Naslov
The Mechanical Properties of Mediterranean Wild Silk Fibres

Autori
Jugov, Nikola ; Brunšek, Ružica

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, prošireni sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
Book of 11th International Advances in Applied Physics & Materials Science Congress & Exhibition / - , 2021, 75-76

Skup
11th International Advances in Applied Physics and Materials Science Congress & Exhibition (APMAS 2021)

Mjesto i datum
Ölüdeniz, Turska, 17.10.2021. - 23.10.2021

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
Mediterranean wild silk, Pine processionary moth, Thaumatopoea pityocampa schiff, Cultivated silk fibres, Properties

Sažetak
Pine processionary, Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff, is a moth that belongs to the family Thaumatopoeidae, subfamily Thaumatopoea Hbn. The larvae of pine processionary moth are the main pest of pines all over the world, but mainly in Mediterranean region. Pine processionary is considered a serious pest because caterpillars graze pine needles necessary for life of the tree, and significantly reduces the total value of riparian forests. The defence mechanism of the pine processionary caterpillar is the release of tiny needle-like hairs, which inject poison into whatever the caterpillar feels threatened. Therefore, the contact with pine processionary caterpillar can produce a strong inflammatory reaction on skin and mucous membranes what can be dangerous for both humans and animals. As a moth, it has no means of causing a harm ; it is only during the development as a caterpillar. There are only a few ways to control the pine processionary caterpillar: mechanical control (mechanical removal of nests and destroying the caterpillars), chemical control (applying insecticides) and biological control (by predators, parasites and viruses). By applying any of these methods, complete eradication of one pest species is impossible. From an ecological point of view, they could be even harmful by disturbing the biological balance necessary for normal functioning of ecosystems. It is therefore obvious that today’s research is based only on the mass appearance of Mediterranean wild silk, without destroying the natural balance and their attention was not focused on the fibres. Systematic studies of fibres from unconventional sources, such as Mediterranean wild silk, opens up the possibility of exploiting raw materials that are a special problem in today's ecosystem. Finding technology isolating the fibres from the nest, raw materials can be obtained for further processing with removing pests at the same time. The aim of this article is to increase knowledge about the mechanical properties (fineness, tenacity and elongation at break) of Mediterranean wild silk and compared with the cultivated raw silk fibers, Bombyx mori. Investigations were performed on Mediterranean wild silk taken from two silken nests mechanically separated from the pine tree in 2018. Prior to the study, a fibre demineralization procedure was performed. Mediterranean wild silk cocoons are difficult or impossible to reel under conditions that work well for cocoons of the Mulberry silkmoth, Bombyx mori due to the presence of mineral deposits and difficulty in removing sericin. Therefore, it is necessary removed minerals from the surface of silk fibres without removing or modifying the sericin. Prior to the study, a fibre demineralization procedure was performed. Analysis of mechanical properties of Mediterranean wild silk fibres shows that Mediterranean wild silk fibres are finer with much higher elongation at break compared to cultivated raw silk fibres. Its tenacity is lower than the tenacity of cultivated raw silk. Silk fibres produced by wild Thaumetopea insects have properties suitable for commercial applications. However, further research is necessary to study the chemical and physical composition and potential applications for the wild silk. In addition, it is necessary to exam and find a safe way circumventing defence system of the pine processionary caterpillar.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Tekstilna tehnologija

POVEZANOST RADA