid composition than that of mulberry (Bombyx mori) silk. The cecropia fibers are also much finer and have better strength and modulus than tasar silk, the most common non-mulberry silk. Cecropia is one of the largest silk producing moths and has similar lifecycle to that of mulberry silk but is easier to grow and produces larger cocoons than mulberry silk. In this study, we have characterized the composition, morphology, physical and tensile properties, and thermal behavior of the cecropia silk. Cecropia cocoons have a three tier structure and are larger (750 mg) than the cocoons produced by B. mori (650 mg). Fibers in the three layers in cecropia cocoons have tensile properties similar to that of B. mori silk but are finer (1.7–2 denier) and have higher strength (3.8–4.3 g/denier) and modulus (68–92 g/denier) than tasar silk.     

Mechanical properties of silkworm cocoon pelades

The pelade, the innermost layer of silkworm cocoon next to the chrysalis, has special microstructures, mechanical properties and protective functions distinctly different from those of all the other layers. In the present paper, a series of static tensile tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis were performed for the first time to measure the mechanical properties of pelades, including Young’s modulus, tensile strength and thermomechanical parameters. The fracture process of precracked pelade specimens was observed by in-situ scanning electron microscopy under tension. It is found that the Young’s modulus, tensile strength, storage modulus and loss modulus of cocoon pelades are superior to the corresponding thickness-averaged values of a complete silkworm cocoon. The damage and fracture process of pelades involve delamination, silk breaking and damage localization band. The results indicate that silkworm caterpillars can be appreciated as sophisticated sewers to make anisotropic and optimized structures of cocoons with both protective functions and mechanical properties varying in their thickness direction. The present study might be helpful to guide biomimetic design of novel safe-guarding materials and structures from both the viewpoints of microstructures and spatial functional gradients.     

Mechanical characterization of single-walled carbon nanotubes: Numerical simulation study

The mechanical behaviour of non-chiral and chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes under tensile and bending loading conditions is investigated. For this purpose, three-dimensional finite element modelling is used in order to evaluate the tensile and bending rigidities and, subsequently, the Young's moduli. It is shown that the evolution of rigidity, tensile and bending, as a function of diameter can be described by a unique function for non-chiral and chiral single-walled nanotubes, i.e. regardless of the index or angles of chirality. A comprehensive study of the influence of the nanotube wall thickness and diameter on the Young's modulus values is also carried out. It is established that the evolution of the Young's modulus as a function of the inverse of the wall thickness follows a quasi-linear trend for nanotubes with diameters larger than 1.085 nm. The current numerical simulation results are compared with data reported in the literature. This work provides a benchmark in relation to ascertaining the mechanical properties of chiral and non-chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes by nanoscale continuum models.     

Plasticity improvement for dendrite/metallic glass matrix composites by pre-deformation

The mechanical properties of in-situ metallic glass matrix composites (MGMCs) are investigated by tensile pre-deformation, followed by compression. The pre-deformation is utilized to exploit notable increases in plasticity, accompanied by slight increases in the compressive strength, and the deformation mechanisms are explored. The increased free volumes in the glass matrix after tensile pre-deformation contribute to the decrease of the Young's modulus of the glass matrix and lead to the increase in the stress concentration, promoting multiplication of shear bands. When the Young's modulus of the glass matrix matches that of the dendrites, the plasticity of in-situ dendrite-reinforced MGMCs is the optimized. Matching Young's modulus opens a door to design the MGMCs with excellent plasticity and remarkable work-hardening capability.     

