Tough and Temperature‐Resistant Material Based on Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin

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Authors: Meng Zhang, Quan Wan, Yajun Shuai, Qi Wu, Jing Yu, Mingzheng Fang, Zhang Ye, Chuanbin Mao, Mingying Yang
Cited by: 2
References: 54

Abstract

ABSTRACT Extreme temperatures present significant challenges for materials in polar and extraterrestrial exploration. Inspired by Bombyx mori spinning, we propose a biomimetic “Hydration‐Crystallization Locking” (HCL) strategy. By precisely controlling the composition and distribution of hydrophilic domains and hydrophobic crystals in silk fibroin (SF), we developed a flexible fibroin membrane (FFM) exhibiting high tensile strength (∼50.5 ± 3.2 MPa), toughness (∼16.4 ± 1.2 MJ/m 3 ), and >95% shape retention under large deformations at −196°C and 70°C. The HCL strategy was confirmed to promote the formation and retention of hydrophilic Silk I structure, with its conformational signature type II β‐turn retained from 30.8% to 14.6%, while partially transitioning to the hydrophobic Silk II structure. Silk I captured immobile water via serine, forming orderly hydrated structures that enhanced chain plasticization; uniformly dispersed Silk II crystalline domains acted as hydrophobic and thermal barriers, preventing water escape and freezing. FFM served as a multifunctional platform in extreme environments for flexible photovoltaics, polar equipment, and a lightweight electromagnetic interference shielding shell. Additionally, FFM was recyclable under mild conditions. The HCL strategy enables renewable SF to replace petroleum‐based polymers for balancing mechanical properties and temperature resistance. It provides a sustainable framework for designing high‐performance biomass polymers for extraterrestrial exploration and low‐temperature systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Silk-based biomaterials and applications Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity Advanced Materials and Mechanics

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Science
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
13
Issue
14
Pages
e20165–e20165
Publication date
15 January 2026
Language
EN