Raman spectroscopic studies of silk

Abstract

Abstract The Fourier transform Raman spectra of silk at several stages of its processing from raw natural and cultivated cocoons to woven fabric were obtained. The application of near‐infrared excitation to the recording of quality Raman spectra from bulk samples, including Russian and Chinese varieties, and from a single 10 μm fibre is demonstrated. Comprehensive vibrational assignments are made for silk and comparisons are made of wild and cultivated silks, bleached and unbleached de‐gummed varieties and inner and outer cocoon material.