Types and Properties of Spider Silk

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This chapter explores the different types of silk produced by spiders, including drag line silk, minor ampulate silk, flagella form silk, tubilliform silk, acidiform silk, and aggregate silk. It discusses how spiders use these silks to build their webs and explains the structure and properties of the silk fibers. The chapter also highlights the potential uses of spider silk in various applications, such as composite materials and adhesives.

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Invisible but stronger than steel. Complex architectural marvels. Things that stick to your face. Spiderwebs are much more than just Halloween decor or something to feather dust from your corners. Spider silk expert Dr. Randy Lewis of Utah State University not only coined the word "spidroin" for the proteins comprising the many types of silk, but he is considered one of the foremost experts on the wonders of spiderwebs. Alie visits his lab and chats about how spiders weave them, what the silk is made of, and how realistic your favourite spidey superhero’s antics are. You'll never (not) see a spiderweb the same.

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Full-length (*not* G-rated) Spidroinology episode + tons of science links

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