https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257135993_The_variability_and_interdependence_of_spider_viscid_line_tensile_properties?ev=prf_pub
Article The variability and interdependence of spider viscid line te...
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Article Identification and dynamics of polyglycine II nanocrystals i...
It does not appear the above articles will be helpful in preserving spider web architectural structure. Are you still in need of some methods for preserving the webs?
Taking photographs (with a size marker in picture) is by far the easiest and maybe even best method to measure and study the web and structure. To help make the web visible, most researchers have used a sock (stocking) with corn starch in it which the 'dust' over the web from above. This allows the web to be seen in photos.
A method to actually preserve the web is one that I have not seen discussed for decades. I will try to find more info about the technique, but briefly it is taking black paper (construction paper is the type used in the U.S.) and spraying it with a slow drying adhesive. The paper is then pressed against the web, support lines cut, and the web will then be 'glued' to the paper. It takes some practice, but gives you the actual web.
One method that I have used in the past is lining the rim of an appropriate sized petri dish with carbon tape and gently pressing it into the web. This allows you to take a sample of a section of the orb web while still maintaining the natural tension.
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