Chemical properties of silk:

The chemical properties of silk fiber are given below:

1. Effect of acid: Silk is readily soluble in cold concentrated acids. In moderate concentrated acids cause a contraction of silk.
2. Effect of alkali: Cold concentrated solution of caustic alkali appears to have little affected when contact in short duration prolonged action of cold concentrate. Cause the fibroin to become dissolved with ultimate break down into sodium salt of more concentrated solution of NaOH will destroy the luster and cause less of strength.
3. Effect of bleaching agent: Silk fibroin is attached by oxidizing agent blends such as H₂O₂ must be used with care.
4. Effect of heat: Silk will with stands higher temp than wool without decomposition.
5. Effect of sunlight: Sun light tends to encourage to decomposition of silk by atmospheric oxygen.