Difference Between Silk and Wool

Last updated on August 11th, 2023 at 10:36 pm

Table of Contents

Definition of Silk

Silk is called the queen of fibres. It is a natural fibre (Protein) obtained from the cocoons of the silk silkworm. It is a continuous natural filament fibre.

Definition Of Wool

Wool is also a natural fibre obtained from sheep and other animals like goats, rabbits, camels, etc. It is 100% natural, biodegradable and renewable natural fibre. It is also Wrinkle resistant, Naturally breathable, Naturally elastic, Easy to care for, and Stain resistant.

The Basic Difference Between Silk and Wool

Subject	Silk	Wool
Composition	It has carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. It is attacked by carpet beetles.	It has hydrogen, carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. It is harmed by moths and beetles.
Elasticity	It has extended polypeptide chains and is less elastic and resilient.	It has folded polypeptide chains and is more elastic and resilient.
Strength	It is very crystalline and is less absorbent.	It has more amorphous areas and more absorbent.
Dimensional Stability	It is a solid fibre.	It has four parts in its fibre structure and therefore shrinks and felts.
Texture	It is smooth. White silk is smoother and more lustrous.	White wool fibre has crimp which is molecular. Therefore wool is warmer and more resilient.
Length	It is usually a filament and is smooth.	It is a staple fibre and is fuzzy.
Hygroscopic Nature	Since it has a very crystalline polymer system, it is less absorbent than wool.	It is more absorbent.
Thermal Properties	It is more sensitive to heat.	It is less sensitive to heat.
Effect of Acids	It is degraded more than wool because of the absence of disulfide bonds, perspiration which is acidic will cause the breakdown of silk polymer.	It is degraded less than silk.