The preparation of novel nanofilled polymer composites using poly(L-lactic acid) and protein fibers

In this communication, we present novel nanofilled polymer composites prepared using a poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) matrix and amyloid fibers. Amyloid fibers are made from protein sources' and share many of the same material properties as spider silk, but exist at significantly smaller length scales with diameters of 5-10 nm. This work highlights the potential use of amyloid fibers as nanofillers in the development of renewable polymeric materials with tuneable properties. Improvements in the glass transition temperature (T-g), elongation at break and Young's modulus was measured, while the yield strength of the new materials was not seriously hampered. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.