MASTER LIST OF EXPERIMENTS

TEXTILE AND ENGINEERING INSTITUTE, ICHALKARANJI

EXPERIMENT LIST
DKTES Course: Applications and Characterization of
Manual No:
TEI DKTE-HONS-ACTT-01-TT Technical Textiles-LAB (TNP709)

Laboratory: Textile Testing Year/Part/: 2022-23-Technical Textiles (Honors)

Department: Textiles Issue No.: 01 Issue Date: 02/7/2022 Page 01 of 23

Sr. Expt. Rev Page

Experiment Description Rev. Date
No. No. No. No.
Evaluation of Flame Retardancy of Textile
1 1 01 02/06/2022 02
Material
Determination of Air Permeability of Technical
2 2 01 02/06/2022 04
Fabrics
3 3 Grab Test of Geotextiles 01 02/06/2022 05
4 4 Determination of Waterproofing Ability of Fabric 01 02/06/2022 07
5 5 Puncture Resistance Test of Geotextiles 01 02/06/2022 09
6 6 Ballistic Strength for Protective Textiles 01 02/06/2022 11
7 7 Estimation of Pore Size of Filter Fabric 01 02/06/2022 15
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Property of Textiles
8 8 01 02/06/2022 17
(Demo)
Determination of Tensile and Flexural Strength of
9 9 01 02/06/2022 19
Fibre Reinforced Composite
Detection of Functional Groups Present in Fibre
10 10 01 02/06/2022 22
Using FTIR (Demo)
PREPARED
APPROVED
BY:
BY:
Ashish Hulle Dr. S. D. Asagekar
 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 01
EVALUATION OF FLAME RETARDANCY OF TEXTILE MATERIAL

Aim: To test the flammability of textile fabric.

Scope: This test is used. 2 major and describe the properties of natural and synthetic

fabrics. In response to the flame under controlled lab conditions.

Terminology:
1. After flame: Persistence of flaming of materials under the specified test conditions. After

the ignition source has been removed.

2. After some time: The length of time for which a material continues to flame under the

specified test conditions after the ignition source has been removed (Also call duration of

Flame).

3. Afterglow: Persistence of glowing combustion of material under specified test conditions

after cessation of flaming or if no flaming occurs after removal of the ignition source.

4. Afterglow time: The time for which a material continues to afterglow under specified test

conditions after cessation of flaming or after removal of the ignition source ignoring

glowing debris.

Procedure:
1. The main power switch is set to off that is located on the left side of the front panel

2. The timer is set at zero

3. Move the rack to right using the lever arm located in the front panel. Place sample

holder in instruments sample rack.

4. Using the liver slide the rack to the left until the sample comes in contact with L shaped

locating arm. The burner tip now remains 5/16” away from the face of the specimen.

5. Adjust the flame to a length of 45mm

6. Start taking readings according to the following steps:

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

i. Step I: Flame application time is one minute. Measure after flame time, afterglow

time and char length. Test 3 specimens both in length-wise and width-wise

direction of the sample

ii. Step II (with ignited): Flame application time is 3 seconds after ignited. Measure

after flame time, afterglow time and char length. Test 2 specimens both in length-

wise and width-wise direction of the sample.

Observation Table:

After Flame Time (s) Afterglow Time (s) Char Length (mm)
Sr. No. Length Width Length Width Length Width
Wise Wise Wise Wise Wise Wise
S1-1

S1-2

S1-3

Mean

S2-1

S2-2

Mean

Results:

Conclusion:

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 02
DETERMINATION OF AIR PERMEABILITY OF TECHNICAL FABRICS

Aim: To Study the Air Permeability of a fabric for its suitability for various
applications.
Principle:
1. Air permeability: The air permeability of a fabric is the volume of air
permeability in cubic centimeters passed per second through 1 cm2 of fabric
under a pressure head of 1 cm of water.
2. The air resistance: The air resistance of a fabric is the time in seconds for 1
cm. of air to pass through 1 cm2 of fabric under a pressure head of 1 cm of
water.
3. Air porosity: The porosity of a fabric is the ratio of air space to the total
volume of the fabric expressed as a percentage.
Testing Procedure:
1. Start the machine
2. Select the appropriate disc for the fabric to be evaluated.
3. Select the appropriate valve disc and fit it.
4. Insert fabric between the measuring slot and close the clamp.
5. Start the machine and slowly increase the pressure.
6. When the water pressure valve shows a reading of 10.0, read the value and
note it down.
7. Take ten readings per sample.
8. Test three distinct types of fabric and comment.
Observation Table:
Sr. No. Air Permeability (cm3/cm2/sec)
1. Face Side Back Side
2.
3.
4.
5.
Avg.
Result:

Average Air Permeability (cm3/cm2/sec) = ………………….

