Summary

Silk– History Composition Types Properties Production and Uses

Among the natural protein fibers, silk is obtained from the cocoons of silk moth. It is the only
natural filament available for textile products. It resembles wool in composition of having
amino acids but there but there is no sulphur group as that of wool. Silk is the very fine strand
of fiber that is a solidified Protein secretion produced by certain caterpillars to encase
themselves in the form of cocoons. Silk can be produced from either cultivated silkworms or
wild species. Eggs hatch into caterpillar and after 45 days they spin the cocoon and changes
into chrysalis. At this stage they are stifled and silk filament is reeled out from the cocoon by
boiling it in hot water. This raw silk is made into filament by throwing operation. They are
weighted with tin salts to give weight to the fabric. In terms of properties, Silk is the strongest
natural fibre available as a result of its continuous yarns. It is lightweight, breathable, and
hypoallergenic and has good absorbency. Silk is also highly lustrous, has excellent drapability
and is highly resistant to mould and mildew.