Technical Checklist for JRF Interview - Central Silk Board
Project: Development of Compression Socks using Mulberry and Eri Silk Fibre
1. Silk Fibre Chemistry & Structure
- Molecular structure of fibroin and sericin
- Degumming mechanisms: chemical (alkaline), enzymatic, eco-friendly methods
- Comparison: Mulberry vs. Eri silk (morphology, luster, tenacity, thermal properties)
- Secondary structure: beta-sheets in fibroin and their role in mechanical strength
- Impact of sericin removal on dyeability, handle, and biocompatibility
- FTIR and DSC analysis of silk fibres (if available in literature)
2. Fibre Properties & Suitability for Compression Garments
- Tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus of both silk types
- Staple length, fineness (denier), and crimp in Eri vs. filament Mulberry silk
- Elastic recovery (in blends with elastomeric fibers)
- Moisture regain, breathability, and thermoregulation
- Silk-spandex blending: ratio optimization for elastic recovery
3. Yarn Formation & Processing
- Spinning processes: ring, rotor, friction, core-spun yarns
- Eri silk spinning: preparation and challenges in carding/drawing
- Core-spun and covered yarns with spandex/Lycra for compression functionality
- Twist level effects on fabric compression behavior
- Yarn conditioning and finishing (softening agents, anti-static)
4. Fabric Construction for Compression Socks
- Seamless knitting (circular knitting) machines for graduated compression
- Weft-knitted structures: single jersey, 1x1 rib, interlock
- Influence of loop length, stitch density, and tuck/miss stitches
- Zoning techniques in socks (varying pressure regions: ankle, calf)
- Flat vs. cylindrical knitting for orthotic textile design
- Use of CAD in compression sock pattern programming
5. Compression Mechanics & Pressure Gradient Design
- Principles of graduated compression therapy (mmHg pressure zones)
- Clinical compression classes: Class I-IV (mild to strong compression)
- Design considerations: pressure decay, shape retention, fatigue resistance
- Pressure measurement methods: HATRA, MST, Kikuhime devices
- Sock size grading and anthropometric considerations
- Elastic hysteresis and creep resistance in sock materials
6. Testing & Evaluation (Textile Standards)
- Compression pressure test standards (BS 6612, ISO 15538)
- Tensile and bursting strength (ASTM D5034, ISO 13938-1)
- Air permeability and moisture vapor transmission (ISO 9237, ISO 11092)
- Stretch and recovery (ASTM D2594, ASTM D3107)
- Wash durability, shape retention (AATCC 135/150)
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic testing standards
7. Biomedical Textile Aspects
- Biocompatibility of silk: fibroin film and wound healing literature
- Skin-friendliness and allergenicity (especially for diabetic patients)
- Antimicrobial finishes: chitosan, herbal extracts (neem, tulsi), silver nanoparticles
- Anti-odor and anti-fungal treatments for socks
- Medical textile regulations: ISO 13485, biotextile validation
8. Dyeing & Finishing (Textile Chemistry Focus)
- Dyeing behavior of silk with acid dyes, reactive dyes (for blends)
- pH, temperature, and exhaustion profile for silk dyeing
- Functional finishes: moisture management, softeners, antimicrobial agents
- Crosslinking agents and formaldehyde-free finishes
- Fastness properties: light, perspiration, washing (ISO/AATCC methods)
9. Sustainability & Ethical Sericulture
- Eri silk as Ahimsa (non-violent) silk - production and market relevance
- Eco-profile of silk: biodegradability, energy consumption in processing
- Sericulture in NE India and Karnataka - practices and challenges
- Women's empowerment and rural employment via silk production
- Natural dyeing and green chemistry initiatives in silk processing
10. Research Trends & Publications (Bonus)
- Latest research on silk-based compression wear
- Studies on blending natural fibers with elastomers
- Biomedical applications of silk fibroin in tissue engineering
- Central Silk Board publications or patents related to hosiery or biomedical silk
