Question

Explain the process of silk production.

Accepted Answer

The healthiest silk moths are chosen for laying eggs. Their eggs are placed in open wooden or cardboard containers. After the eggs hatch, the caterpillars are fed on mulberry leaves for about $30$ days. During this time, twigs or racks are placed on the trays where the silkworms spin the cocoons.

If the silkworm is allowed to mature and break through the cocoon, the silk would be rendered useless for commercial purposes. Therefore, the cocoon, along with the insect is plunged into boiling water which kills the insect and dissolves the glue which holds the cocoon together.

Boiling: The pupae inside the cocoons are killed by putting them in boiling water. This also loosens the filaments.

Reeling: The filaments are taken out from the cocoons by a process called reeling or filature. Filaments from several cocoons are twisted together to make a strong thread, which is wound on a reel.

Dyeing and weaving: Silk fabric can be dyed before or after weaving. Silk fibres are then dyed and woven.

Explain the process of silk production.

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