How Are Spider Webs 5 Times Stronger Than Steel?

The strength and flexibility of spider webs, biomimicry (taking inspiration from nature) and the subject of much research in the fields of materials science.

From their structural features and the proteins they use to the network construction process, spider webs Let’s watch it with a microscope.

The durability of spider webs is mainly due to a special type of protein called “spidroin”.

These proteins are secreted from the silk glands in the abdomen of spiders and turned into thread. Spidroin proteins It creates a structure that is both strong and flexible.

Proteins are formed by arranging amino acids in a certain order, and this order is formed by networks. flexibility and tensile strength It determines features such as.

Not only are they highly flexible, they are five times stronger than steel.

Surprising but true, besides the knowledge of steel, there are also spider webs. 1000 times thinner than human hair They are in a structure. Each wire consists of thousands of nanowires with a diameter of 20 millionths of a millimeter.

Nanoscale crystal domains Thanks to this structure, which includes and amorphous (disordered) regions, the strength of the network is increased while flexibility is also provided. Their structure offers spider webs high tensile strength and the ability to extend without breaking.

Spiders follow an extremely meticulous process when making webs.

First, they lay the foundation of the network by creating an initial thread. Then, these threads crossing over They form the center of the network. They complete the network by spiraling from the center outward.

In this process, they use different types of silk. For example, frame threads are harder and more durable, while sticky hunting threads are more flexible and coated with a special sticky substance to capture prey.

These unique properties of spider webs provide inspiration for man-made materials.

Scientists imitate the structure of spider silk new generation biomaterials, It is trying to develop sewing threads, ballistic protection materials and many other applications. Spider silk also attracts great attention because it is a biocompatible and environmentally friendly material.

After that, “It’s a spider web!” We are sure that you will not pass by.

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