Fiber processing by high molecular weight sericin and its basic properties

Abstract

A sericin fixed cotton underwear was prepared by using a highly molecular weight sericin (Mw=38.8 × 104), and the launderability and moisture properties were investigated. When the cotton underwear was dipped into the 3wt% sericin aqueous solution, a sericin was fixed 2wt% on the fiber surface of the underwear as a thin layer. The sericin remains over 60% after washing of 25 times, indicating that this processing has launderability. Dehygroscopicity of the processing underwear takes longer time to equilibrium moisture regain than the non-processing underwear, implying that moisture-retaining property of the sericin was given. This method is an excellent processing in safety to human body, because of the launderability is obtained without using another treatment or agent.