Post-secretion processing influences spider silk performance

Phenotypic variation facilitates adaptations to novel environments. Silk is an example of a highly variable biomaterial. The two-spidroin (MaSp) model suggests that spider major ampullate (MA) silk is composed of two proteins—MaSp1 predominately contains alanine and glycine and forms strength enhancing β-sheet crystals, while MaSp2 contains proline and forms elastic spirals. Nonetheless, mechanical properties can vary in spider silks without congruent amino acid compositional changes. We predicted that post-secretion processing causes variation in the mechanical performance of wild MA silk independent of protein composition or spinning speed across 10 species of spider. We used supercontraction to remove post-secretion effects and compared the mechanics of silk in this ‘ground state’ with wild native silks. Native silk mechanics varied less among species compared with ‘ground state’ silks. Variability in the mechanics of ‘ground state’ silks was associated with proline composition. However, variability in native silks did not. We attribute interspecific similarities in the mechanical properties of native silks, regardless of amino acid compositions, to glandular processes altering molecular alignment of the proteins prior to extrusion. Such post-secretion processing may enable MA silk to maintain functionality across environments, facilitating its function as a component of an insect-catching web.     

On the tensile behaviour of filled composites

The shape and concentration of reinforcing fillers and the mechanical properties of the matrix influence the tensile behaviour of composites. The Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongational viscosity of composites containing different shaped fillers (glass beads, wollastonite and talcum) are predicted from simple models using a shape factor for each of the fillers.     

On the tensile behavior of hetero-junction carbon nanotubes

Several straight hetero-junctions carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are constructed and their tensile behavior are investigated. It is pointed that the Young's modulus of hetero-junctions is lower than the values of their fundamental homogeneous CNTs due to the existence of pentagon–heptagon pair defects. In addition, it is revealed that the Young's modulus of homogeneous zigzag CNTs increases by increasing the chiral number of these nano-structures. Finally, it is concluded that as the connecting length of the hetero-junctions increases the Young's modulus of these particular CNTs decreases. Therefore, the tensile strength of hetero-junctions depends on the presence of pentagon–heptagon pair defects.     

Aufbau und Eigenschaften glasfaserverstärkter Eisenverbundwerkstoffe

Properties and Microstructure of Iron-Glassfiber Composites It is possible to produce powdermetallurgically glasfibre reinforced iron composites after high deformation by extrusion. These materials represent some interesting technological aspects because an anomalous increasing in tensile strength and other mechanical properties can be found, although the Young's-Modulus of the additive is lower than of the matrix. On the other hand electrical conductivity and Young's Modulus of the composites show a linear decreasing with the volume fraction of the second phase. This behaviour is reasoned in the fibre structure of the composites. Other physical properties such as thermal conductivity or the internal friction show an anomalous behaviour because of an excursive phononscattering at the interphases, which the curled microstructure possess in multiple forms.     

三种不同功能蛛丝的超微结构与拉伸力学行为

蜘蛛丝是一种具有优良机械性能的天然动物蛋白纤维,是自然界极具应用潜力的生物材料,但它特有的结构和机械性能与其生物学功能密切相关。为此,本文采用扫描电镜和单纤强力仪对两种结圆网蜘蛛的卵袋框丝和内层丝与圆网铆钉丝三种不同功能蛛丝的超微结构、拉伸力学性能以及断裂能在应力应变曲线的弹性区、屈服区和加强区的分配进行了研究,结果表明不同生物学功能的蛛丝表现出不同的力学行为,并呈现一定的机械性能策略,主要表现为：断裂能在应力应变曲线的弹性区、屈服区和加强区的权衡;不同力学性能参数之间的权衡,如伸长和荷载、断裂强度和延展性等参数之间的权衡,以适应不同的功能要求。这对人们进行新型防护材料的仿生设计具有重要指导意义。     

Hydrophilic polymeric membranes obtained by radiation cast-copolymerization of ethyl acrylate with various monomers

Hydrophilic polymeric membranes were prepared by radiation cast-copolymerization of ethyl acrylate with various diacrylates and dimethacrylates. The hydration and mechanical properties of the copolymers were studied as a function of copolymerization composition. The degree of hydration, tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus increased with decreasing concentration of the ethyl acrylate component. In a certain copolymerization composition, the hydrophilic polymeric membranes which resemble the mechanical property of the biomedical materials were obtained.     

