Uses of Silk
Silk is a natural fiber that is used to create materials. It is obtained from the cocoon of the mulberry silkworm which is reared in captivity. Silk is also made by a variety of other insects that undergo metamorphosis and some insects such as spiders that are web spinners. Silk has a triangular prism structure and reflects light in different directions giving it a shimmery appearance. It is lightweight, smooth and considered to be one of the most luxurious materials available. Let’s examine the most common applications of silk in the world today.
Uses of Silk
- Silk is mainly used in the manufacture of clothing such as dresses, ties, shirts, trousers, pajamas, underwear and folk costumes. It is also used in skiing garments because of its ability to keep body warmth contained and because it is lightweight.
- Silk is also used to make silk comforter or duvets which are lightweight and hypoallergenic. It is also used as fabric for upholstery, curtains, rugs and bedding such as sheets.
- Silk is sometimes used in the construction of parachute materials and cords, though it is more common for parachutes to be made from nylon.
- It is also occasionally used to make the casing of bicycle tires; cotton and nylon are also used for this purpose.
- Silk thread is used as a non-absorbable surgery sutures.
- Silk has been used to make disposable cups and tableware.
- Due to its refractive nature holograms have been made using silk material.
- It has been used to create capsules for drug delivery.
- Spider silk was once used to create the cross hairs in instruments such as microscopes and telescopes. Spider silk is still used in the field of optics to create fine diffraction patterns need in optical communications.
Did you know?
Silk underwear is manufactured for adults and children with eczema because it does not cause irritation to the skin.
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