Abstract
Studies were carried out on the mechanical properties, including the bending length and crease resistance of silk fabrics composed of silk fibers grafted with methacryl amide (MAA) after pretreatment with irradiation of γ rays. The crimp in the warp direction, density and thickness of the silk fabrics increased by using the MAA-grafted fibers. Bending length and crease resistance in the weft direction of the silk fabric were greater than those in the warp direction. The increase of the bending length and crease resistance are attributed to the growth of the internal volume and rough packing between warp and weft yarns. These findings suggest that the mechanical properties of silk fabrics may increase by grafting following irradiation of γ rays.
