Koitumet Joel Sabore, Mwasiagi Josphat Igadwa, Huxley Mae Makonde, Scholastica Ratanya

Abstract:

Natural fibers are becoming a more viable alternative as people become more conscious of the negative effects that making and discarding synthetic fibers have on the environment and the rising expense of materials made from petroleum. Among the natural fibers, silk commands considerable respect. Silk is a proteinaceous polymer secretion in the form of a cocoon, consisting of a continuous filament. Researchers are paying more attention to natural fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites because of its availability, low density, biodegradability, and good mechanical qualities. On the material characterization of silk fiber and its composites based on polymer matrices, significant study has been done. Natural fibers have a low interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the matrix and are hydrophilic by nature. Researchers have employed chemical ways to alter the fiber surface to improve the drawbacks of natural fibers. This review paper focuses on the effect of alkali treatment on the material properties of silk fibers and its composites.

Keywords: Characterization, Cocoon, Composite, Fiber Treatment, Medical textile, Silk