Silk Degumming Using Microwave Irradiation as an Environmentally Friendly Surface Modification Method

Degumming is a surface modification process of natural fibers such as silk. In this paper, the feasibility of degumming of Persian silk by microwave irradiation as an environmentally friendly surface modification technique was investigated. The physical properties of the degummed silk were investigated. The effectiveness of parameters such as microwave irradiation time, surfactant, soap, and degumming time on silk degumming were studied. The evaluation of the data was carried out through the measurement of the weight loss, strength, and elongation of the samples. The scanning electron microscope images were obtained for degummed silk samples. The findings of this research support the potential production of new environmentally friendly textile fibers using microwave irradiation.