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The Effect of Microwave Radiation on Tensile Properties ofSilkworm (B. mori) Silk

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2011

Emily J. Reed  and
Christopher Viney
Emily J. Reed
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, University of California at Merced, 5200 North Lake Road Merced, CA 95343, U.S.A.
Christopher Viney
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, University of California at Merced, 5200 North Lake Road Merced, CA 95343, U.S.A.
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Abstract

We have developed a reproducible protocol for studying the effect ofmicrowave radiation on the mechanical behavior of Bombyx mori cocoon silk. In the course of this work, we identifiedmultiple improvements that can be made to ASTM F 1317-98, the standardaccording to which microwave oven power output is calibrated.

Exposure to microwaves does not significantly affect mechanical propertiesof silkworm silk, if samples are kept in a desiccator after degumming (orafter degumming and microwaving) and prior to testing in a dry environment.This finding contrasts with previous work in which samples were not kept ina desiccator, and were tested in a relatively humid environment.

Because the effect of microwave radiation on the mechanical behavior of silkis sensitive to ambient moisture, meaningful comparison or pooling of testresults acquired in different laboratories is contingent on standardizationof both the sample storage environment and the environment in which samplesare tested. Interpretation of the extensive existing literature on silkmechanical properties must take account of the reality that the samplestorage and testing environments are not standardized and are usually notreported.

Keywords

biologicalfiberstress/strain relationship

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References

REFERENCES

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