Fiber Analytical Lab

K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology - Autonomous R 2018

50 TT 3P1 - Fibre Science Laboratory
B.Tech. Textile Technology
Hours / Week Credit Maximum Marks
Semester Total hrs
L T P C CA ES Total
III 0 0 4 45 2 60 40 100
• To impart knowledge on identification of fibres by physical test.
• To impart knowledge on identification of fibres by chemical test.
Objective(s)
• To impart knowledge on determination of fibre density.
• To impart knowledge on blending of fibres.
At the end of the course, the students will be able to
1. View the given fibre using microscope and identify the textile fibres.
2. Identify the given fibre by burning test and solubility test.
Course 3. Evaluate the fibre maturity using caustic soda swelling method.
Outcomes 4. Compute the amount of spin finish in synthetic fibres.
5. Calculate fibre blend proportion of the given sample by solubility method.

List of Experiments

1. Identification of fibres by microscopic view using projection microscope.

2. Identification of fibres by flammability characteristics (Burning test) of fibers.
3. Identification of fibers by solubility tests.
4. Determination of fibre maturity using caustic soda swelling method.
5. Determination of moisture regain and moisture content of fibers.
6. Estimation of percentage of spin finishes in synthetic fibers through Soxhlet extraction.
7. Determination of blend proportion of P/C blends by solubility method.
8. Determination of blend proportion of C/V blends by solubility method.
9. Determination of blend proportion of P/V blends by solubility method.
10. Determination of blend proportion of P/W blends by solubility method.

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Introduction about Identification of Textile Fibres

Let us see how we can identify different textile fibres. The knowledge of identifying the textile fibres
helps a producer of garments to identify the type of fibre and the care to be taken in maintaining the
fabrics made of particular type of fibre. This is important factor for labeling of the garments, which
includes specifying the fibre content in the garment. There are different tests which could be used for
the identification of the textile fibres such as burning test, microscopic test, solubility test, optical test,
density test etc.

Non Technical Methods of Identification of Fibres

Non technical testing does not require any special equipment or setting for identification of fibre. The
different non technical methods of identifying the textile fibres are:

· Feeling Test · Burning Test

These tests are useful and simple to perform and also provide ready identification under certain
circumstances.

Technical Tests

These tests are more reliable than the non technical tests as high technology laboratory equipment are
used to identify the textile fibres. These tests require skilled personnel who can handle and use the
equipment and chemicals for the analysis of the textile fibres. The different types of technical tests are
as follows:

· Microscopic tests

· Chemical tests

Microscopic Test: Microscopic tests are mainly used for natural fibre. The test identifies the natural
fibres more easily as compared to manmade ones. Synthetic fibres are very similar in appearance and
the increase in the number of varieties makes it a little tough to distinguish the fibres even under a
microscope. The longitudinal and cross sectional view of the fibres help in identifying the textile fibres.

Feeling Test: This is the first step in the identification of the textile fibres. It involves holding the fabric
and running the fingers in lengthwise direction and in circle. Different fibres exhibit different behaviors
when the fingers are run over it. The characteristics of the textile fibres are given below:

Cotton: As cotton fibres have high degree of heat conductivity, the fibre is cool to touch. The fabric
appears to be soft and it is inelastic.

Linen: Linen being a vegetable fibre has a high degree of heat conductivity and hence like cotton fabric
is cool to touch. The fabric feels smooth to touch.

Wool: The wool fabric is a non-conductor of heat and hence is warm to touch. When you move the
fingers on the fabric, the heat generated does not pass out and hence the fabric feels warm. The fabric
feels elastic and is springy to touch.

Silk: Silk being an animal fibre is warm to touch as it is a non-conductor of heat. The fabric appears
lustrous and is smooth to touch.
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Rayon: Rayon being manmade cellulose fibre is a good conductor of heat and the fabric is cool to
touch. The fabric is lustrous, smooth and inelastic.

Acetate and triacetate: These are little warmer to touch when compared to rayon which is due to the
cellulose acetate content. The fabric feels smoother, is elastic and lustrous.

Nylon: The fabric is smooth to touch and is elastic. The most prominent feature of nylon is its light
weight. The fabric feels warmer on touch.

Polyester: The fabric feels warmer and is a bit stiffer to touch.

Acrylic: The acrylic fabric resembles the wool fabric in many of its characteristics. The fabric is warm
to touch but is of light weight when compared to wool.

