Absorbent Yarns from Silk by In-situ Polymerization

Composite silk yarns were prepared by in-situ polymerization of two monomers - acrylamide and sodium acrylate with the aid of lithium bromide. The swelling of silk in lithium bromide solutions was observed under optical microscope. These composite yarns were characterized on morphology, tensile properties and water absorption. Typical porous structure was observed in the composite yams. The silk yarn's tensile properties were improved remarkably in both dry and wet states. The composite yams showed higher water absorption than the raw silk. These modified silk yams have potential applications such as wound dressing and dermal reconstruction.