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Carbon nanotubes on a spider silk scaffold

Author

Listed:
  • Eden Steven

    (National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University)

  • Wasan R. Saleh

    (College of Sciences, University of Baghdad)

  • Victor Lebedev

    (Institut de Ciencia de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC)/CIBER-BBN, Campus UAB)

  • Steve F. A. Acquah

    (Florida State University)

  • Vladimir Laukhin

    (Institucio Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avancats (ICREA))

  • Rufina G. Alamo

    (FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)

  • James S. Brooks

    (National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University)

Abstract

Understanding the compatibility between spider silk and conducting materials is essential to advance the use of spider silk in electronic applications. Spider silk is tough, but becomes soft when exposed to water. Here we report a strong affinity of amine-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes for spider silk, with coating assisted by a water and mechanical shear method. The nanotubes adhere uniformly and bond to the silk fibre surface to produce tough, custom-shaped, flexible and electrically conducting fibres after drying and contraction. The conductivity of coated silk fibres is reversibly sensitive to strain and humidity, leading to proof-of-concept sensor and actuator demonstrations.

Suggested Citation

  • Eden Steven & Wasan R. Saleh & Victor Lebedev & Steve F. A. Acquah & Vladimir Laukhin & Rufina G. Alamo & James S. Brooks, 2013. "Carbon nanotubes on a spider silk scaffold," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3435
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3435
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