Silk Composite with a Fluoropolymer as a Water-Resistant Protein-Based Material

oleh: Keiji Numata, Nao Ifuku, Akira Isogai

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2018-04-01

Deskripsi

Silk-based materials are water-sensitive and show different physical properties at different humidities and under wet/dry conditions. To overcome the water sensitivity of silk-based materials, we developed a silk composite material with a fluoropolymer. Blending and coating the silk protein-based materials, such as films and textiles, with the fluoropolymer enhanced the surface hydrophobicity, water vapor barrier properties, and size stability during shrinkage tests. This material design with a protein biopolymer and a fluoropolymer is expected to broaden the applicability of protein-based materials.