22-23 November 2018
Australian Synchrotron
Australia/Melbourne timezone
Registrations & Abstracts have closed

Examining spider silk properties with SAXS/WAXS for biomimetic applications

23 Nov 2018, 14:15
15m
Seminar Room (Australian Synchrotron)

Seminar Room

Australian Synchrotron

Oral Biological Systems Parallel Session 14

Speaker

Dr Sean Blamires (University of New South Wales)

Description

With toughness greater than Kevlar®, spider dragline silk is nature’s greatest performing fibre. Accordingly, there is immense interest in generating new synthetic fibres that mimic its mechanical performance. Biomimetics is a growing new field that looks to nature for inspiration to synthesize new high performance materials and processes. Nonetheless, there is currently little cross disciplinary engagement between biologists and engineers, meaning most biomimetic programs are making slow progress. I have expanded my spider silk research program, in which I have investigated the ecological and evolutionary basis for spider dragline silk property variability, probing the nanostructural basis for silk mechanical property variability using SAXS/WAXS at Australia Synchrotron and mechanical performance testing techniques. I am now working with engineers and designers to develop fibre spinning technologies to produce synthetics for incorporation into a range of new practical smart materials and adhesives.

Primary author

Dr Sean Blamires (University of New South Wales)

Presentation Materials

There are no materials yet.
Your browser is out of date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×