Unidirectional torsion properties of single silk fibre

The unidirectional torsion properties of silk fibre were investigated on a purpose-built single fibre torsion tester. The torsional fracture angle and the number of cycles of torsion at breaking were recorded, and the effect of the gauge length and pretension together with the torsion speed on the torsion properties of single silk fibre was investigated in detail. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and a tensile tester were used to understand the morphology, structure and tensile properties of silk fibre after torsion deformation. SME photos show that silk fibre exhibits a ribbon-like profile after torsion, and fracture tends to occur at both ends of the silk fibre, where a larger number of twists can be observed. The crystallinity calculated from XRD spectra of silk fibre increases from 26.11% to 34.10% after torsion. The breaking stress and strain decreases slightly with an increase in the gauge length. The breaking cycle increases linearly with an increase in the gauge length, while the actual torsional fracture angle decreases gradually at the same time. The torsional fracture angle together with the breaking cycle decreases gradually as the pretension increases. The fracture angle together with the breaking cycle increases with an increase in the torsion speed. Understanding the unidirectional torsion properties of single silk fibre will benefit its further application in specific areas where the fibre will be subject to frequent torsion and deformation.