Structural Analysis on Aerogel with Dendritic Fibro-structure Produced from Dilute Aqueous Solution of Liquid Silk

Abstract

An aerogel with dendritic fibro-structure could be produced from a dilute aqueous solution of liquid silk, and the structure of the aerogel was analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. A weak molecular orientation was recognized in the portions of the aerogel with dendritic fibro-structure, and the gel contained β-sheet conformation. The β-sheet modification was promoted by the water annealing treatment at room temperature. The modification proceeded more markedly in the regions with molecular oriented texture.