Cryogenic properties could promote silkworm fibres into space exploration
Combination of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms allows silks to retain both toughness and ductility at extremely low temperatures
The yield stress and breaking stress of silk from the wild silkworm Anthreraea Pernyi are higher at –196°C than at room temperature, new research shows. The surprising findings made by researchers in China could see the material, or mimics of it, find applications in devices destined for the arctic and outer space.