Sericin And Fibroin
Sericin and fibroin are proteins that make up silk obtained from cocoons. They refer to sericin, which covers the outside, and fibroin, which forms the main body of the fiber.
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Definition and Composition
Sericin and fibroin are the main proteins found in silk derived from silkworm cocoons. Fibroin is the component that forms the core of silk fibers, while sericin surrounds it and acts to bind the fibers together.
Raw silk generally retains sericin, but degumming is the process of removing sericin and other substances to bring out silk’s natural luster and softness. There is also processing that applies silk protein containing sericin and fibroin to fibers.
Texture and Appearance Features
Silk with fibroin as its main component is characterized by a smooth feel, elegant luster, and graceful drape. Depending on yarn thickness, twist, weave structure, and the degree of degumming, the sheen, body, and drape can vary greatly.
Materials that retain sericin may feel firmer or slightly squeaky compared with degummed silk. In silk protein processing, even if the material itself is not silk, a smooth hand and soft texture may be sought.
Main Applications
Silk materials centered on fibroin are used for blouses, shirts, skirts, dresses, scarves, linings, and more. Taking advantage of their moisture absorption and feel against the skin, they are also sometimes used for innerwear and nightwear.
Processing that uses sericin or fibroin is found not only in garments that touch the skin, but also in bedding and fashion accessories. However, the texture and washing durability of processed materials vary depending on the base fabric and processing conditions, so it is important not to judge performance by the material name alone.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting fabric, check whether it is silk itself or a processed item in which silk protein has been applied to another fiber, by checking the blending ratio and product specifications. Depending on the application, confirm luster, sheerness, fabric weight, and drape, as well as whether home washing is possible and how much the dimensions change, using a sample.
Silk can be affected by moisture, friction, heat, and alkaline detergents. Follow the care label, and even if the item is washable, avoid strong friction and long soaking; then reshape and dry in the shade. Processed items may change in texture after washing.
In sewing, with thin or slippery silk fabrics, be careful about grain distortion, seam shrinkage, and visible needle holes. Use a fine needle and thread suitable for the fabric, and decide mass production conditions only after checking thread tension, stitching, and seam puckering with a trial sew.
- Before cutting, unroll the fabric and check for distortion or shrinkage.
- Perform wash and steam tests to confirm shrinkage and changes in luster.
- For dark-colored items, also check for color transfer caused by friction when wet.
Differences from Similar Terms
Silk is the general name for silk as a fiber. Sericin and fibroin, on the other hand, are the names of the protein components that make up that silk. Fibroin alone is not used to mean silk as a whole.
Raw silk is silk thread reeled from cocoons while sericin remains on it. Degumming refers to the processing step that removes sericin from raw silk and similar materials. Silk protein processing may also use sericin or fibroin to give other materials a silk-like texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of sericin and fibroin is the main component of silk fibers?
Is fabric with silk protein processing a silk material?
Not necessarily. Silk protein processing may refer to a treatment that applies sericin, fibroin, or similar substances to the fiber surface. The type of base fabric, blending ratio, and washing durability of the processing must always be checked in the product specifications or test results.
Can fabric containing sericin be washed at home?
Whether home washing is possible cannot be determined by the presence or absence of sericin alone. It depends on the base fabric material, dyeing, processing method, and sewing specifications. Prioritize the care label, and at the planning stage it is necessary to confirm shrinkage, color loss, and changes in texture through washing tests.
