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Characteristics of Silk Fabrics | Properties of Silk Fabrics
Silk is one of the popular f abrics f or apparel because of its unique properties. Silk is most luxurious
f abric, the most comf ortable f abric, the most absorbent of f abrics (equal to wool), the best f abric f or
drape, the best f abric f or color, capable of the greatest lustre, having the f inest "hand" etc. T hese are
some of the f actors which make the f abric more popular. T he f abric is cool in summer and warm in winter.
Composition: T he silk f ibre is chief ly composed of 80% of f ibroin, which is protein in nature and 20% of
sericin, which is otherwise called as silk gum.
Strength: Silk as a f ibre, has good tensile strength, which allows it to withstand great pulling pressure.
Silk is the strongest natural f ibre and has moderate abrasion resistance. T he strength of the thrown
yarns is mainly due to the continuous length of the f ibre. Spun silk yarn though strong is weaker than
thrown silk f ilament yarns.
Elasticity: Silk f ibre is an elastic f ibre and may be stretched f rom 1/7 to 1/5 of its original length bef ore
breaking. It tends to return to its original size but gradually loses little of its elasticity. T his would mean
that the f abric would be less sagging and less binding resulting in the wearers comf ort.
Resilience: Silk f abrics retain their shape and have moderate resistance to wrinkling. Fabrics that are
made f rom short – staple spun silk have less resilience.
Drapability: Silk has a liability and suppleness that, aided by its elasticity and resilience, gives it excellent
drapability.
Heat Conductivity: Silk is a protein f ibre and is a non-conductor of heat similar to that of wool. T his
makes silk suitable f or winter apparel.
Absorbency: Silk f abrics being protein in nature have good absorbency. T he absorptive capacity of the
silk f abric makes comf ortable apparel even f or warmer atmosphere. Fabrics made f rom silk are
comf ortable in the summer and warm in the winter. Silk f ibre can generally absorb about 11 percent of its
weight in moisture, but the range varies f rom 10 percent to as much as 30 percent. T his property is also
a major f actor in silk’s ability to be printed and dyed easily.
Cleanliness and Washability: Silk f abric does not attract dirt because of its smooth surf ace. T he dirt,
which gathers can be easily removed by washing or dry cleaning. It is of ten recommended f or the silk
garments to be dry-cleaned. Silk f abrics should always be washed with a mild soap and strong agitation
in washing machine should be avoided. Silk water – spot easily, but subsequent washing or dry cleaning
will restore the appearance of the f abric.
Reaction to Bleaches: Silk, like wool, is deteriorated with chlorine bleaches like sodium hypochlorite.
However, mild bleach of hydrogen peroxide or sodium per borate may be used f or silk.
Shrinkage: Silk f abrics are subjected only to normal shrinkage which can be restored by ironing. Crepe
ef f ect f abrics shrink considerably in washing, but caref ul ironing with a moderately hot iron will restore
the f abric to its original size.
Effect of Heat: Silk is sensitive to heat and begins to decompose at 330° F (165° C). T he silk f abrics
thus have to be ironed when damp.
Effect of Light: Silk f abric weakens on exposure to sun light. Raw silks are more resistant to light than
degummed silk.
Resistance to Mildew: Silks will not mildew unless lef t f or sometime in a damp state or under the
extreme conditions of tropical dampness.
Resistance to Insects: Silk may be attacked by the larvae or clothe moths or carpet beetles.
Reaction to
and the temperature are high. A mild soap or detergent in lukewarm water is thus advisable.
Reaction to Acids: Concentrated mineral acids will dissolve silk f aster than wool. Organic acids do not
harm silk.
Affinity for Dyes: Silk has good absorbency and thus has good af f inity f or dyes. Dyed silk is colourf ast
under most conditions, but its resistance to light is unsatisf actory.
Resistance to Perspiration: Perspiration and sunlight weakens and yellows silk f abrics. T he silk itself
deteriorates and the colour is af f ected causing staining. Garments worn next to the skin should be
washed or other wise cleaned af ter each wearing.
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