How to distinguish natural from artificial silk

Natural silk is a fabric made of threads that are obtained from silkworm cocoons. An artificial analogue is a product of cellulose processing. There are several ways to distinguish them from each other:

  • Tactile (to the touch) - threads from silkworm cocoons are softer and softer than cellulose fibers.
  • The use of sunlight - during natural heating, silk shimmers and retains heat for a long time, the substitute cools quickly.
  • Fiber burning - for this, several threads pull their canvases and set fire. If the fabric melts instead of burning, emits the aroma of burnt paper, then it is artificial. Natural material under the influence of fire turns to ash, while it smells of burnt hair.
  • Tear test - the natural one is torn in even stripes, does not crumble

You also need to pay attention to the texture - if the fabric is perfectly even, smooth - then its fibers are not obtained from a silkworm cocoon, but have a synthetic origin. There is also a chemical test: dissolve 16 g of copper sulfate, 10 g of glycerol, a pinch of caustic soda in 150 g of water. A piece of tissue will interfere with this solution. If it dissolves without residue, then it is real. There is a difference between materials and price - polymer costs 2-4 times cheaper.

Difference from fake

  • In order not to become a victim of fraudsters not to purchase a fake instead of real silk, you need to take into account the price of the fabric and check it for the presence of such indicators (regarding natural linen):
  • The ability to retain heat is high.
  • Hygroscopicity is high.
  • Natural shine - muted, not bright.
  • The fake pours heavily during cutting and during cutting.
  • Crease - low, the fabric is easily smoothed.

Also, the edges of the fake showered after cutting. A chemical test using sulfuric acid will effectively help expose scammers, because the artificial analogue turns red upon contact.

Silk characteristic

Quickly and correctly choose a quality canvas will help knowledge of the characteristics of the material. The fabric, which consists of threads produced by the silkworm, has high breathability, good thermal conductivity, it is flexible and durable.

When you touch the body, you feel cool. Such indicators make it possible to sew casual and festive clothes, underwear, bedding, kitchen utensils (tablecloths, napkins) from silk, less often upholstery for upholstered furniture. Not less popular is the material as a lining for scarves, clothes, and decorative ribbons.

Synthetic silk feature

Silk based on viscose fiber obtained as a result of pulp processing began to be produced at the beginning of the 20th century. This was made possible thanks to its undemanding care and reduced cost compared to a genuine counterpart. Cellulose is treated with chemical compounds, resulting in thin, smooth fibers.

The term "artificial silk" refers to materials based on viscose, other synthetic fabrics (polycotton, polyester). It has an attractive appearance, smooth surface, perfectly breathable. The canvas is no less appreciated for its strength, resistance to mechanical damage and deformation, resistance to fading colors. In addition, viscose products are undemanding in care. Cheap samples of viscose fabrics with admixtures of low-quality polyester accumulate static electricity. The best option for viscose (cellulose) silk substitute is a material without impurities. You can learn more about the properties on the video.