Biomimetic Hybridization of Kevlar into Silk Fibroin: Nanofibrous Strategy for Improved Mechanic Properties of Flexible Composites and Filtration Membranes

Abstract

Silk, one of the strongest natural biopolymers, was hybridized with Kevlar, one of the strongest synthetic polymers, through a biomimetic nanofibrous strategy. Regenerated silk materials have outstanding properties in transparency, biocompatibility, biodegradability and sustainability, and promising applications as diverse as in pharmaceutics, electronics, photonic devices and membranes. To compete with super mechanic properties of their natural counterpart, regenerated silk materials have been hybridized with inorganic fillers such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, but frequently lose essential mechanic flexibility. Inspired by the nanofibrous strategy of natural biomaterials (e.g., silk fibers, hemp and byssal threads of mussels) for fantastic mechanic properties, Kevlar was integrated in regenerated silk materials by combining nanometric fibrillation with proper hydrothermal treatments. The resultant hybrid films showed an ultimate stress and Young's modulus two times as high as those of pure regenerated SF films. This is not only because of the reinforcing effect of Kevlar nanofibrils, but also because of the increasing content of silk β-sheets. When introducing Kevlar nanofibrils into the membranes of silk nanofibrils assembled by regenerated silk fibroin, the improved mechanic properties further enabled potential applications as pressure-driven nanofiltration membranes and flexible substrates of electronic devices.

Tailoring the structure of Kevlar nanofiber and its effects on the mechanical property and thermal stability of carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber

“…However, there are several new absorptions emerging in the spectrum of hANFs. Peaks appearing at 1658, 1253, and 1558 cm −1 are ascribed to CO stretching vibration of carboxyl, CO stretching vibration and CO bonds of diketone, respectively . We can also observe that there is a broader peak at around 3332 cm −1 , and it can be due to the combined action of the NH stretching vibration and the OH stretching vibration of carboxyl .…”

“…The hANFs/water dispersion was prepared by employing an acid‐assisted hydrothermal method . Briefly, 50 mL of deionized water was added into 50 mL of ANFs solution, the mixture was stirred intensely with a magnetic agitator for 1 h, then filtrated and washed with deionized water.…”

“…For example, Lv et al . 's successfully prepared acid hydrolyzed ANFs (hANFs) and silk fibers (SF)/hANFs films and found that the obtained SF/hANFs, whose ultimate stress and Young's modulus were two times higher than those of pure SF films …”

Green Electrospun Nanofibers and Their Application in Air Filtration

“…As the natural polysaccharide, alginate is commonly used in pharmaceutical preparations especially for its favorable properties, including stability, solubility, viscosity, safety, and biocompatibility, which is widely used in biomedical science and engineering particularly in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications . For example, Lv et al . demonstrated a biomimetic strategy to hybrid the natural silk biopolymers with the strong synthetic kevlar polymers to obtain improved flexible properties and filtration performance.…”

Using Artificial Skin Devices as Skin Replacements: Insights into Superficial Treatment

“…Similar sensors can be used in the detection of other chemicals such as ammonia gas and potential explosives . Additionally, flexible substrates possessing exceptional mechanical properties can also be used to impart high toughness . While the exceptionally high Young's modulus of materials may restrict application only to regions that experience lower degrees of stretching, extremely high tear resistances of up to 250 kJ m −2 can be achieved …”