Evaluation of Silk Fabrics

Though silk is a high-priced fabric, it has been one of the most popular fabrics because of its unique properties.

The unique properties associated with silk include: soft, supple, strong, lighter than any other natural fiber. Silk has been valued sine time immemorial for its lightness with warmth, delicacy with resiliency and sheerness with strength.

The various factors that has to be considered while evaluating silk fiber include:

• Strength: Silk is considered to be the strongest natural fiber. The strength of the silk fabric is largely affected by its construction as well as finish. The uniform and continuous length of filaments in thrown yarns contribute to the strength of silk fiber. The smoothness of the silk filament yarns decreases the problem of wear from abrasion. Although strong, spun silk yarn is weaker than thrown silk filament yarns. Duoppioni and pierced cocoon silk are usually stronger than other types of silk staple.
  
  
• Resilience: Silk fabrics are known for retaining their shape and resisting wrinkles as well. Fabrics made from pure-dyed silk and wild silk generally are more resilient. Fabrics having greater amount of weighting or or made from short-staple spun silk have comparatively less resilience.
  
  
• Elasticity: As with most natural fibers, the elasticity of silk also varies. Elasticity of the yarn and the fabric is affected by the type of yarn used, the construction of the fabric and the finish given to it.
  
  
• Heat Conductivity: Silk is a protein fiber like wool and hence it is a non conductor of heat. The fact that silk prevents body heat from radiating outward, it is very useful for winter apparel, especially scarves. Very fine yarns made of silk and woven into very sheer fabric makes silk comfortable for wearing in summer.
  
  
• Drapability: The excellent drapability of silk is imparted by its unique properties like pliability and suppleness, along with elasticity and resilience.
  
  
• Absorbency: Silk has a very good absorptive power, and this feature contributes to its comfort in a warmer atmosphere.
  
  
• Shrinkage: As a result of straightness of the filament, smooth and soft silk fabrics only have a normal shrinkage that can be easily restored by ironing.
  
  
• Reaction to Bleaches: Strong bleaches containing sodium hypochlorite deteriorates silk. A mild bleach hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate with normal caution can be used with silk fabrics.