Spider silk that is stronger than steel

A synthetic spider silk has been created that is reportedly stronger than steel and mostly water.

Scientists from the University of Cambridge produced this material that showed traits like spider silk, but the material was much stronger than steel and tougher than Kevlar (armor).

According to their research published in Proceedings of The National Academy of Science, the silk created is 98% water. The material contains the ability to be stretched several times its original length before breaking apart.

The synthetic silk was created using a hydrogel made of 98% water and 2% of silica and cellulose. Silica and cellulose were then held together creating binding molecules known as cucurbiturils. Half a second later long fibers of silica and cellulose were pulled from the hydrogel. The water then evaporates leaving a tough but stretchy fiber behind, explains Futurism.

Darshil Shah who was a part of the team explained some of the practical uses for this creation. According to him, the synthetic silk can be used for protective clothing like the bulletproof vests due to its ability to absorb energy. Other than that, the material could be used for bike or skateboard helmets, hot air balloon materials, sail cloth, and parachute fabric as well. Since the material is bio-compatible, it could be used inside human body for stitches too.

While talking to The Smithsonian he said, “Spiders need that absorption capacity because when a bird or a fly hits their web, it needs to be able to absorb that, otherwise it’s going to break. So things like shrapnel resistant or other protective military clothing; that would be an exciting application.”

The process of creating the silk is itself an innovation. Being able to work at room temperature, the process requires cheap and accessible material for the production. It is bio-degradable and also gives an advantage over other synthetics like nylon.

Shah believes that various substances can be produced if the same process is used but the cellulose is replaced with other polymers. “It’s a generic method to make all fibers, to make any form of fiber green. We think that this method of making fibers could be a sustainable alternative to current manufacturing methods.”