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 03
GRAB TEST OF GEOTEXTILES

Aim: To determine the grab strength of geotextiles.

Scope: It prescribes methods for the determination of the grab strength of geotextiles.

Requirements: Universal tensile machine, a pair of scissors, template etc.

Principle: Strain gauge principal

Terminologies:

1. Breaking load: The maximum load, supported by a specimen in a tensile test

carried to rupture, expressed in kilogram weight.

2. Elongation at break: In a tensile test the difference between the length of

stretched specimen at breaking load and its initial length is expressed as a

percentage of initial weight.

3. Ravelled strip test: Strip in which specified width of specimen is obtained by

ravelling away yarns at the edges.

Procedure:

1. Before the test, the specimens shall be conditioned to moisture equilibrium in the
standard atmosphere of 65±2% relative humidity and 27±2℃ temperature.

2. Following a suitable sampling technique mark and cut five warp and weft samples
using the given template.

3. Remove cut threads from both sides of the sample to get a strip of exactly 5cm in width.
4. Set the clamps of the testing machine at 20cm.

5. Adjust the strength indicating pointer to zero position.

6. Clamp the specimen between two jaws, with some length of the fabric

extending beyond the jaws at each end.

7. Start the machine and carry the test to rupture.

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

8. Record the breaking load in kgf and elongation in cm.

9. Open both jaws and remove the broken sample.

10. Repeat the tests with the remaining test specimens.

Observations:

Machine Capacity: ________

Warp way Elongation Weft way Elongation

Sr Sr
Strength Strength
No. (cm) (%) No. (cm) (%)
(kgf) (kgf)

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 8

9 9

10 10

Result:

1 Avg. Warp Way Tensile Strength :…………….. Kgf

2 Avg. Warp Way Elongation :…………….. %

3 Avg. Weft Way Tensile Strength :…………….. Kgf

4 Avg. Weft Way Elongation :…………….. %

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 04
DETERMINATION OF WATERPROOFING ABILITY OF FABRIC

Aim: To estimate the Waterproofing ability of Fabric by Water Head Tester.

Apparatus: Hydrostatic Water Head Tester, Water, Waterproof Fabric Samples,

Scissor, etc.

Theory: The hydrostatic water head test indicates the effect of fabric structure on its

resistance to penetration by water. The resistance offered by the fabrics to penetration

of water is expressed in centimetres of the static head of water.

Procedure:

1. Cut the fabric sample to 100 X 100 mm size.

2. Wipe all water from the clamping surface.

3. Clamp the fabric specimen in a horizontal manner such that there is an air space

between the face of the fabric and the face of the water.

4. A circular area of the fabric (50 mm dia.) shall be subjected to a steadily

increasing water pressure on one face.

5. No leakage of water at the clamps shall occur during the test period.

6. The specimen shall not slip in the clamps.

7. Subject the specimen to increasing water pressure; the rate of increase of water

head shall be 100+/- 5 mm/min.

8. Watch continuously for evidence of penetration by water through the

specimen.

9. Carefully observe for drops of water forced through the cloth. Ignore drops

coming through the test specimen at the first two places.

10. Record the head of water in centimetres immediately when a drop of water

comes through a third place in the specimen.

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

11. Repeat the test for ten specimens.

Observation Table:

Water Head Pressure (cm)

Sr. No.
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

10

Mean

SD

CV%

Result:

1. Water Head Pressure of Sample A: ………………………. (cm)

2. Water Head Pressure of Sample A: ………………………. (cm)

3. Water Head Pressure of Sample A: ………………………. (cm)

Conclusion:

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 05
PUNCTURE RESISTANCE TEST OF GEOTEXTILES

Aim: To determine the compressional force required to puncture the nonwoven

fabrics.

Apparatus: Universal Tensile Machine, Nonwoven fabric, Scissor, Spanner, etc.

