ABSTRACT Certain investigations on the thermophysiological and tactile comfort properties of silk/lyocell blended fabrics have been carried out. A series of yarns were produced as 100% silk (S 100), 75% silk and 25% lyocell (S/L 75:25), 50% silk and 50% lyocell (S/L 50:50), 25% silk and 75% lyocell (S/L 25:75) and 100% lyocell (L 100) and converted to woven fabrics keeping the same fabric set. FTIR study on silk, lyocell and silk/lyocell blended fabrics show the characteristic functional groups for the respective fabrics. The effects of blend compositions on thermophysiological and tactile comfort properties were examined and the results show that thermal resistance of the fabrics containing silk has a higher value in comparison with lyocell-rich blends. Water vapour permeability, absorbency and wickability for lyocell and lyocell-rich blends are found to be superior as compared to 100% silk fabrics. With respect to drape, bending length and crease recovery the lyocell rich fabrics are good in comparison with 100% silk fabrics. The results are discussed using one way ANOVA with 5% significant level.

ABSTRACT Silk is one of the valuable fibers in textile industry. It is used for delicate applications in many areas such as sarees, suitings, curtains and luxurious interiors. To diversify the properties and usages silk is mixed with polyester and lyocell. The fabric is dyed with natural dyes (kum kum, indigo, barberry) as well as synthetic dyes (reactive dye (H), reactive dye (M) and sulphur dye). This mixed fabric is compared with 100% silk for some of the basic properties like absorbency, water retention, wicking, water vapour permeability, air permeability, K/S values, colour fastness and antimicrobial property. The silk mixed fabric gives the appreciable results with the 100% silk fabric.