Silk Filament Fibre Production Process

The production of silk filament fibre from cocoons follows a specific sequence of steps. Understanding this process is crucial for silk manufacturing.

Silk Production Sequence Explained:

1. Stifling (C): This is the first critical step where the pupa inside the cocoon is killed using methods like hot air, steam, or drying. This preservation prevents the pupa from developing into a moth and breaking the continuous silk filament.
2. Sorting (B): Cocoons are carefully sorted based on factors such as size, shape, colour, and quality. Proper sorting ensures uniformity and facilitates efficient processing in the later stages.
3. Reeling (D): In this stage, the sorted cocoons are immersed in hot water. This softens the sericin (the natural gum coating the filament) and allows the fine filaments from several cocoons (typically 4-8) to be unwound simultaneously and twisted together into a single strand of raw silk thread on a reel.
4. Throwing (E): Multiple strands of raw silk thread obtained from reeling are twisted together to form a stronger yarn. This process is called throwing and determines the thickness and strength of the final silk yarn used for fabrics.
5. Degumming (A): The final step involves boiling the silk yarn in water, often with mild soap or alkali. This process removes the sericin (gum), revealing the soft, lustrous nature of the silk fibre. Degummed silk is then ready for dyeing and weaving.

Therefore, the correct sequence is Stifling, Sorting, Reeling, Throwing, and Degumming (C, B, D, E, A).