LAUSR

Abstract Natural silk nanofibrils (SNF) have received extensive interest for functional devices. However, SNF materials are not stable in water, limiting their use in aqueous or humid environments. We explored the possibility of improving mechanical property of SNF films using regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) to form a homogeneous SNF@RSF nanocomposite. RSF treatment had a significant effect on water-stability and mechanical property of the SNF films. When soaked in water, the SNF films exhibited poor wet strength, whereas the SNF@RSF films stabilized by 1.0 wt% RSF retained 11.07 MPa wet strength. Furthermore, SNF/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite films were fabricated for electrical devices. The SNF/CNT@RSF films stabilized by 1.0 wt% RSF were stable in water and showed 11.25 MPa wet strength. The SNF/CNT@RSF films showed stable electrical conductivity and electrical heating performance, even after 20 washing cycles. This developed approach provides new options to produce SNF devices that are stable in wet conditions.