• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.186-196
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• 1997

The IR crystallinity index of Calcium nitrate treated silk fiber decreased proportionally to the concentration of calcium nitrate. A partial change of conformation was observed in the concentration of over 46.4-47.6% changing from $\beta$-sheet or to random coil in the crystalline region. This is in coincidence with the result of crystallinity index, which was started to be reduced in the concentration range of 46.4-47.6%. A same trend was observed for the X-ray order factor, birefringence, degree of orientation and surface structure. These structural parameters were remarkably changed on the treatment of silk fibers with concentration of 46.4-17, 6% calcium nitrate. Therefore, it seems that there exists a critical concentration of calcium nitrate in affection the structure and morphology of silk fibers. According to the examination of surface morphology, the fine stripe was observed in the direction of fiber axis at 46.4% concentration. However, the treated concentration was exceeded by 47.6%, the cracks were appeared severely on the fiber surface in the transverse direction as well as fiber axis direction. This result might be related to the tensile properties, specially a tenacity of silk fibers. As a result of quantitative analysis of a dilute acid hydrolysis, three different regions, which are known as a amorphous, semi-crystalline and crystalline region, could be obtained. The hydrolysis rate curves were different with various concentrations of treatment and the relative contents of each region could be calculated.