Scientists in China have synthesized spider silk from genetically modified silkworms, producing fibers six times tougher than the Kevlar used in bulletproof vests. The study, published September 20 in the journal Matter, is the first to successfully produce full-length spider silk proteins using silkworms. The findings demonstrate a technique that could be used to manufacture an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic commercial fibers such as nylon.
Very interesting. But note that toughness is not a very meaningful metric for fibers. Nobody is wearing kevlar or dyneema clothes.
Given that silk is already established but fairly nich, I assume the same will happen for this fibre. Maybe it can replace kevlar, I don’t know enough to say if that is realistic. Thermal stability will not be nearly as good, stiffness is unknown. Anyone got deeper insights?
If looking at strength alone, maybe everyday clothing can be made with less material… maybe.
Will have to wait and see if it can be made at industrial scale.
We are probably near the minimum already, at least in terms of area/volume (rather than mass). Too few fibers and you’re wearing a mesh net, and not a tee-shirt.