Silk is the queen of fashion, from silk stockings to evening gowns to furnishing fabrics. Silk is also the only fiber, which has inspired writers and poets over the ages. Silk is the natural product of various species of moth, especially the family Bombycidae. There has been much work on the properties of silk fabrics but however there is not much data on the properties of silk union fabrics. A Comprehensive study of the properties of woven silk union fabrics – mulberry silk filament warp woven with mulberry silk filament, cotton, linen, viscose, modal, excel and polyester weft yarns was undertaken.
Introduction:
India, which has a rich and diversified silk weaving heritage, has been hitherto restricted to traditional end-uses1. Domestic market for silk products is quite substantial for limited range of products viz. saris, ladies dress materials. To bring back the glory of weaving heritage for Indian silk, there is an immediate need to design and develop contemporary and diversified products to appeal to the taste of domestic market as well as be more acceptable to export market2. There are certain limiting factors of the different varieties of silk fiber and needs suggested ways and means to improve upon them, including blending, mixing and also other alternative methods and techniques and at the same time ensuring that the end products do not lose their traditional and ethnic flavor which must appeal strongly to both domestic and international markets3.
One of the important areas, where new materials can be developed and use of silk can be extended is blending of silk with other fibers and production of union fabrics4. Even though silk is known for its unique characteristics like luster, elegance, comfort properties and drape etc., it lacks in certain characteristics like crease resistance compared to polyester fibres5. Silk blends easily with other fibers, especially with other natural fibers such as silk cotton, silk-linen, silk wool, etc. Silk, when combined with other natural or man-made fibers, contributes to the hand and drape of the blended fabric6. Additional important advantages of silk union fabrics are easy care and moderate prices. Small percentages of silk in silk blends enhance color and / or surface interest, as in silk/cotton blends, etc7.
The properties of textile structures such as yarn or fabric depend on a complex interrelation between fiber arrangement and fiber properties. In order to meet the specific requirements or to suit alternate end – uses, development of fabrics with different warp and weft yarns and studying the properties of those fabrics is very essential8. It is seen from studies that the production of silk fiber is decreasing. It appears from the investigations that certain aspects like the properties of woven silk union fabrics have not been reported9. Hence, the present work endeavors to produce different silk union fabrics and suggest suitable end uses for the same.
