Multifunctional Cocoon Silk Prepared by Plasma Treatment

Abstract

Multifunctionality has become the key metrics for cocoon silk applications as textile materials. In this study, plasma treatment, a simple and effective method, is used to prepare multifunctional cocoon silks with electrical conductivity and water repellency. The results show Cu/CuO particles are covered on the surface of cocoon silks, which ion's attachment amounts are not affected by different varieties of cocoon silks. Comparing with resistance values, the conductivity of Cu-sputtered FS was σ = 1×10 -6 S cm -1, however, the conductivity of Cu-sputtered DS was σ = 5 × 10 -10 S cm -1 . The capillary height of pure DS cocoon silk is 2.5mm within 9h, obviously higher than water-repellent treatment samples. Nevertheless, the strain of ion-sputtered cocoon silk is slightly decreasing. This multifunctionalzed cocoon silk satisfies the market demand for natural "smart" products, and is a promising practical material for use in the textile industry.

Plasma‐Assisted Deposition of Silk Fibroin on Different Surfaces

“…We assume that crystalline regions (β‐sheets structure), due to their stability, are less affected by plasma treatment. [ 38–41 ] It is also evident that plasma can modify and change the structure of the silk protein, inducing conversion of random coils into side chains. In Argon gas, which creates an inert atmosphere in the deposition area, the formation of β‐sheets might be induced by the dehydration of the structure.…”