Spandex: These are bad conductors of heat and hence are warmer to touch. These are light in weight
and are elastic in nature.

The feeling test explained above is characteristic to each of these fibres. However, the properties
exhibited by the fabric depends upon the type of fibre used, yarn construction, treatments to which they
are subjected to and the construction of the fabric. For instance, fabrics made from filament yarns are
more slippery; the compactly constructed nylon fabric is warmer when compared to the nylon fabric
with open construction.

Burning Test: This test involves subjecting a sample of fabric to the burning flame. To understand the
properties of the fibres to the burning test, the sample should be moved slowly towards the flame and
following reactions are to be noted:

· Approaching Flame: includes how the fabric reacts when it is taken near the flame

· Inside Flame: includes how the fabric reacts when it comes in contact with the flame. The colour of
the flame and the smell also needs to be noted.

· Outside the Flame: includes how the fabric reacts when it is removed from the flame.

· Residue: includes the left over matter of the burnt fabric

Expt. No: 01 Identification of fibres by microscopic view using projection microscope.

Date :

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Aim:

To examine the morphological structure of given textile fiber with the help of microscope.

Theory:
The longitudinal & cross sectional views are called as morphological structure. The binocular
microscope is used to observe the view of the textile fibers.

Microscopic examination of textile fibers provides a rapid & accurate result for the identification
of longitudinal view, and is used to identify the fibers.

Apparatus Specifications

Projection/Binocular Microscope with low magnification (4X, 10X) and High magnification (20X
and above)

Setting made for examinations

Eye piece ------ 10X

Lens--------------60X

Procedure
Each textile fiber has its own distinctive structural shape and markings. So the fibre can be
identified easily, when it is viewed through a microscope. Few fibres are drawn by means of tweezers
and placed on a glass slide. If any fibres are seen overlapped they are spread accordingly to have a
single layer of fibre on the slide with enough spacing. Place the top slide over the sample. Adjust the
knob till it gets clear magnification. Fix the position and view it through the eye piece. The enlarged
views of the fibres are seen through the eye piece. The fibres are classified according to the shape and
structure. The microscopic appearances of different fibres are given below.

S.No Fibre Longitudinal view

1 Cotton A collapsed, spirally twisted tube with a rough surface
2 Silk Irregular elliptical, some time separate, some time twisted, no striations
3 Wool Irregular and roughly cylindrical with prominent scales marking or flattened
plates.

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4 Viscose Uniform diameter with striations running parallel to the fibre axis
5 Polyester Very regular rod like appearance
6 Nylon Very regular rod like appearance
7 Polypropylene Uniform in diameter, rod like structure appearance

Microscope view of cotton fiber

Cross Sectional View Longitudinal View

Microscope view of Wool fiber

Cross Sectional View Longitudinal View

Inference

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Result:
Longitudinal views of various textile fibres were studied.

ViVa-Voce Questions:
1. What are the various technical identification tests?
2. What are non technical identification test?
3. What do you meant by convolution?
4. What is a lumen?
5. Which fibre has triangular shape in cross sectional view?

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

Signature of the Faculty

Expt. No: 02
Date :

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STUDY OF FLAMMABILITY CHARACTERISTICS (BURNING TEST) OF

FIBERS

Aim:
To study the flammability of various fibers through burning test.

Experiment:
Burning test is a simple method to identify the fibres, and to know its burning characteristics.
Take a sample of 5-6 grams of fibres, and slowly move the sample towards a small luminous
flame. The burning rate and burning characteristics, after it is removed from the flame should be noted.
It is a confirmatory test to identify the fibres. Ex., under micro-scope regular nylon and polyester
have similar appearance. It becomes difficult to identify them solely by using microscopic test; it is
possible to distinguish these two fibres by burning them.
Burning characteristics of the fibers

Fibre Flame characteristics Odor Ash

Light, soft, grey in color, black

Bums quickly with Large
Cotton Burnt paper smell ash as denote mercerized
yellow flame
cotton.

Viscose Yellow flame Burnt paper smell Little ash

Burns slowly, Orange-yellow

Similar to burning human
Silk flame, ceases flaming when Easily crushable, dark ash
hair.
withdrawn from flame
Burns slowly with slight sizzle
and cease flaming when Similar to burning hair or Easily crushable, dark ash,
Wool
withdrawn from flame. feather. crisp
Orange - yellow flame.
Melts before burning burns
Polyester Slightly sweetish Hard, round, Brittle black bead
slowly

Burns slowly with melting, Hard, round, black bead,

Nylon Amine/Pungent/Celery
Melts and shrinks Brittle that cannot be crushed.

