Processing, Properties and Morphology of Optical Limiting Silk Membranes
Abstract
This Final Report is in memory of the PI: Professor Ronald Eby who passed away in Sep 2006. The goal of his program was to provide the basis for membranes and coatings that will absorb strong IR radiation to protect DOD sensors. Their approach is to use the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) to provide the absorption and silk protein to provide a good compatible matrix. They have previously demonstrated that GFP molecules can be incorporated into cast membranes of silk from B. mori in sufficient concentration to maintain their nonlinear (strong) absorption properties. The membranes resisted visible damage to peak fluences of 0.1-0.2 J/sq cm. However, the cast membranes were somewhat inhomogeneous with respect to the GFP distribution. Therefore, they were pursuing other processing methods. At present, they were producing membranes of electrospun fibers from solutions made with liquid silk from the gland of B. mori mixed with GFP. Electrospinning is rapid and allows less separation of the GFP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA456463
Entities
People
- Ronald K. Eby
Organizations
- University of Akron