Abstract
The phenomenon of the shrinkage of silk fibers induced by inorganic salts including LiBr, $Ca(NO_3){_2}$, and $CaCl_2$, has been studied up to the present as one of the finishing methods of silk. It is expected that the shrinkage phenomenon may greatly contribute to the realization of the high sensibility of silk fibers. Especially the shrinkage enables the expression of three-dimensional appearance of silk fabrics along with the improvements in dimensional stability, resilience in stretching, and comfort. Numerous theoretical studies on the contraction phenomenon by $Ca(NO_3){_2}$ have been conducted so far. These studies have focused mostly on the silk fibers. It is difficult to find studies on silk fabrics. The negative aspects of the finishing are such as strength drop, yellowish discoloration, and fiber damage. These should also be considered as well as the positive aspects. In this study, the phenomenon of salt shrinkage is diversely reviewed by applying $Ca(NO_3){_2}$ solution for the silk fabrics as objects. The changes in the air permeability, thickness, and color were investigated with focus on the shrinkage of the silk fabrics according to the changes in treatment conditions. Some findings from this study are as follows: Within short period of time at the initiation of salt shrinkage, the salt shrinkage proceeds effectively. In the case of concentration of 47.4%, or 46.3% of $Ca(NO_3){_2}$ solution, appropriate treatment time seems to be 20seconds, or $2{\sim}8$minutes, respectively. Excessive shrinkage is obtained when lower liquor ratio is adopted. As a result, the condition is acting extremely disadvantageously against the thickness and yellow discoloration aspects.