WARNING - USE CAUTION.

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This method does involve an open flame and unknown factors of how fast and how the yarns/threads
will burn. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area and over a nonflammable surface. Have a container
of water adjacent to the work area. Some fabrics will ignite and melt. The result is burning drips which
can adhere to fabric or skin and cause a serious burn.

Result:

The burning characteristics of various fibres were analyzed.

Viva Voce Questions

1. Which fibre gives the smell like burning hair?
2. What are self extinguishing fibres?
3. What type of fibre will produce beads during burning?
4. ------- fibre will not burn easily
5. ----------- fibre gives odor like burning milk

Inference

MARKS ALLOCATION
Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30
Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

Signature of the Faculty

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Expt. No: 03
IDENTIFICATION OF FIBERS THROUGH SOLUBILITY TESTS
Date:

Aim:
To identify the textile fibers based on solubility characteristics of given sample.
Experiment:

S.No. Experiment Reaction Inference

Cotton
Action of concentrated (70 %) Sulphuric acid
1. Dissolves Presence of cotton
with slightly warm
Viscose
Action of concentrated (50 %) Sulphuric acid
1. Dissolves Presence of viscose
with slightly warm
Polyester
Presence of Nylon or
1. Action of Meta cresol Soluble
PET

2. Action of Phosphoric acid Dissolves Presence of Polyester

Nylon

1. Action of Con. Formic acid, Phenol, Cresol Soluble Presence of Nylon

Silk

1. Action of concentrated hydrochloric acid Dissolves Presence of Silk

2. Presence of Strong alkali ( NaOH) Dissolves Presence of wool, silk

Wool

1. Presence of Strong alkali ( NaOH) Dissolves Presence of wool, silk

2. Action of concentrated hydrochloric acid Swell the fibre Presence of wool

Result:

From the solubility test, it was found that the given fibre is ____.

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Viva-Voce Questions
1. State the importance of solubility test
2. How will you identify the viscose fibre?
3. Name the solvent used to dissolve the nylon 6 fibre.
4. How will you differentiate polyester / nylon by solubility test?
5. How will you differentiate cotton/viscose by solubility test?

Inference

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

Signature of the Faculty

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Expt. No: 04 DETERMINATION OF COTTON FIBRE MATURITY USING CAUSTIC

Date : SODA SWELLING

Aim:
To determine the fibre maturity by swelling the cotton in alkaline solution.
Experiment:
Experimental plan:

Cotton + NaOH

Observation + (by using microscope)

View – cotton after

Swelling
(Swelling behaviour analysis)

The cotton fibre swells differently for mature and immature fibres due to variation of cellulose
content when treated with 18- 20 % NaOH. Take a thin tuft (5-7 gms) of fibres is drawn by means of
tweezers and placed on a glass slide. If any fibres are seen overlapped they are spread accordingly to
have a single layer of fibre on the slide. Two or three drops of 18% caustic soda solution is added on
the fibres and covered by a cover slip. The caustic soda solution is spread and the slide is placed on
the projection microscope. The enlarged view of the fibres is seen through the eye piece. The fibres
are classified according to the shape and the number of fibres in each class is counted to measure the
maturity values.

The presence of caustic soda changes the appearance of both mature and immature fibres by
swelling. Mature fibre shows well developed cell wall with pronounced convolutions. Dead fibre appears
ribbon like form after swelling and the wall thickness is less than 1/5th of the ribbon width.
Depending on the ratio of lumen width (L) to wall thickness (W) all fibres are classified into following
three categories:
 L / W < 1 for matured fibres
 1< LW < 2 for half-matured fibres

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 L/W> 2 for immature or dead fibres

M
Percentage mature fibres (Pm) is given by = X 100
T
Where, M = Matured fibre
T = Total fibres

The determination of the fineness of cotton is affected by maturity of the sample. An immature fiber will
shoe a lower weight per unit length than mature fiber of the same cotton, as the immature fiber will
have less deposition of the cellulose inside the fiber. Hence it is essential to measure the maturity of a
cotton sample in addition to the determination of its fineness, to check whether the observed fineness
is an inherent varietal characteristic or is a result of immaturity.