Theory:

The strength of the nonwoven fabric is checked in terms of needle puncture value. The

puncture value is the maximum force necessary to puncture the material and is

normalized by the specimen thickness. It represents the necessary force for complete

needle penetration into the fabric.

The results are important in comparing the behaviour of various materials in a

puncture test. However, the most important value determining the puncture

resistance is the normalized puncture force reported in lbs./inch.

Procedure:

1. Start the machine and go to bluehill 2.

2. Click on the test menu.

3. Select puncture test.

4. Give a sample file name and click next.

5. Enter operator ID, Company, and laboratory name.

6. Select the rate 1 as 1000mm/min and click next.

7. Adjust Anvil height to 0.51mm and rate 1 to 1000mm/min.

8. Make sure that the specimen is properly clamped in the test clamp.

9. Press the start button to start the test.

10. Take five readings per sample.

11. Write the results and comments.

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Observation Table:

Graph:

Results:

Conclusion:

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 06
BALLISTIC STRENGTH FOR PROTECTIVE TEXTILES
Aim: To determine ballistic strength of given yarn & fabric sample.

Scope: It prescribes a method to determine the work-of-rupture of yarn & fabric

Requirements: Pendulum Ballistic Tester, Wrap reel, scissor, scale etc.

Principle: Ballistic or impact principle.

Terminology:

Work of Rupture: The energy or work required to break the specimen is known as the

work of rupture.

Procedure (Yarn):

1. Check the Ballistic Tester:

i. Check for free movement of the Pendulum.

ii. Raise the pendulum to the maximum height and release the catch, check

that the pointer reaches the uppermost point on the left side & shows

zero reading.

2. Preparation of specimen:

i. The specimens shall be conditioned to moisture equilibrium in the

standard atmosphere of 65±2% relative humidity and

27±2℃ temperature.

ii. Prepare 120 yards lea, from each cop to give thirty specimens.

3. Breaking of specimen:

i. Clamp the lead in the jaws.

ii. Raise the pendulum.

i. Lock it at a maximum position on the right side.

ii. Bring the pointer to a vertical position.

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

iii. Now release the catch. The pendulum swings downwards & ruptures

all the threads. The upward swing (left side) depends on strength of the

lea.

iv. Hold the pendulum immediately.

v. Read the work of rupture with respect to the pointer.

vi. Bring the pointer again to the vertical position & remove the sample.

4. Repeat the procedure for the remaining samples.

5. Take fifteen readings and determine the Mean, standard deviation, and CV%.

Observations:

i. Yarn Material = ……………………….

ii. Yarn Number (Ne) = ……………………….

iii. Weight of pendulum (lb.) = ……………………….

Observation Table:

Sr. Ballistic Strength of Yarn (lbs. Sr. Ballistic Strength of Yarn

No. inch) No. ([Link])
1 10

2 11

3 12

4 13

5 14

6 15

7 Mean

8 SD

9 CV%

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Procedure (Fabric):

1. Preparation of Test specimen:

iii. The specimens shall be conditioned to moisture equilibrium in the

standard atmosphere of 65±2% relative humidity and 27±

2℃ temperature.

i. Mark & cut the fabric Sample of the size 1” × 18” using std. sampling

technique. Prepare five samples each for warp & weft.

2. Setting up of Pendulum:

i. Before conducting the test, the pendulum should be raised on the right-

hand side of the instruments & secure at the position indicating 90

inch*lb.

3. Testing of Specimen:

i. Clamp the fabric sample in the jaws.

ii. Raise the pendulum.

iii. Lock it at a maximum position on the right side.

iv. Bring the pointer to a vertical position.

v. Now release the catch. The pendulum swings downwards & ruptures

all the threads. The upward swing (left side) depends on strength of the

lea.

vi. Read the work of rupture with respect to the pointer.

Observations:

i. Fabric Material = ……………………….

ii. Fabric Type = ……………………….

iii. Weight of pendulum (lb.) = ……………………….

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Observation Table:

Ballistic Strength ([Link])

Sr. No.
Warp Way Weft Way
1

Mean

SD

CV%

Results:

Sr. No. Property [Link] Nm

1 Ballistic Strength of Yarn

3 Warp way Ballistic Strength of Fabric

4 Weft Ballistic Strength of Fabric

Conclusion:

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 07
ESTIMATION OF PORE SIZE OF FILTER FABRIC

Aim: To determine the pore size of nonwoven air filter fabric.

