https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02172-7
Regular Article
Reinforcing polymer nanocomposites: the transformative role of Eri silk fibroin (Philosamia ricini) in mechanical performance
1
Department of Physics, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
2
Department of Physics Graphic Era (Deemed to be) University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
3
University Centre for Research and Development (UCRD), and Department of Physics, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, Gharuan, Punjab, India
4
Department of Chemistry, UIS, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, India
5
Indian Institute of Packaging, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
6
School of Business, Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Survey No. 124, Paud Road, Kothrud, 411038, Pune, Maharashtra, India
7
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Arts, Najran University, P. O. Box 1988, 11001, Najran, Saudi Arabia
8
Advanced Materials and Nano-Research Centre (AMNRC), Najran University, P. O. Box 1988, 11001, Najran, Saudi Arabia
a
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Received:
15
October
2025
Accepted:
27
January
2026
Published online:
18
February
2026
Abstract
The current investigation evaluates the impact of Eri-silk fibroin (SF) on the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites and explores their potential applications. Eri SF, a natural biopolymer, is incorporated into various polymer matrices to enhance their mechanical characteristics. Eri silk fibroin (Philosamia ricini), renowned for its unique semi-crystalline structure and superior biocompatibility, was integrated into polymer nanocomposites to investigate its influence on mechanical performance. The incorporation of optimized fibroin nanofillers led to notable improvements in tensile strength, elasticity, and impact resistance of the polymer matrix. Microstructural analysis revealed enhanced interfacial bonding between fibroin and the polymer phase, resulting in superior load transfer and structural integrity. Comparative evaluation demonstrated a significant increase in mechanical modulus with minimal compromise in flexibility. The study concludes that Eri silk fibroin serves as a sustainable and high-performance reinforcement agent in polymer nanocomposite design, opening new possibilities for advanced biopolymer engineering and eco-friendly material applications. By examining key properties, such as tensile strength, flexibility, and durability, we assess how the addition of Eri silk fibroin influences the performance of these nanocomposites. The structural, optical, and mechanical properties of silk fibers have been analyzed using several techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and tensile testing. In addition, numerical studies on stress–strain response and potential energy evolution reveal a linear increase in stress from ~ 0.7 to 8 MPa with strain up to 6%, accompanied by a quadratic rise in stored elastic energy reaching ~ 35 nJ. The research highlights significant improvements in mechanical strength and flexibility, making the enhanced nanocomposites suitable for a range of applications, including wound dressings, water filtration, air filtration, protective clothing, and packaging materials.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
