A novel approach was attempted for the functionalization of eri and its union fabrics with polymers for water
repellency finishes. For the study, eri fabric was prepared with plain weave structure using 1/140s and
2/140s (warp and weft directions) and 2/140s of eri and 1/56s of wool yarn for the union fabric in both the
warp and weft directions. For surface enrichment, silicone polymer was applied by the pad-dry-cure method.
The untreated and treated fabric was evaluated for its hydrophobicity like the water contact angle and spray
test, air permeability and physio-mechanical properties viz., counts, GSM, thickness, bending length, crease
recovery, tensile strength and elongation were assessed. Analytical tests like UPF, whiteness, brightness,
yellowness index for surface appearance was evaluated and SEM was performed. The marginal
enhancement in bending length was observed in treated eri silk and union fabrics in both directions. The
properties like thickness, brightness, yellowness, increased after application of silicone polymers, while
crease recovery decreased. Noticeable enhancement of water contact angle was observed in eri silk and
union fabric after adding silicone polymer and UPF was found to be excellent. There was no structural
damage observed in all treated samples which are cleared from the Scanning Electron Microscope view.
Application of silicone polymer on eri silk and its union fabrics improved the hydrophobic characteristic. The
UPF protection properties were evaluated on both fabrics and recorded excellent UPF. In this study, the
functional properties on eri silk and union fabrics were achieved successfully for functional clothing and
textiles