• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.109-115
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• 2009

The thermal stability and mechanical properties of Nephila clavata and Bassaniana decorata spider silks were measured and compared with those of aramid and polyester fibers. The thermal stability of the spider silk was lower than those of the commercial aramid and polyester fibers. However, the mechanical properties of the spider silk were far superior to that of the polyester fiber. The effect of the water content of the spider silk on its thermal stability and mechanical property was examined by conducting the silk to heat treatment at $100^{\circ}C$ under vacuum for various times. The results indicated that spider silk subjected to heat treatment for 1.5 hr had excellent thermal stability and mechanical property.