Degummálás

Degummálás is a Hungarian term referring to the process of removing gums from raw silk. This is a crucial step in silk processing that prepares the silk for dyeing and other finishing treatments. Raw silk, as it comes from the silkworm, is covered in a natural gummy substance called sericin. This sericin gives the silk a stiff, dull appearance and prevents it from absorbing dyes evenly.

The degumming process typically involves boiling the raw silk threads in a solution of water and soap or alkali. The heat and the alkaline nature of the solution break down the sericin, causing it to dissolve and wash away from the silk fibers. This process softens the silk, makes it lustrous, and increases its absorbency, which is essential for achieving vibrant and uniform colors during dyeing. The amount of sericin removed can vary, influencing the final texture and weight of the silk. More thorough degumming results in a finer, lighter, and more pliable silk, often referred to as "degummed silk" or "pure silk." The wastewater from the degumming process contains the dissolved sericin and must be treated appropriately.