Scope: It prescribes the method of testing pore area, pore diameter of nonwoven fabric
using the projection microscope.

Apparatus: Needle punched nonwoven fabric, projection microscope, glass plate,

scissor, etc.

Terminology:
1. Porosity: Porosity can be defined as the total volume of void space contained within
the boundaries of a material.
2. Apparent opening size (AOS), O95: Apparent opening size is the approximate largest
particle that would effectively pass through the pore.

Procedure:
1. Cut a square fabric sample and place it on the microscope stage.
2. Select suitable magnification power.
3. Open the AxioVison software.
4. Click on the live button.
5. Adjust the focus, light etc. to get a clear image of pore on a computer screen.
6. Click on the capture button.
7. Click on the Outline tool icon present on tool bar
8. Using outline tool, trace the pore outline and record the pore area.
9. Slightly displace the sample to get new pore on screen and repeat the procedure from
step no. 5.
10. After taking required number of readings save all snapshots.

Observation Table:

Sr. No. Pore Area (µm2) Sr. No. Pore Area (µm2)

1 16

2 17

3 18

4 19

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

5 20

6 21

7 22

8 23

9 24

10 25

11 26

12 27

13 28

14 29

15 30

Results:

Average Pore Area (µm2) :

Largest Pore Area (µm2) :

Smallest Pore Area (µm2) :

SD :

CV (%) :

Conclusion:
Write the conclusions as per the obtained results.

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 08
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTY OF TEXTILES (Demo)

Aim: To determine the antimicrobial property of textiles using agar plate method.

Scope: It prescribes the method of determining zone of inhibition of bacteria on agar

plate due to presence of antimicrobial textiles.

Apparatus: Bio safety cabinet, Incubator, Autoclave, Tryptic soy bruth, Weighing
Balance, Tryptic Soya agar, Cotton swab stick, Muller Hinton Agar, Forceps scissor,
Scale, etc.

Principle: This technique typically is used to separate microorganisms contained

within a small sample volume, which is spread over the surface of an agar plate,
resulting in the formation of discrete colonies distributed evenly across the agar
surface when the appropriate concentration of cells is plated.

Procedure:

1. Preparation Bacterial Culture

A. Preparation of TSA
i. Dissolve 40g of Tryptic Soya agar in l lit. water
ii. Shake and heat (Autoclave: 121°C, 15 lb. p., 15 min.)
iii. Pore in sterile petri dish and cool
B. Preparation of TSB
i. Dissolve 30g of Tryptic Soya bruth in l lit. water
ii. Autoclave: 10 ml. 121°C, 15 lb. p., 15 min.
C. Preparation of MHA
i. Dissolve 38g of Muller Hinton Agar in l lit. water
ii. Shake and heat (Autoclave: 121°C, 15 lb. p., 15 min.)
iii. Pore in sterile petri dish and cool
2. Preparation of Culture Plate
i. Put bacteria in Soya bruth (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and
Escherichia coli)
ii. Incubate at 36 degrees for 24 hrs.
3. Collation of Culture Plate
i. Dip a sterile cotton swab into the standardized bacterial suspension
ii. Inoculate the agar by streaking with the swab containing the inoculum

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

iii. Rotate the plate by 60° and repeat the rubbing procedure. Repeat two times. This
will ensure an even distribution of the inoculum.
iv. Allow the surface of the medium to dry for 3-5 minutes but not longer than 15
minutes to allow for absorption of excess moisture.
4. Sample preparation and placement incubation
i. Cut the small piece of sample and incubate at 35℃ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 24 ℎ𝑟𝑠.
ii. After incubation put the sample in agar plate prepared in step 4.
iii. As per the need, compare with the control sample.

Observations:

1. Bacteria: Bacillus subtilis / Staphylococcus aureus / Escherichia coli/________________

2. Zone of Inhibition (mm) of control sample: _______________ (mm)

Observation Table:

Sample No. Zone of Inhibition (mm)

Average

Result:

Average Zone of Inhibition (mm):

Conclusion:
Write the conclusions as per the obtained results.

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 09
DETERMINATION OF TENSILE AND FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF FIBRE
REINFORCED COMPOSITE (Demo)

Aim: To determine the tensile and flexural strength of FRC.

Scope: It prescribes the method of determining tensile and flexural strength of fibre
reinforced composite using universal tensile machine.

