Berlin, 01.04.2022 - We are excited to announce that we have successfully developed a new insulation and current breaking material for environmentally sustainable switchgear. The material is synthesized by a special bacterium which processes components of cobwebs harvested from Evarcha spiders.
The spider-fibre-based material can be used as a replacement for ceramic or epoxy materials in electrical isolators, as well as in electrical interrupters for electric currents under very high voltages.
Traditionally, spiders have used their fibres to make webs or other structures, which work as sticky nets to catch insects, or as nests or cocoons to protect their offspring, or to wrap up prey. They can also use their silk to suspend themselves, to float through the air, or to escape from potential predators.
Nuventura has spent the last 5 years investigating the properties and technical applicability of spider fibres. Now we are happy to reveal plans to build a facility dedicated to breeding Evarcha spiders. Serial production of the material for applications in circuit breakers is planned to start in 2024.
The facility will also house an Evarcha spider education centre, which is open to the public. This centre will raise awareness about these incredible arachnids, and also run an 'adopt a spider' programme. If interested in being amongst the first participants, please reach out to the contact below.
Fabian Lemke, nuventura's Co-Founder and CEO said "Our application of spider fibres as a material for current breaking and insulation in switchgear is truly a game changer. Weight for weight, spider fibre is much stronger than even high-density steel, and it's five times tougher than Kevlar. Moreover, in addition to being super-strong, it is also biodegradable and biocompatible, which fits perfectly into nuventura's environmentally-friendly outlook."
For more information, please contact:
Peter Parker | arachnobreaker@nuventura.com