ESR signals from silk fabrics irradiated by UV -rays

ESR studies were done on UV-ray irradiated silk fabric samples at room temperature. Different types of UV lamps were used and similar ESR signals were observed. The results indicate that UV-rays can produce free radicals for graft-copolymerization of monomer onto silk fibers without external additives or co additives, Also, radicals in silk fabrics irradiated by UV-rays are purer than that irradiated by γ-rays. The study suggests that UV-lights may be a better tool to improve properties of silk fabrics by grafting monomers onto the polymer chains.