Considering silk from spiders, midges, and aquatic insects as well as from silk worms, the 29 papers discuss recent research in the biology, genetics, synthesis, characterization, properties, modeling, processing, and applications. Addressed to biotechnologists, materials scientists, and other professionals. Reproduced from typescripts. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Silk: Processing, Properties and Applications, Second Edition, examines all aspects of silk technology, including its manufacture, processing, properties, structure-property relationships, dyeing, printing and finishing, and applications. This new edition is updated and expanded to include the very latest developments in silk production. Detailed chapters discuss silk reeling and silk fabric manufacture, the structural aspects of silk, its mechanical and thermal properties, and silk dyeing. Further chapters focus on the latest developments in terms of processing and applications, covering emerging topics, such as spider silks, non-mulberry silks, the printing and finishing of silk fabrics, and by-products of the silk industry. This book will be a highly valuable source of information for textile technologists, engineers and manufacturers, fiber scientists, researchers and academics in natural fibers or textile technology. - Offers in-depth coverage of silk production, properties and structure-property relationships - Provides an authoritative reference on sericulture, silk fabric processing and applications of silk - Expanded to include non-mulberry silks, printing and finishing of silk fabrics, and by-products of sericulture

This book links the molecular evolution of silk proteins to the evolution and behavioral ecology of web-spinning spiders and other arthropods. Craig's book draws together studies from biochemistry through molecular genetics, cellular physiology, ecology, and behavior to present an integrated understanding of an interesting biological system at the molecular and organizational levels.

Nature learned long ago how useful proteins are as a diverse set of building blocks to make materials with very diverse properties. Spider webs, egg whites, hair follicles, and skeletal muscles are all largely protein. This book provides a glimpse into both nature's strategies for the design and produc tion of protein-based materials, and how scientists have been able to go beyond the constraints of natural materials to produce synthetic analogs with potentially wider ranges of properties. The work presented is very much the beginning of the story. Only recently has there been much progress in obtaining a molecular understanding of some of nature's com plex materials, and the mimicry or replacement of these by synthetic or genetically engineered variants is a field still in its infancy. Yet this book will serve as a useful introduction for those wishing to get started in what is sure to be an active and productive field throughout the 21st century. The authors represent a wide range of interests and expertise, and the topics chosen are comprehensive. Charles R. Cantor Center for Advanced Biotechnology Boston University Series Preface The properties of materials depend on the nature of the macromolecules, small molecules and inorganic components and the interfaces and interac tions between them. Polymer chemistry and physics, and inorganic phase structure and density are major factors that influence the performance of materials.

Electrospun Polymers and Composites: Ultrafine Materials, High Performance Fibres and Wearables reviews the latest technological developments and innovations in electrospun polymers and composites, highlighting the multifunctionality of these ultrafine materials as high performance fibers. The book's chapters investigate a wide range of different electrospinning applications, including drug delivery, tissue scaffolding, fiber reinforcement and nanofiltration, with a particular focus on shape memory effect and the wearable characteristics of electrospun polymers and composites. This will be a valuable reference resource for research and for industrial communities working in the field of electrospinning. - Covers two important material systems in electrospun materials, including electrospun polymers and composites - Emphasizes areas in shape memory effect and wearable features of electrospun polymers and composites - Presents a multidisciplinary work that will attract a wide spectrum of readers in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, pharmacy, environmental science, materials science and engineering, as well as mechanical and electrical engineering

With increasing concerns regarding the effect the textile industry is having on the environment, more and more textile researchers, producers and manufacturers are looking to biodegradable and sustainable fibres as an effective way of reducing the impact textiles have on the environment. The emphasis in Biodegradable and sustainable fibres is on textiles that are beneficial by their biodegradation and come from sustainable sources.Biodegradable and sustainable fibres opens with a discussion of microbial processes in fibre degradation. It then moves on to discuss the major fibre types, including bast fibres, alginates, cellulose and speciality biodegradable fibres, such as lyocell, poly(lactic acid) and poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s. The development of synthetic silks is covered along with biodegradable natural fibre composites, nonwovens, and geotextiles. The final chapter looks at the history and future of soya bean protein fibres.Biodegradable and sustainable fibres is a comprehensive monograph providing essential reference for anyone interested in the area and environmental issues relating to textiles including fibre and textile scientists and students, textile technologists, manufacturers, and forensic specialists in industry and academia. - Indispensable new book on this hot topic - Discusses the major fibre types, inlcuding bast fibres - Looks at biodegradable and sustainable fibres as an effective way of reducing the harm disposed textiles have on the environment