Degumming of Silk Using Microwave-Assisted Treatments

ABSTRACT A comparative study was carried out between degumming of raw silk yarns by the conventional methods of degumming and those assisted by microwave radiation. Different reagents are used for this study; viz., mineral acid, alkaline substances, domestic soap, and commercial protease. The proteolytic enzyme savinase 16L type EX was found to be effective in degumming of silk either by conventional method or in combination with microwave. The microwave irradiation reduces, to a great extent, the time needed to reach the same degree of degumming by the conventional method. The effect of the aforementioned treatments on some of the inherent properties of silk was monitored. Scanning electron microscopic investigation was carried out to clarify the effect of these treatments on the morphological structure of silk yarns.