Application of sericin to modify textile supports

Abstract

In this study, we fixed silk sericin in fabrics as a finishing product. First of all, we have extracted sericin from silkworm cocoons in order to obtain the optimum yield of sericin that is not denatured. For this reason, we have searched the optimum parameters for a favorite sericin extraction. Then, the sericin extracted was fixed onto wool and cotton fabrics in an aim to modify some of their properties. The tests of treated fabrics showed that sericin has an affinity for wool, whereas it does not have it for cotton. This affinity for wool fiber was obtained in defined conditions with about 48% exhaustion rate for a sericin concentration of 2.5% (w/w). Compared to different sericin concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%), a 5% of sericin (w/w) improved the wool samples touch until a score of 4 points, as well as the water’s absorption with a profit of 70.75%. The samples also showed an improved antibacterial activity.