Artificial fibers mimicking lotus leaves and spider silk

May 22, 2007 19:31 GMT  ·  By

Research in the field of artificial fibers have boosted in the last years and aim to create new and improved artificial replacements for natural materials that not only have the same properties, but also present artificial enhancements to benefit the clothing industry and other branches.

An international science and technology conference called The Fiber Society 2007 Spring Conference held May 23-25 at the Westin Poinsett in Greenville, S.C., is presenting the latest advancements as well as undergoing experiments to boost the production of new fibers, using nanotechnology.

The researchers will be presenting interesting applications, like cotton engineered to be even more breathable or fibers mimicking lotus leaves and spider silk, green friendly composites and biomedical textiles.

"Engineering textiles and fibers to be stronger and more durable while still being lightweight is a burgeoning area of research and technology. Some of the brightest minds on the planet will be here giving a glimpse of what consumers can expect next," said conference organizer Mike Ellison, a professor of materials science and engineering at Clemson University.

Other scientists will be discussing genetic engineering for designing advanced protein-based fibrous materials using synthetic silk proteins, artificial lotus leaves and many more high-tech niche areas of the fiber market.

A special category of fibers is reinforcing composite materials based on metals, ceramics and polymers for high performance and light weight, with uses in automotive, space, athletic equipment and medical prosthetic markets.

Medical uses are also taken into consideration, like artificial arteries, scaffolds for cell or bone growth and self-healing fabrics that promote skin reconstruction.

Electronics and telecommunication also benefit from the latest research in composite fibers, as non-traditional "textile" fibers, such as inorganic glasses, are used in both fields, extending to high power fiber laser systems, lasers for automotive welding, defense sensing and warfare applications.