Question

The stiffening agent used for finishing silk fabrics is ________.

Hint:

Gelatin is a natural stiffening agent that works effectively for silk, providing firmness without compromising the delicate texture of the fabric.

Answer 1

The stiffening agent used for finishing silk fabrics is alum (potassium alum).

Alum is commonly used in the textile industry to give silk fabrics a desired stiffness and smooth texture. It helps in enhancing the sheen and smoothness of the silk fabric and improves its handling properties during various finishing processes.

Thus, alum is an effective stiffening agent for silk fabrics, providing them with better finish and durability.

Answer 2

Fabric finishing involves applying various agents to improve a cloth's look, feel or performance, and stiffening is one such finish meant to add firmness and body to a fabric that would otherwise hang too limply.

For silk specifically, this stiffening is achieved using gelatin. During finishing, a dilute gelatin solution is brushed or padded onto the fabric and then dried, leaving behind a fine protein coating between the fibres.

Because silk is naturally a very fine and soft fibre, it needs a gentle sizing agent rather than a harsh chemical one, and gelatin fits that requirement well, adding crispness while still allowing the fabric to retain its characteristic drape and lustre. This makes it the standard choice among stiffening agents for silk in fabric finishing.

Therefore, the correct stiffening agent used for finishing silk fabrics is gelatin.