Mechanical characterization of single crystal silicon and UV-LIGA nickel thin films using tensile tester operated in AFM

This paper describes the mechanical characteristics of microscale single crystal silicon (SCS) and UV‐LIGA nickel (Ni) films used for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). A compact tensile tester, operated in an atomic force microscope (AFM), was developed for accurate evaluation of Young's modulus, tensile strain and tensile strength of microscale SCS and UV‐LIGA Ni specimens. SCS specimens with nominal dimensions of 20 μm in thickness, 50 μm in width and 600 μm in length were prepared by a conventional photolithography and etching process. UV‐LIGA Ni specimens, with a thickness of 15 μm, a width of 50 μm and a length of 600 μm in nominal dimensions, were also fabricated by electroplating using a UV thick photoresist mould. All specimens have line patterns on their specimen gauge section to measure axial elongation under tensile loading. The SCS specimens showed a linear stress–strain response and fractured in a brittle manner, whereas the UV‐LIGA Ni specimens showed elastic–inelastic deformation behaviour. Young's modulus of SCS and UV‐LIGA Ni specimens obtained from tensile tests averaged 169.2 GPa and 183.6 GPa, respectively, close to those of bulk materials. However, the tensile strength of both materials showed a larger value than the bulk materials: 1.47 GPa for the SCS and 0.98 GPa for the Ni specimens. Yield stress and breaking elongation of UV‐LIGA Ni specimens were also quite different from those of the bulk Ni because of the specimen size effect on inelastic properties.     

On the mechanical properties,deformation and fracture of a natural fibre/recycled polymer composite

A composite laminate based on natural flax fibre and recycled high density polyethylene was manufactured by a hand lay-up and compression moulding technique. The mechanical properties of the composite were assessed under tensile and impact loading. Changes in the stress–strain characteristics, of yield stress, tensile strength, and tensile (Young's) modulus, of ductility and toughness, all as a function of fibre content were determined experimentally. A significant enhancement of toughness of the composite can be qualitatively explained in terms of the principal deformation and failure mechanisms identified by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These mechanisms were dominated by delamination cracking, by crack bridging processes, and by extensive plastic flow of polymer-rich layers and matrix deformation around fibres. Improvements in strength and stiffness combined with high toughness can be achieved by varying the fibre volume fraction and controlling the bonding between layers of the composite.     

Characterization of single crystal silicon and electroplated nickel films by uniaxial tensile test with in situ X-ray diffraction measurement

In this study, mechanical properties of micron‐thick single crystalline silicon (Si) and electroplated nickel (Ni) films at intermediate temperatures are investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) tensile testing. The developed tensile test technique enables us to directly measure lateral (out‐of‐plane) elastic strain of microscale crystalline specimen using XRD during tensile loading, and determines Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and tensile strength of the Si and Ni specimens. The specimens, measuring 10 μm thick, 300 μm wide and 3 mm long, are prepared through a conventional micro‐machining process, and the ultraviolet lithographie galvanoformung abformung (UV‐LIGA) process including a molding and an electroplating. The Si specimens, showing brittle fracture at room temperature (R.T.), have average Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of 169 GPa and 0.35, respectively, in very good agreement with analytical values. The Ni specimens, showing ductile fracture, have those of 190 GPa and 0.24, lower than bulk coarse grained Ni. Young's moduli of both the Si and Ni specimens decrease with increasing temperature, but Poisson's ratios are independent of temperature. The influence of specimen size on elastic‐plastic properties of the specimens is discussed.     

The Effects of Relative Humidity and Super-Disintegrant Concentrations on the Mechanical Properties of Pharmaceutical Compacts

The influence of the composition and the relative humidity on the properties of pharmaceutical compacts prepared from mixtures of three excipients and three super-disintegrants was evaluated. Various amounts of super-disintegrant and different conditions of relative humidity during the storage were used to study mechanistically the disintegration process and to connect it to compact's mechanical properties. Three point single beam test was used to measure tensile strength and Young's modulus of compacts containing various amount of disintegrant and stored under various relative humidity. The presence of moisture within pharmaceutical compacts containing a disintegrant influences drastically their mechanical properties. Then, the results are related to micro-cracks visualized by MEB.     