Apparatus: Universal Tensile Machine, Textile Reinforced composite Panels, Table Saw,
Marker, etc.
Theory:
1. Tensile Properties of Composites: ASTM D3039 tensile testing is used to measure the
force required to break a polymer composite specimen and the extent to which the
specimen stretches or elongates to that breaking point. Tensile tests produce a stress-
strain diagram, which is used to determine tensile modulus. The data is often used to
specify a material, to design parts to withstand application force and as a quality
control check of materials. Since the physical properties of many materials can vary
depending on ambient temperature, it is sometimes appropriate to test materials at
temperatures that simulate the intended end use environment.
2. Flexural Properties of Composites: The flexural test measures the force required to
bend a beam under three point loading conditions. The data is often used to select
materials for parts that will support loads without flexing. Flexural modulus is used
as an indication of a material’s stiffness when flexed. Since the physical properties of
many materials (especially thermoplastics) can vary depending on ambient
temperature, it is sometimes appropriate to test materials at temperatures that
simulate the intended end use environment.

Specimen Preparation
1. Tensile Strength: The most common specimen for ASTM D3039 is a constant
rectangular cross section, 25 mm (1 in) wide and 250 mm (10 mm) long. Optional tabs
can be bonded to the ends of the specimen to prevent gripping damage. For most of
the other test methods a dog bone shaped specimen is required to be prepared which
is illustrated in figure 1.
2. Flexural Strength: A variety of specimen shapes can be used for this test, but the most
commonly used specimen size for ASTM is 3.2mm x 12.7mm x 125mm (0.125" x 0.5" x
5.0") and for ISO is 10mm x 4mm x 80mm.

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Figure 1 Composite Speciment for Tensile Strength Test

Procedure (Tensile Strength):

1. Before the test, the specimens shall be conditioned to moisture equilibrium in the
standard atmosphere of 65±2% relative humidity and 27±2℃ temperature.
2. Following a suitable sampling technique mark and cut five samples using table saw.
3. Set the clamps of the testing machine at required gauge length.
4. Clamp the specimen between two jaws.
5. A typical test speed for standard test specimens is 2 mm/min (0.05 in/min).
6. Start the machine and carry the test to rupture.
7. Record Tensile strength (MPa or PSI), Tensile chord modulus of elasticity (MPA or
PSI), Tensile strain (%), Poisson’s ratio, Transition Strain (%)
8. Refer table 1 and record specimen failure mode.
9. Open both jaws and remove the broken sample.
10. Repeat the tests with the remaining test specimens.

Note: Depending upon the reinforcement and type, testing in more than one
orientation may be necessary.

Procedure (Flexural Strength):

1. Before the test, the specimens shall be conditioned to moisture equilibrium in the
standard atmosphere of 65±2% relative humidity and 27±2℃ temperature.
2. Following a suitable sampling technique mark and cut five samples using table saw.
3. Use suitable jaws for 3 point/ 4 point bending tests.
4. Set the support span according on the specimen thickness. (Standard Span Length to
Thickness Ratio=16:1, 32:1, 40:1,64:1)
5. Start the machine and carry the test to rupture (Read Note).
6. Record flexural stress at yield, flexural strain at yield, flexural stress at break, flexural
strain at break, flexural stress at 3.5% (ISO) or 5.0% (ASTM) deflection, flexural
modulus.
7. Refer table 2 and record specimen failure mode.
8. Repeat the tests with the remaining test specimens.

Note:
For ASTM D790, the test is stopped when the specimen reaches 5% deflection, or the
specimen breaks before 5%. For ISO 178, the test is stopped when the specimen

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

breaks. If the specimen does not break, the test is continued as far a possible and the
stress at 3.5% (conventional deflection) is reported.

Failure Mode Tables

Table 1 Failure Mode Table for Tebsile Properties

Table 2 Failure Mode Table for Flexural Properties

Result:

Tensile Properties
1. Tensile strength (MPa or PSI), :
2. Tensile chord modulus of elasticity (MPA or PSI) :
3. Tensile strain (%) :
4. Poisson’s ratio :
5. Transition Strain (%) :

Flexural Properties
1. Flexural stress at yield :
2. Flexural strain at yield :
3. Flexural stress at break :
4. Flexural strain at break :
5. Flexural stress at ___% deflection :
6. Flexural modulus :

Conclusion:
Write the conclusions as per the obtained results.

