Degumming of Silk Fabrics with Tartaric Acid

The effectiveness of the tartaric acid degumming process for silk has been evaluated as a function of temperature, time and acid concentration in the degumming bath. The degummed samples were characterised as regards to physico-mechanical properties (tenacity, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity) and intrinsic viscosity. Dyeability with acid, metal-complex and reactive dyes has been determined spectrophotometrically. The possibility of carrying out subsequent degummings with the same bath was investigated. The effect of centrifuging and replenishing the bath with fresh degumming solution was also considered in relation to degumming efficiency. The results obtained are quite promising as a basis for possible future industrial application