Natural and highly protective composite structures – Wild silkworm cocoons

Jin Zhang; Jingliang Li; Xing Jin; Shan Du; Jasjeet Kaur; Xungai Wang

doi:10.1016/j.coco.2017.02.005

Natural and highly protective composite structures – Wild silkworm cocoons

Jin Zhang, Jingliang Li, Xing Jin, Shan Du, Jasjeet Kaur, Xungai Wang (Corresponding Author)

Research output: Journal article publication › Journal article › Academic research › peer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Wild silkworm cocoons are thin and lightweight composite structures that provide silkworms with excellent protection against extreme temperature and other harsh weather conditions (e.g. UV, wind, rain). Understanding such natural composite structures will provide bio-inspiration for developing highly protective and light-weight fibrous materials and structures. This paper highlights our recent research on the mechanical and thermal properties, moisture transfer behaviour, and UV resistance of wild silkworm cocoons, in comparison with the domestic Bombyx mori silkworm cocoon. Wild silkworm cocoons such as Antheraea pernyi exhibit exceptionally high toughness, excellent thermal buffer, directional moisture transfer and strong UV resistance, all of which contribute to the high-level protection of the silkworm pupa in harsh outdoor environments.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1-4
Number of pages	4
Journal	Composites Communications
Volume	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2017.02.005
Publication status	Published - Jun 2017
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Biological composite
Fibrous structure
Heat transfer
Mechanical properties
Photoprotection
Protection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Ceramics and Composites
Mechanics of Materials
Polymers and Plastics
Materials Chemistry

More information

10.1016/j.coco.2017.02.005

Cite this

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abstract = "Wild silkworm cocoons are thin and lightweight composite structures that provide silkworms with excellent protection against extreme temperature and other harsh weather conditions (e.g. UV, wind, rain). Understanding such natural composite structures will provide bio-inspiration for developing highly protective and light-weight fibrous materials and structures. This paper highlights our recent research on the mechanical and thermal properties, moisture transfer behaviour, and UV resistance of wild silkworm cocoons, in comparison with the domestic Bombyx mori silkworm cocoon. Wild silkworm cocoons such as Antheraea pernyi exhibit exceptionally high toughness, excellent thermal buffer, directional moisture transfer and strong UV resistance, all of which contribute to the high-level protection of the silkworm pupa in harsh outdoor environments.",

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AU - Zhang, Jin

AU - Li, Jingliang

AU - Jin, Xing

AU - Du, Shan

AU - Kaur, Jasjeet

AU - Wang, Xungai

PY - 2017/6

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AB - Wild silkworm cocoons are thin and lightweight composite structures that provide silkworms with excellent protection against extreme temperature and other harsh weather conditions (e.g. UV, wind, rain). Understanding such natural composite structures will provide bio-inspiration for developing highly protective and light-weight fibrous materials and structures. This paper highlights our recent research on the mechanical and thermal properties, moisture transfer behaviour, and UV resistance of wild silkworm cocoons, in comparison with the domestic Bombyx mori silkworm cocoon. Wild silkworm cocoons such as Antheraea pernyi exhibit exceptionally high toughness, excellent thermal buffer, directional moisture transfer and strong UV resistance, all of which contribute to the high-level protection of the silkworm pupa in harsh outdoor environments.

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KW - Photoprotection

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Natural and highly protective composite structures – Wild silkworm cocoons

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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