Microstructure and mechanical properties of silk from different components of the Antheraea pernyi cocoon

• Peduncle fibres have superior hysteresis effect.
• Outer floss fibres have the highest sericin content.
• Outermost fibres and pelade fibres have good toughness and stability.

Silk fibres from different components of the Antheraea pernyi silkworm cocoon, namely peduncle, outer floss, and cocoon shells (outermost layer and pelade layer) were studied in detail to gain insights into the structure–property–function relationship. Among the fibres from different components, peduncle fibres are the softest with the largest viscoelastic lag, which may reduce the oscillation amplitude when a cocoon hangs on a twig. Fibres from the outermost layer are the toughest and have the largest breaking energy. Outer floss fibres have the highest content of sericin (about 11.98%) but their hardness and elasticity are intermediate. Pelade fibres are shape – preservable and stable with superior hardness and elasticity. The understanding of the properties of different silk fibres is essential for understanding their respective roles in the function of a silk cocoon and will also inspire new designs of protective materials under stringent environmental conditions.