[Natalie Kilgore]
[H002]
[2/21/19]
[Maggie Staples]
Exercise #4
Fiber Analysis
[Brittney Blackwell, Shantel Dixion, Kiara]
Introduction
The purpose of this lab was to learn how to identify fibers by using different test. For this
lab three different test were performed. These test were a burn test, a solvent test, and a stain test.
The burn test consisted of a fiber being burned and observing the color change, smell, and how
quickly the fiber burned. This form of identification could be used in criminal cases that involve
fire. The solvent test consisted of each fiber being placed in acetone, hydrochloric acid, and
sodium hypochlorite. The solvent test was used to identify fibers based on if they dissolved in
the different solutions. The stain test was used to stain the fibers so that they could be viewed
under a microscope.
Materials and Equipment
Acetone
Hydrochloric acid
Sodium hypochlorite
Vinegar
Fiber identification stain
Test tubes
Test tube rack
Candle
Matches
Microscope
Microscope slides
Microscope coverslips
Hot plate
1
Beaker
Water
Forceps
Multi-fiber fabric
Pipets
Procedure
Burn Test
Take samples of each fiber from the multi-fiber fabric with forceps
Light a match to ignite candle
Use the forceps to hold one fiber at a time over the candle flame
Record the smell, how quick the fiber ignited, residue, and if there was color change
Repeat these steps with each piece of the 6 fibers
Solvent Test
Place 18 test tubes in a test tube rack making 3 rows of 6
Label the first row of test tubes A1-A6 and add 1 ml of acetone to this row of test tubes
Label the second row of test tubes H1-H6 and add 1 ml of hydrochloric acid to this row
of test tubes
Label the third row of test tubes S1-S6 and add 1 ml of sodium hypochlorite to this row
of test tubes
Use the forceps to pull one of each fiber from the multi-fiber fabric
Cut each fiber into three pieces
Put one piece of the fiber in a test tube on row one, row two, and row three
2
Repeat these steps for all 6 fibers
Let the fibers sit in the test tubes for 10 minutes
Record data
Stain Test
Place beaker on hot plate
Place multi-fiber fabric in the beaker
Add water until the fabric is covered
Bring the water to a boil
Use a pipet to drop 3ml of Fiber Identification Stain into the boiling water
Remove the fabric with forceps
Rinse the fabric with room temperature water
Dry the fabric on paper towel
Record data
Microscope Examination
Take 6 microscope slides and label them, Acetate, Cotton, Nylon, Silk, Viscose, and
Wool
Use the forceps to pull each fiber from the stained fabric
Place each fiber on their labeled microscope slide
Place a drop of water on each of the slides then place cover slides over the drops of
water
Observe each slide under the microscope
Record data
Data/Results
3
4
Acetate
5
Cotton
6
Nylon
Unknown (Cotton) Silk
7
Silk
Viscose
8
Wool
Conclusion/Discussion
The purpose of this lab was to learn how to identify fibers based on different test and the
results of those test. During this lab an unknown fiber sample was given to be identified. The
unknown sample burned immediately when exposed to a flame. The unknown sample also
turned a white color when exposed to a stain test. The results of these test with the unknown
were congruent with results of the test when cotton was tested.