RAMAN-SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF SILK

The Fourier transform Raman spectra of silk at several stages of its p rocessing from raw natural and cultivated cocoons to woven fabric were obtained. The application of near-infrared excitation to the recordin g of quality Raman spectra from bulk samples, including Russian and Ch inese varieties, and from a single 10 mu m fibre is demonstrated. Comp rehensive vibrational assignments are made for silk and comparisons ar e made of wild and cultivated silks, bleached and unbleached de-gummed varieties and inner and outer cocoon material.