Physical and tensile properties of raw and treated silk fibres

Abstract

[Abstract]: Natural fibres have gained a paramount importance in composite field due to their low densities, biodegradability and other environmental performance. Silk appears to be a promising fibre as a reinforcing agent in composite due to its mechanical properties consisting of a combination of high strength, high toughness, extensibility and compressibility. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of span length on the tensile properties of raw and alkali treated silk fibres. The fibres were characterized using Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Tensile testing of raw and alkali treated silk fibres was carried out by varying span length. Newly developed equations were used to correct the Young’s modulus and strain to failure values. It is observed that tensile strength and strain to failure decreased, while Young’s modulus increased with an increase in span length of single fibre. This is because larger span length minimizes the slippage effect more compared to smaller span length. Alkali treated silk fibres had better tensile properties, smoother surface and lower thermal stability compared to raw silk fibres.