About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Natural Fibers and Biocomposites
|
| Presentation Title |
Natural Fibers with Unusual Shapes — Tailored Adhesion Properties for Enhanced Performance |
| Author(s) |
Hannes C. Schniepp |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Hannes C. Schniepp |
| Abstract Scope |
Certain natural silk fibers from silkworms and spiders have been observed to feature non-cylindrical profiles and enhanced adhesion properties. We have shown that this is naturally exploited for building materials systems with significantly enhanced mechanical performance. An example are the looped meta-structures in the web of the brown recluse spider, which can significantly enhance toughness relative to the unstructured fiber. We have analyzed and quantified this phenomenon and determined the maximally possible enhancement based on this approach. We have then further developed techniques to exploit this approach to make synthetic but bio-inspired materials systems. Previously unknown performance properties can be achieved using this approach, simultaneously enhancing toughness and strength. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Composites, Polymers |