Quantification of Changes in Mulberry Silk Fabrics due to Different Laundering: Using WAXS Technique

Loom finished mulberry silk fabrics (Taffeta) were machine laundered and hand laundered several times. X‐ray diffractograms of pure and laundered fabrics were used to calculate microstructural parameters like average crystallite size (D) and lattice strain (Vegr) employing Williamson‐Hall plot. Microstructural parameters were compared with measured mechanical properties like breaking load, tenacity, and elongation of warp yarns unraveled from fabrics. Surface morphology and texture of silk fabrics changed upon washing is evident from SEM images.