FABRIC IDENTIFICATION METHODS

Fabrics resemble one another in appearance and texture, so the above factors alone are not enough for
proper identification of fabrics. Other methods of identifying fabrics include;

a. Strength test

b. Microscopic examination

c. Burning test

SIMPLE SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENT AND TEST

These are tests which are performed on fabrics in the laboratory for the purpose of identification of
fabrics. These includes;

1. Microscopic test

2. Burning (flame) test

3. Reaction to chemicals

4. Strength test

A. MICROSCOPIC TEST

APPARATUS---: 1. 2 Microscopes (high and low lenses)

2. Fabric yarns

3. Cello tape

4. Aslide

PROCEDURES

i. Set the microscopes

ii. Pull the yarn or thread from the fabric to be identified and placed on the slide

iii. Separate the thread with a dissecting needle and hold it in place

iv. Guide each student to view the specimen under the low and high lenses

v. Make your observation while viewing under both lenses

OBSERVATION

Observe the fibre to see whether it is flat, round with internal swellings or nodes, twisted, smooth,
covered with scales or not etc.

B. FLAME (BURNING TEST)

APPARATUS---: 1. Bunsen burner, gas ring or stove

2. Small pieces of different fabrics

 3. A pair of metal forceps

4. A box of matches

5. A crucible

PROCEDURES

i. Put the fabric near the flame- melts, shrinks or creases

ii. Put the fabric into the flame- melts, burns or smoulders

iii. Withdraw the fabric from the flame- continues to burn, goes off with smoke etc

NOTE: Each fibre acts differently under these three conditions

OBSERVATION

1. The rate of burning or melting

2. If it continues to burn out of the flame