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

Date: Dry Bulb Temp. (°F)

Wet Bulb Temp. (°F)
R.H. (%)

EXPERIMENT NO. 10
DETECTION OF FUNCTIONAL GROUPS PRESENT IN FIBRE USING FTIR
(Demo)

Aim: To detect the functional groups present in textile substrate using FTIR

Scope: It prescribes the method of determining functional groups present in textile

substrate using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.
Theory:
What is FTIR?
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, also known as FTIR Analysis or FTIR
Spectroscopy, is an analytical technique used to identify organic, polymeric, and, in
some cases, inorganic materials. The FTIR analysis method uses infrared light to scan
test samples and observe chemical properties.

Principle:
The FTIR instrument sends infrared radiation of about 10,000 to 100 cm-1 through a
sample, with some radiation absorbed and some passed through. The absorbed
radiation is converted into rotational and/or vibrational energy by the sample
molecules. The resulting signal at the detector presents as a spectrum, typically from
4000 cm-1 to 400cm-1, representing a molecular fingerprint of the sample. Each
molecule or chemical structure will produce a unique spectral fingerprint, making
FTIR analysis a great tool for chemical identification.

Procedure:
1. Weigh out 200 mg of KBr. Add 1 mg of sample. Place the powders in the mortar and
pestle. Grind up the powder until it is thoroughly mixed.
2. Assemble the press. The silver "T" goes on the bottom. Put the silver collar on top.
Put the small silver disk in the collar. Place the powder in the die. Put the plunger in.
Make sure that the beveled part of the piston is on the outside of the press.
3. Place the pellet press on the hydraulic press. Bring the pressure up to 15 psi for 60
seconds. Relieve the pressure in the press. Invert the die and use the collar to
disgorge the pellet. Do this gently, since the KBr is very fragile.
4. The FTIR machine is purged by passing nitrogen gas through the sample chamber.
Put the plain KBr sample into the special holder.
5. Wait for the CO2 peak to disappear and take a background.
6. Remove the KBr pellet.
7. Place the sample in the holder and again, wait for the CO2 peak to disappear.

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 Application and Characterization of Technical Textiles

8. When ready, select “Sample Single Channel”

9. If you have more than one sample, repeat the steps above.

Procedure for measurements using pellet holder:

1. Open the top of the sample chamber and pull out the pellet holder assembly.
2. Install the blank KBr pellet.
3. Monitor the spectrum signal until the CO2 peak is minimized.
4. Select “Interferogram” then “Save Peak Position.
5. Run a background.
6. Open the top of the chamber to remove the holder assembly (immediately close to
reduce exposure to lab air).
7. Replace the blank KBr pellet with your sample pellet.
8. Monitor the spectrum signal until the CO2 peak is minimized.
9. Go back to the basic tab to run a sample scan.
10. If you have multiple KBr samples, you don’t have to do a new background each time
if you run them quickly.
11. If there is 30 minutes or more between scans it is probably a good idea to run a new
background as changes in temperature or other ambient variables could have a small
effect.

FTIR Spectral Interpretation

The x-axis—or horizontal axis—represents the infrared spectrum, which plots the
intensity of infrared spectra. The peaks, which are also called absorbance bands,
correspond with the various vibrations of the sample’s atoms when it’s exposed to the
infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. For mid-range IR, the wave number
on the infrared spectrum is plotted between 4,000 to 400 cm-1. The y-axis—or vertical
axis—represents the amount of infrared light absorbed or transmitted by the material
being analyzed.
Typically, absorbance bands are grouped within two types: Group frequencies and
fingerprint frequencies. Group frequencies are characteristic of small groups of atoms
or functional groups. As for fingerprint frequencies, these are highly characteristic of
the molecule as a whole; they tell what is going on within the molecule.
Once the initial testing and spectrum collection is complete, interpretation of FTIR
spectra comes next. Typically, interpreting FTIR spectra starts at the high frequency
end to identify the functional groups present. The fingerprint regions are then studied
to positively identify the compound. There are vast libraries of infrared spectra
available, allowing our team to compare unknown materials to ensure quick and
accurate identification.

Conclusion:
Write the conclusions as per the obtained results.

Hons. (Technical Textiles) – Lab Manual Page 23 of 23