Studies On Properties Of Silk Fibers Modified By Metal Ions

Kinds of modified silk fibers containing different metal ions, such as rare earth ion, copper ion and nickel ion were prepared. To get the optimal process conditions, the influences of reaction temperature and time, pH value, concentrations of metal ions and accelerating agent on the modified degree of silk fibers were investigated. The sericin fixing rate, weighting rate, moisture regain, dyeing ability of treated silk fibers were studied, and Infrared spectrum (FTIR), Ramam spectrum, thermal behavior (TG), X-ray diffraction were examined. Based on these results, the structures and properties of various modified silk fiber were discussed. The results indicate that, the moisture regain of silk fibers increased after being modified by different metal ions; the K/S value increased gently when weakly acid dyes were used; crystalline grade decreased, while the crystalline structure remained unchanged; the thermal stability of modified silk fiber also increased.