Product category:
Liquid Analysis: Viscosity, Density
News Release from: Malvern Instruments | Subject: Gemini HR nano on silk
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 November 2006
Rheometer helps unravel the secrets of
silk
Researchers at Oxford University have published work comparing the rheology of spider and silkworm spinning dope - the liquid material from which solid fibres are spun
Researchers at Oxford University have published work comparing the rheology of spider and silkworm spinning dope - the liquid material from which solid fibres are spun (published in Nature Materials, November 06) Critical to the success of this work, which ultimately will contribute to the industrial production of silks, was the new Bohlin Gemini HR nano rheometer from Malvern Instruments
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 15 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Malvern continuous powder particle size analysers
Ferrari Granulati (Verona, Italy), a leading supplier of marble granulates and powders, is using a number of different real-time particle size analyzers from the Malvern Instruments range
Understanding agrochemical spray behaviour
The Arable Group using Spraytec droplet size analyzer from Malvern Instruments to improve understanding of agrochemical spray behaviour.
This system is optimised for the control of ultra-low torques and is ideal for probing sensitive material structures and allowing measurement of low volume samples.
Spun fibres, whether natural or man-made, rely on extrusion processes to facilitate molecular orientation and bonding.
The purpose of this on-going work is to gain a better understanding of the flow characteristics of the native spinning feedstock, with a view to applying this knowledge to artificial fibre production.
Prof Fritz Vollrath who led the research team said: "Silk can outperform most industrial fibres, but spider silk has proved impossible to reproduce.
Using the Gemini HR nano we discovered that both of the natural dopes we studied behaved like typical polymer melts, indicating that natural silks can be analysed using the tools developed for commercial polymers.
We hope ultimately that this will help make possible the industrial production of silks using nature's own way".
The Bohlin Gemini HR nano enables the measurement and control of nano-torque levels.
At the same time it retains a continuous working torque range to 200 mNm allowing complete rheological characterisation.
Allied to the most sensitive normal force measurement available, the Gemini HR nano offers the ultimate in instrument capabilities for weakly-structured and low viscosity systems. Request a free brochure from Malvern Instruments ...
• Malvern Instruments: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
