Dataset for 'The dissolution dynamics of woven all-silk composites fabricated in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate'

The temperature-dependent dissolution of woven silk fabrics in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim]-[OAc]) has been investigated. The woven silk fabrics were impregnated in [C2mim][OAc] for various times and temperatures, coagulated with methanol and subsequently dried. The resultant woven all-silk composites (ASCs) were characterized using different techniques. The measurement of the second legendre polynomial function (P 2) can be used to follow the dissolution of silk filaments and hence to quantify the changes in the orientation of the nanocrystallites. The dissolution is found to follow time-temperature superposition (TTS),with an Arrhenius-type behaviour, with an activation energy of 95 ± 17 kJ/mol. The coagulated fraction (Vm) was calculated, which was also found to obey TTS and have a similar activation energy. The Young’s modulus was measured and also follow TTS with an activation energy of95 ± 2 kJ/mol. In addition, the different dissolution rates of single and woven silk were discussed.