Novel functional finishing of eri silk for fire retardant

Abstract

The surface properties of a fabric can be manipulated and enhanced by implementing appropriate surface finishing, coating, or altering techniques using nanotechnology. In the present study, eri silk yarn 2/30 in the warp and 1/30 in weft direction with S twist was woven in plain weave and 185 GSM of fabric was produced. The fabric was treated with different concentrations nano clay for fire retardant functional finish. The efficiency of the fire retardant was analyzed through 45ᵒ Flammability Test and Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI). The effect of nano clay coating on the physio-mechanical properties of the eri silk fabric was accessed and it was observed that the LOI values of coated eri silk fabric has been raised up to 35% at 2.5% of nano clay. The nano clay eri silk fabric showed an increasing trend in whiteness and brightness index. The mechanical property like fabric thickness, bending rigidity increased after application of nano finish. The higher concentration of nano clay causes slight increase in fabric tenacity and elongation. The application of nano clay particles enhanced fire retardancy of the eri silk fabric.