Extraction and Valorization of Sericin for Textile Treatments

The first aim of our study was to extract sericin powder from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons. Secondly, we have applied this biopolymer as a finishing agent for the treatment of different textiles surfaces. The Cocoons of Bombyx mori silkworm were supplied by the Tunisian-Korean Project of Sericiculture (Tabarka, Tunisia). Differently to the industrial process, the extraction of sericin was carried out only by water, without chemicals, at different temperatures, bath ratios, and times. The maximum extraction yield (23.10%) was obtained at a temperature of 110 °C during 2 h and with a bath ratio of 1/100. The sericin solution was freeze-dried in order to obtain the sericin powder. Next, the extracted sericin has been applied on wool, cotton, and polyester fabrics as a bio-treatment agent to enhance textile surface properties.