Spiderman Suits Now a Reality?
December 13 , 2017
Spiderman’s spider webs shooting out of the spider suit is his greatest asset, swinging from buildings to binding up his enemies. There is some truth to this concept. Spider webs produced from tiny spiders are considered as one of the strongest natural material, even firmer than steel and more durable than Kevlar*.
*Kevlar: A synthetic material used to increase the durability of elastics and tires
The durability is remarkable as it stretches multiple times before it eventually breaks off. These characteristics have motivated many to imitate something similar. A research team at Cambridge delivered positive news, stepping on step closer to this goal. This invention has the potential to be applied to helmets, airplane wings and even to bulletproof vests.
98% Water
The most amazing aspect of this invention is that it is mostly comprised of water, 98% water, 2% of silica and hydrogel comprised of cellulose to be exact. 30 seconds after extracting silica and cellulose from the hydrogel, the water evaporates, leaving behind a strong and flexible matter. This matter is also biodegradable and eco friendly as well as being economically reasonable.
Limitations of mass production
The invention is being utilized in various fashion items. Moreover, many startup companies are focusing on developing something similar. Bolt Threads, located in the US, was the first to make this technology commercial. Scientists and textile manufacturers have long worked to produce durable synthetic silk materials but have failed at mass production.
Bold Threads with the help of German AMSilk and Japanese Spiber has made this a reality. These companies have a history of working with sports and outdoor fashion companies in the past since the synthetic web can be best utilized for outdoor wear. The company is working with big brands names including Patagonia, Adidas and Northface just to name a few.
Perfect combination of science technology and sustainability
British designer Stella Mccartney was the first to include this material into high end fashion. McCartney has a long history with her partnership with Bolt threads and even included few of her designs in the recent Paris fashion week, some of which were exhibited at MoMa’s Is Fashion Modern exhibition.
The fact that the material is cruelty free, environmentally conscious, and fashionable, appeals better than silk in comparison. In other words, it is the perfect combination of science technology and its sustainability, one of the main interest of Mccartney and many other fashion industry workers. During the fashion conference hosted by Vogue, multiple designers announced their expanding collaboration with silicon valley, even larger than collaboration within the fashion business.
Wide applicability
When we refer to the ‘evolution’ of fashion, it is not limited only to the design aspect. Fashion is rapidly evolving with the development of science technology and diversifying fabric materials. Especially, in an era where consumers are becoming more and more environmentally conscious, eco-friendly materials is a win for everyone and is bound to expand its pie in the current market.
Just as the Spider suit saved the world, the synthetic spider web material will expected to be utilized beyond outdoor wear into the territory of high-end fashion.
