Silk Fabric Non-formaldehyde Crease-resistant Finishing Using Citric Acid

A non-formaldehyde crease-resistant finishing method for silk has been developed by using citric acid as a crosslinking agent. Both the dry and wet resiliency of finished silk were remarkably increased. The finished silk had a dry wrinkle recovery degree (WRD) of more than 280° compared to 265° and 217°, respectively, for the untreated control. After 50 cycles of home laundering, the finished fabric still had a durable press rating greater than 3.2 compared to 1.9 for the control. The finished fabric retained 84% to 100% of its breaking strength and there was an increase of 40% to 80% in its tear strength. The whiteness retention was about 65%. This stiffness increase could be controlled to 30% by use of a suitable finishing technique.