Electron beam irradiation effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of 2-D silk fibroin fabric/poly(lactic acid) biocomposites

Silk fibroin fabrics (SFF) were irradiated at various electron beam absorption doses. The irradiation effect on the breaking properties of SFF, the fiber topography, and the tensile, flexural and dynamic mechanical properties of 2-directional SFF/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites were explored. The irradiation at 10 kGy was most effective not only to increase the SFF breaking properties, but also to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of SFF/PLA biocomposites. The microscopic analysis of fractured surfaces supported the irradiation dependence of the mechanical and thermal data, showing the increased interfacial bonding between the silk fiber and the PLA, particularly at 10 kGy.