Silk: Materials, Processes, and Applications (The Textile Institute Book Series)

Silk: Materials, Processes, and Applications addresses the latest research on the structure and properties of silk fibers, properties of silk-based materials, and cutting edge-related industrial practices. It pays particular attention to mulberry silk, but unconventional silks such as spider silk and marine silk fibers are also covered.

Although silk is one of the oldest known fibers, new research continues to shed light on its properties, leading it to be applied in new contexts particularly in the medical field, and new non-textile areas. In addition to structural and mechanical qualities, this book also includes a great deal of new research on the chemical modifications of silk fibers, and other processing methods.

With a focus on practical methodologies, this is the most readable and readily applicable book on silk so far, making it a perfect guide for readers with a range of backgrounds.

• Addresses the fundamental differences between mulberry, spider, and wild silks
• Describes silk fiber and non-fiber forms, including hydrogels and films
• In-depth coverage of silk-processing methods provides the perfect starting point for biotechnologists interested in the use of silk for non-textile applications

Narendra Reddy is a prominent researcher in the field of biopolymeric materials. He currently holds the position of Professor and Ramalingaswami fellow at the Center for Incubation Innovation Research and Consultancy. He obtained his doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in USA in the year 2006. He has published about 175 research papers in high impact journals, five books and 12 book chapters. He also holds an US patent. His work has been reported by CNN, Discovery, Nature, American Chemical Society and other major news agencies. He was a recipient of the prestigious Ramalingaswami Fellowship from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. He has received funding for his research from DST, DBT and CEFIPRA (India-France joint funding). He is also the founder of a start-up “Agringenium Innovations Private Limited” which has been selected by Niti Aayog for funding through the Atal New India Challenge (ANIC).