Process for increasing the crease resistance of silk textiles

摘要

An improved silk textile is described which exhibits more desirable wet wrinkle-recovery and tear strength than untreated silk. The silk textile contains polycarboxylic acid cross-links which are relatively strong and resistant to hydrolysis. A process for manufacturing an improved silk textile is presented which includes wetting an untreated silk textile with a specially formulated finishing agent. The finishing agent includes polycarboxylic acid, a catalyst, and a swelling agent. The wetted silk textile is dried and cured at an elevated temperature.