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| burning fibers to identification fibers |
Fiber identification- Since it is not easy to distinguish one
type of fiber from another merely by sight and touch, textile fiber can be
identified in three different methods
1. Touching the fiber
Touching the fibers method can only be done by skill and experience
people, not everyone can do. A fiber expert easily can identify the fiber type
by touching or hand feeling the fiber, then he can say “ this is cotton”
2.
Burning test method
Since every fiber has different properties if fibers are burned. Based on
this method, fiber can be identified. Textile fiber can be identified using a
burn test. As each fiber group reacts differently to flame, hence, a
generalization could be made.
To do a burn test, differentiate between the warp and weft yarns in a
fabric to be tested. Select and pull the yarn from its contruction. Hold one
end and bring a lighted match close to the other end. It is wise to use a
longer yarn length to avoid any injuries during the burning. After the yarn has
been burned, smell and touch the tip for the after effect characteristics.
The following table describes a burning characteristic of various fibers.
But, burning characteristics of cellulosic fiber is similar so that we cannot
identified between cotton and ramie for example if we based on burning test.
Similarly, animal hair fibers also have the same characteristics when burning.
Thus, to be accurate, we have to test it in the laboratory.
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Fibers
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Burns
or melts
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Shrinks
from flame
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Odor
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Residue
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Other
properties
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Cotton
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Burns only
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No
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Burning paper, leaves, or wood
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Fine, feathery, gray ash
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After glow
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Flax, jute, hemp, ramie
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All burning
characteristics same as for cotton
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Wool, mohair, cashmere, alpaca
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Burn only
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Yes
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Very strong odor of burning hair or
chicken feathers
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Black, hollow, irregulat bead that
crushes easily to a gritty, black powder
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Self extinguishing
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Silk
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All burning characteristic same as for
wool, except odor is not as strong and may smell like charred or burning meta
(no sulfur content as in wool)
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Acetate
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Burns and melts
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yes
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combination of burning paper and
vinegar
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Dark, hard, solid bead
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Acrylic
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Burns and melts
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Yes
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Broiled fish or acid
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Hard, irregularly shaped, black bead
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Flame given off black smoke; sputters
when burning
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Nylon
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Burns and melts
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Yes
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Celery
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Hard, cream –colors bead; if fibers
are overheated, bead become dark
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Flaming usually caused by finish
present;
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Polyester
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Burns and melts
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Yes
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Sweet chemical
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Hard cream – colored bead; if fibers
are overheated bead become dark
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Drops of melted fiber may fall from heated
portion of sample; flame give off black smoke
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Spandex
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Burns and melt
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Yes
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Chemical
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Soft, black ash
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3.
Chemical analysis dan Microscopic
The most accurate and sophisticated method to identify the fiber is
chemical analysis using some apparatus in the laboratory. All fibers can be analyzed
using chemical solution. It’s take more time and also expensive.
