Partial degumming of raw mulberry silkndasha novel approach in achieving quality and economics in dyeing

Abstract

Optimum conditions for the partial degumming of silk yarn with soap and sulphuric acid (20%) are presented. The purpose of the study was to achieve an economical partial degumming process capable of yielding silk suitable for weaving of fabric with the required amount of stiffness. The colour strength of partially degummed silk was observed to improve, without affecting the wash fastness characteristics.

Degumming of Silk Using Microwave-Assisted Treatments

“…• The tenacity of silk increases slightly when degummed with sodium silicate solution. This may be attributed to the partial degumming of silk yarns which does not affect the fibroin part of silk (Prabhu, 1995). • In all cases, there is no appreciable effect on the elongation of degummed silk yarn relative to the untreated one.…”

Polymeric materials based on silk proteins

“…Once the cocoon is complete, silk farmers kill the caterpillar via exposure to hot water/steam, and the silk can be harvested. The crude silk needs both degumming [49][50][51][52][53] (from the glue-like sericin) and processing before it can be dyed and sold.…”