Origin
Silk has been used in textiles for over 5000 years and is the oldest known fibre. It was originally discovered in China by Lady Hsi Ling Shih who was the wife of the yellow emperor who ruled around 3000 b.c . She has been credited with first using the silkworm for its fibres and spinning them on a loom in order to create silk. Although origins of silk lies in China, Japan now produces more silk than any other country. This silk is commonly used in luxury goods.
Preparation
Over 90% of silk produced comes from the species of silkworm called Lepidopteran silkworms. These silkworms diet consists of Mulberry leaves which is why their silk is most commonly known as Mulberry silk.
The worms are fed the Mulberry leaves for 35 days before they will start to spin their cocoon . Once their cocoon has been spun the worms are then boiled alive in order to remove them from the cocoon and the remaining cocoon is left behind.
The cocoon consists of long filaments of silk fibres which each measure up to a mile in length in total. The process of raising worms for silk is known as Sericulture. It takes 10kg of cocoons in order to spin 1kg of silk. The long filaments are used to spin into silk while the short filaments are removed to later spin into lower quality fabrics. Silk is very expensive due to the cost of feeding the silkworms.
Physical Properties Of Fibres
Silk has a very high strength and is as strong as wire. It is also much stronger than vegetable fibres but will eventually deteriorate and weaken with age. When it ages it will eventually become very brittle and fissures will form. This will lead to the fibres eventually crumbling and breaking off the fabric in chunks. Another way silk can be damaged is by chlorine bleaching.
Silk is a very hydrophillic fibre and has excellent resiliency. Silk is also a fairly elastic fibre and can take a bit of pull. It is a very light fibre which is both breathable and has good insulation properties which makes it able to store heat when needed. It is known as the most comfortable fibre to wear due to the insulation, breathability and softness of the fibre.
Aesthetic Properties Of Fibres
Silk is a very easy fabric to dye due to its high absorbance and is able to bind to any dye very well. It is a very smooth fibre with a high lustre which is why it is often associated with being a luxury good.
If left out in the sunlight for too long it can turn a light coloured silk yellow as well as weakening the fibres. Perspiration is also a reason silk becomes discoloured. As a fabric silk has an excellent feel and drape but requires both delicate handling and cleaning in order to keep it looking its best.
References
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Nydesignerfabrics.com. (2018). Steel Gray Charmeuse Silk Fabric | NY Designer Fabrics. [online] Available at: https://www.nydesignerfabrics.com/steel-gray-charmeuse-silk-fabric.html [Accessed 19 Nov. 2018].
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lldija Grozdanic. (2013). silk worm cocoons. Available: https://inhabitat.com/the-silk-pavilion-mit-researchers-to-3d-print-a-silkworm-inspired-structure/silk-worm-cocoons-1/. Last accessed 19/11/2018.
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rainbow silks. (2018). silk fibres and silk paper making. Available: https://www.rainbowsilks.co.uk/SubCategory.cfm?SubCatId=400. Last accessed 19/11/2018.
Amy Mckerrell 