Vetiver–polypropylene composites: Physical and mechanical properties

Injection molded vetiver–polypropylene (PP) composites at various ratios of vetiver content and vetiver length were prepared. When compared to PP, vetiver–PP composites exhibited higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus but lower elongation at break and impact strength. An increase in vetiver content led to an increase in viscosity, heat distortion temperature, crystallization temperature, and Young’s modulus of the composites. On the other hand, the decomposition temperature, tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength decreased with increasing vetiver content. The chemical treatment of the vetiver grass improved the mechanical properties of the composites.     

Kohlenstoff-Fäden und deren Verwendung in Verbundwerkstoffen

Carbon fibres and carbon fibre composite materials. Carbon fibres are a new reinforcement for high performance composite materials. Their most interesting property is the high Young's modulus. The tensile strength of carbon fibres exceeds 200 kp/mm², the Young's modulus 50,000 kp/mm². Carbon fibre reinforced plastics are mainly used where high stiffness is needed. In most cases, carbon fibre composite components are manufactured by filament winding burt also by lamination and moulding. Data about the different processes for the production of carbon fibres as well as mechanical properties are given. In addition to the different manufacturing methods of composite materials a survey about the today applications is given.     

Effect of UV‐Radiation on the Packaging‐Related Properties of Whey Protein Isolate Based Films and Coatings

The high oxygen barrier properties of whey protein based films and coatings means these materials are of great interest to the food and packaging industry. However, these materials have poor mechanical properties such as the tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break. Up until now, the influence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on whey protein films has not been reported in the literature. This study thus investigates the influence of UV‐radiation on the properties of whey protein based films. UV‐irradiated films showed increased tensile strength and a yellowing that was dependent on the radiation time. After irradiation, the films showed no significant change in the barrier properties, Young's modulus or elongation at break. In addition, a protein solubility study was undertaken to characterize and quantify changes in structure‐property relationships. The significant decrease in protein solubility in buffer systems which break disulfide and non‐covalent bonds indicates that additional molecular interactions arise with increasing radiation dose. This study provides new data for researchers and material developers to tailor the characteristics of whey protein based films according to their intended application and processing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of high Zr-containing Ti-based alloys with low Young's modulus for use in removable implants

This research focuses on the development of new titanium (Ti) alloys with a low Young's modulus for use in removable implants. In this study, Ti-30Zr alloy was selected as the base alloy, and the effect of Mo addition on the microstructures, Young's moduli, and tensile properties of Ti-30Zr-(0–8 wt.% Mo) alloys was investigated in this study to assess the mechanical compatibility of these alloys for biomedical applications. Further, the cytocompatibility of a part of the designed alloys was examined. The experimental results indicate that both the microstructures and the mechanical properties of the designed alloys are strongly affected by the Mo contents. The Ti-30Zr-(6, 7 wt.%) Mo alloys, located near the boundary of (β + ω)/β with a metastable structure, show a good combination of a low Young's modulus, high tensile strength, fairly large elongation. In addition, Ti–30Zr–7Mo alloy is highly cytocompatible.     

Mechanical properties of squeeze-cast zinc alloy matrix composites containing α-alumina fibres

α-Alumina fibre-reinforced ZA12 alloy matrix composites, with fibre volume fractions ranging from 7.5 to 30%, were manufactured by squeeze casting. The alumina fibres were homogeneously distributed in the matrix and had a planar-random orientation. Mechanical properties of the composites such as hardness, tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation and wear resistance were measured and the effect of fibre volume fraction on these properties was investigated. At room temperature the hardness, Young's modulus and wear resistance increased with increasing volume fraction of alumina fibres, but the other properties were inferior. At elevated temperature (above 80°C) the tensile strengths of the composites were higher than that of the matrix alloy.