Material	Spider silk
	Spider silk is a biopolymer fibre. Its composition is a mix of an amorphous polymer (which makes the fibre elastic), and the two simplest proteins (which give it toughness). The result is a good combination of strength and thoughness. It is five times as strong as steel, twice as elastic as polyamide fibres (it can be stretched by 31% without breaking), more elastic than aramid fibre, finer than a human hair, and lighter than cotton. Spider silk has been used ever since. Promises are: bulletproof vests, parachute cords, bridge suspension cables, wear-resistant shoes and clothing, seat belts, rustfree bumpers for automobiles, artificial tendons and ligaments, etc..
Danish Name	Edderkoppesilke
Category	Fibres, Biopolymers
Products	Targeting sight
Processes	Spider spinning Cloned bacteria spinning
Similar materials	Polyamide fibres (nylon) Aramid fibres (kevlar)
References	University of Aarhus Cornell Biotechnology Center Artificial spider silk
Environmen- tal notes	Creation: Spider silk is produced either by spider or (in the future) by bacteria or plants, therefore in an environment-friendly way. Use: It is an environment-friendly biopolymer. Disposal: Easy to recycle.
Additional Info	The thread of the garden spider (Araneus) would have to be 80 km long before it would snap under its own weight. When synthesis of spider silk in bacteria or plants becomes efficent, spider silk will have a commercial relevance.
Photo	Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
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