TY - JOUR
TI - Silkworm (Bombyx mori) cocoon vs. wild cocoon multi-layer structure and performance characterization
AU - Liu Fu-Juan
AU - Zhang Xi-Jia
AU - Li Xin
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2019
VL - 23
IS - 4
SP - 2135
EP - 2142
PT - Article
AB - As protective shells for their biological functions against environmental  damage and attack by natural predators, the silkworm (Bombyx mori) cocoon  and its wild partner have distinctive multi-layer structures, which are  systematically studied in this paper by the SEM, the thermogravimetric  analyzer, and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Their mechanical  properties are also investigated for the whole hierarchy and each cascade as  well. In order to better demonstrate the superior survivability of cocoons  in harsh environments, air permeability and moisture vapor transmission rate  of the silkworm cocoon are tested. The results show the silkworm cocoons  have excellent air permeability and moisture vapor transmission rate. A  better understanding of different cocoons' bio-functions will be of  particular importance to design thermal textiles and provide better comfort  and safety for clothing in future.