The silk waste generated during the process of conversion of cocoon to fabric. At present, this waste is used for manufacturing of spun silk yarn, noil yarn, throwster yarn and carpet yarn besides hand spun yarn. This waste is especially hard waste generated during twisting and weaving and can be more effectively utilized for the development of silk nonwoven fabrics for increased value addition besides diversified application. It is observed that the hard waste generated to the extent of 300 MT in silk twisting and weaving in case of 100 % EOUs is not being used for any purpose. The same has been effectively utilized for manufacture of silk nonwoven and used for varied end uses.

The silk waste has been collected and subjected to de-coloring or degumming and bleaching. The degummed and bleached material is opened and cut to a staple length of 3-4 inches. The material is then carded and web/sliver was formed. The web/sliver is fed to the needle-punching machine, converted into Nonwoven fabrics ranging from 100 to 400 gsm. The non-woven fabric samples have been dyed/printed and subjected to Decatising finishing treatment for value addition. The properties are being studied. The possible end-use applications are being explored in lining/outer shell material for warmth garments, insulation, furnishings, carpets, automobile upholstery, etc.

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This article was originally presented at ATNT 2007. The authors of this article Mr. Shankar S. Kotrannavar, Mr. Damodhara Rao, Mr. Shreekanth G, and Mr. Somasheakr T.H are associated with Central Silk Technological Research Institute, Central Silk Board, Bangalore, India.