Artificial Spider Web : Selection of Polymeric Materials for Special Effects Applications

Sammanfattning: Artificial  spider  webs  are  a  challenge  for  the  special  effects  companies.   The natural  spider webs  are  displaying  incredible  mechanical  properties  combined with  a  low  density  and  a  high stickiness making them hard to reproduce. Throughout this project the aim is to produce artificial spider  webs  using  a specific  manufacturing  method,  pouring  a  mix  of  polymer  and  Naphtha  oil into  water  to  form  the  webs.   This  method  was  used  in  previous  cinematic applications  giving outstanding results for the artificial spider webs.  Unfortunately, due to the loss of it, the specific parameters,  tools and raw materials have to be found.  A material selection is given leading to a specific choice of thermoplastic polymers.  The selected material are then tested manually so they can be listed depending on the results obtained.  Finally, the most promising material seems to be TPU, thermoplastic polyurethane;  thanks to its excellent mechanical properties and good visual aspect.