Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version.

If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options.

The thermal properties of Bombyx mori silk fibers subjected to heat-treatment were examined by thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis-Fourier transform infrared absorption spectrometry (TG-DTA-FTIR). Only 1% of the original silk fiber weight remains as cocoon ash after treatment at 550 C. Inorganic components, such as calcium, potassium, sulfur, magnesium etc., were detected in the cocoon ash by energy dispersion fluorescent X-ray spectrometry. A sharp decrease in weight was observed in the TG data to begin around 280 C, and an endothermic peak appears at 308 C as evidenced by DTA curves. The IR bands observed at 2380 cm-1, 1760 cm-1, 1503, 1085 cm-1 and 965 cm-1 become stronger as an exothermic reaction beginning at 280 C takes place. This is probably due to cleavage of the main chain and the accompanying decomposition of the silk fibers.