Date of Last Revision
2023-05-02 16:52:35
Major
Chemistry
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Summer 2015
Abstract
Spider silk applications, and applications of composite materials generally, are limited due to lack of recovery once damaged. Viscid silk, however, is known to have self-healing capabilities which restore, at least partially, its initial properties. If maximized, this ability could potentially increase viscid silk’s practicality and ultimately, provide insight into a self-healing system of use in synthetics. To that end, samples of viscid silk spun by female Larinioides cornutus spiders were tested via cyclical loading at 3 different relative humidities, with 3 different rest period lengths between complete cycles. Data from previously-performed tensile tests conducted at the same 3 humidities was used to determine the maximum strains for the cyclical tests. Work of extension data and hysteresis data were analyzed to determine trends in recovery related to humidity and length of the rest period. Data indicated that recovery in viscid silk increases with humidity. Data also gave indications that recovery increases with rest period length under certain conditions.
Research Sponsor
Professor Ali Dhinojwala
First Reader
Professor Todd Blackledge
Second Reader
Professor Claire Tessier
Recommended Citation
Donley, Catherine, "Humidity and Rest Period Effects on Viscid Silk Recovery" (2015). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 212.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/212