SERI CULTURE Post cocoon processing The process of

SERI CULTURE

Post cocoon processing • The process of obtaining silk thread is called post cocoon processing, includes stifling and reeling • Stifling • The process of killing cocoon is called stifling, the killing of cocoon in boiling water helps in softening and adhesion of the silk thread among themselves • Losing the outer threads to separate freely

• Reeling and spinning • the process of removing the threads from the killed cocoon is called reeling. • Four to five threads of these cocoon are passed through eyelets and guides to twists into one thread and wound around large reel.

Properties of silk • Silk is pasty secretion of silk worm produced by silk glands • Silk glands are actually modified salivary glands • As this pasty secretion comes out in contacts with air it become hard and form strong and pliable silk threads • The secretion form two cores of fibroin 1. A tough elastic insoluble protein containing 75 percent of weight 2. A gelatinous fiber which is easily soluble in warm water. Sericin.

Uses of silk • Use of pure silk is reducing due to its high cost and highly maintainence • Silk fibers are combined with other natural and synthetic fibers are in great demand not only in India but also in foreign countries • Besides silk used in garments, it is also used in other industries and for military purposes

• • It is also used in manufacturing of fishing fibers parachutes insulation coils for telephone. wireless receivers, tyres of racing cars filter clothes for flour mills in medical dressing and in suture materials