Silk thread is loosened from a cocoon primarily by applying heat, which helps separate the fine silk fiber.
Key Methods for Extracting Silk
According to traditional practices, after silk cocoons are collected, the bond holding the silk filament to the cocoon structure needs to be softened. This is achieved through specific heating methods.
Based on the provided information, the cocoon is treated using heat in one of two ways:
- Boiling: The cocoons are placed in hot or boiling water.
- Sunlight Drying: The cocoons are left under the sun.
Both these methods serve to loosen the natural gum (called sericin) that holds the silk fiber together in the cocoon, allowing the long, continuous filament to be unwound.
Here's a quick look at the primary methods:
| Method | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling | Cocoons submerged in hot/boiling water. | Softens sericin gum |
| Sun Drying | Cocoons placed under direct sunlight. | Softens sericin gum |
The Reeling Process Explained
The process of separating the silk fiber from the cocoon after it has been loosened is known as reeling.
As stated in the reference: "After being collected the cocoon is either boiled or kept under the sun so the silk fiber gets separated from it. This process of separating the silk fiber from the cocoon is called the reeling of the silk."
During reeling, the softened cocoons are typically placed in warm water, and the outer, loose fibers are brushed away to find the end of the continuous filament. Multiple filaments are then gathered together and gently unwound from the cocoons onto a reel.
Why is Reeling Important?
- It allows for the extraction of the long, valuable silk filament.
- It prepares the fiber for subsequent processing steps.
What Happens After Loosening?
Once the silk fiber has been separated from the cocoon through reeling, the next crucial step is to transform the raw fiber into a usable thread or yarn.
The reference notes: "The next step to be followed is spinning the silk fiber to make the yarn out of the threads of the silk." This involves twisting multiple silk filaments together to create a stronger, more durable yarn that can be used for weaving or knitting textiles.
This multi-step process, starting from raising silkworms and harvesting cocoons, through loosening and reeling the silk, and finally spinning the yarn, is fundamental to silk production.
