Blending: An eco- friendly approach to utilize silk waste

Abstract

Blending is a way to combine fibers so that good qualities are emphasized and poor characteristics are minimized. It may also enrich the properties such as strength, appearance, comfort etc. Fibers were blended to produce fabric and products of improved functionality, performance and greater comfort appeal. Pure tibetian wool fabric and mulbery silk waste both the fiber fall under protein fiber category. Pure tibetian wool fabric had high elongation, thermal insulation property and thickness whereas mulbery silk waste fabric had better drape and strength. In case of blended samples of tibetian wool and mulberry silk waste weight/meter2 (in g) also reduced with the increased proportion of silk waste fiber. This study will help the handloom industries of India to increase the usage of silk waste and wool blend. These blends can be utilized at textile sectors as well as in fashion industries for production of aesthetically beautiful and light weight and warm fabrics and products. Thus it will be an eco-friendly approach to convert waste into valuable products.