Author(s): Meenakshi Tamta and Surabhi Mahajan

Abstract:
India is an important sericulture country in the tropics. It occupies an eminent place in global sericulture map as it is the homeland of all four varieties of natural silks: mulberry, tasar, eri and muga. Eri silk is a staple fiber unlike all other silks which are filament in nature. The texture of the fiber is coarse, fine and dense. It is very strong, durable and elastic. Eri silk is darker and heavier than other silk types. Due to its thermal properties, it is warm in winter and cool in summer. It mainly consists of fibroin and sericin along with very small amounts of waxy substances, mineral salts and coloring matter. The unique properties of this fiber in terms of its fineness, density, cross sectional shape and surface properties play an important role in determining its end use.It has immense potential for commercial exploitation by making finest quality blankets, sweaters and suiting materials. Besides, there is a good scope for eri silk to be used with other fibres to develop blended materials. Eri silk is becoming popular now-a-days in growing concern for eco-friendly products as it is obtained without affecting the natural life cycle of the silk worm and hence it is also called the peace silk.