Silk: Materials, Processes, and Applications

1. Sources and classification of silk
   2. Structure and properties of silk fibers
   3. New developments in degumming silk
   4. Regenerated silk fibers
   5. Electrospun silk fibers
   6. Applications of silk
   7. 3D printing silk
   8. Future trends in the sources, processing and applications of silk

Silk: Materials, Processes, and Applications addresses the latest research on the structure and properties of silk fibers, properties of silk-based materials, and cutting edge-related industrial practices. It pays particular attention to mulberry silk, but unconventional silks such as spider silk and marine silk fibers are also covered.

Although silk is one of the oldest known fibers, new research continues to shed light on its properties, leading it to be applied in new contexts particularly in the medical field, and new non-textile areas. In addition to structural and mechanical qualities, this book also includes a great deal of new research on the chemical modifications of silk fibers, and other processing methods.

With a focus on practical methodologies, this is the most readable and readily applicable book on silk so far, making it a perfect guide for readers with a range of backgrounds.

• Addresses the fundamental differences between mulberry, spider, and wild silks
• Describes silk fiber and non-fiber forms, including hydrogels and films
• In-depth coverage of silk-processing methods provides the perfect starting point for biotechnologists interested in the use of silk for non-textile applications

Academic and industrial researchers with backgrounds in such fields as material science, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering or basic science working on silks and their applications