Importance of maturity:

The maturity of the fiber is concerned with development of cell wall.One of the main troubles caused
by the presence of these thin walled immature fibers is nepping. Neps are created during processing
starting at ginning stage. Further when rubbing of substances takes place, as in carding, minute knots
of tangled fibers are caused and the immature fibers are more prone to this nepping effect.

Immaturity also affects the shade after dyeing. As the response of the primary wall to certain classes
of dyestuffs is less intense, the thinner the secondary wall lighter will be shade. Hence fine cotton tends
to be lighter in shade than coarse cotton. Apart from this the reflecting surfaces of the fibers of
immaturity is with respect to the patches being shown or the weft bars seen in the fabric when yarn
made of immature fibers or yarn spun from cotton of different maturity is used as warp and weft. The
presence of neps in a yarn will also form weak places and therefore the average strength of the yarn
will be reduced. Neps will show up as specks in the dyed cloth. So summarizing the maturity, the
following points are noted.

• Maturity affects the quality of the yarn and also processing. The effect of the immature fibers
are seen especially in the spinning process.
• The large number of ends downs in a ring frame is due to the immature fibers.
• The loss in yarn strength, the dyeing troubles are all due to the presence of immature fibers.

1. Percentage of Mature fibers , N

2. Maturity ratio , M

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3. Maturity co-efficient, Mc

S.No L W L/W Fibre maturity

01

02

03

04

05

Avg

Result:
Maturity of given sample was identified by the swelling method.

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Viva Voce Questions:

1. Define maturity ratio.
2. What do you meant by immature fibre?
3. What are dead fibres?
4. State the importance of maturity test for cotton fibre
5. Differentiate the properties of matured and immature fibres

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

Signature of the Faculty

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Expt. No: 05 DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE REGAIN OF FIBERS

Date :

Aim:
To determine the moisture regain of given fibre sample.

Theory:
Moisture regain:

It is defined as the weight of water in a material expressed as a percentage of the oven dry
weight of the material.

Weight of water
Moisture Regain (R) = X100
Ovendry weight of the material

W1 − W 2
R = X 100
W2

Oven dry weight

The oven dry weight is defined as the constant weight obtained by drying the material at a
temperature of 105° ± 3° C., till all the moisture is expelled.

Experiment:

A fibre sample of known weight (50g) is taken and it is saturated under atmospheric testing
condition for 10 minutes. Weigh the sample, let it be (W1). The sample is then oven dried in a
conditioned oven for 105° ± 3° C for 30 minutes. Weighing is done at every 10 minutes until a constant
weight in sets of two to three readings are obtained. It means that all the moisture from the sample has
been expelled. The weight of the sample now obtained is called the oven dry weight of the sample
(W2). The difference between the original weight and the oven dry weight of the sample gives the
weight of moisture present in it.

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Moisture regain can be find out from the ratio between the weight of the water present in the
sample (W1-W2) to the oven dry weight of the sample (W2).

W1-W2
S.No W1(gms) W2(gms) R (%)
(gms)
01

02

03

04

05

Avg

Result:
The regain of given sample was given below.
Moisture Regain of given fibre is _____________ %.

Viva-Voce Questions
1. Define relative humidity.
2. What is moisture content?
3. What is moisture regain?
4. Which fibre has zero moisture content?
5. Relate moisture content and moisture regain.

MARKS ALLOCATION
Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

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Signature of Faculty

Expt. No: 06 ESTIMATION OF SPIN FINISH IN MAN-MADE FIBERS

Date : THROUGH SOXHLET EXTRACTION

Aim:
To determine the amount of spin finish present in the given polyester sample by using solvent
extractor method.

Theory:
Spin finish is defined as an essential lubricating composition deposited on the man-made fiber
during the spinning operation in order to reduce the friction developed in the yarn passes over the
machine parts & ceramic surface. Spin finish performs three main functions.
i) Control of the friction
ii) Reduction of the static charge accumulation
iii) Cohesion of filament

The role of spin finish is

i. To provide lubricants to reduce surface friction a consequence it provides abrasion &
damages filament
ii. Hydrodynamic lubricity is required to allow the high speed of fiber over the solid surface.
iii. Boundary lubricity played a key role filament to solid (F/s) & especially filament to filament.
Where the relative speed becomes small or high pressure occurs.
iv. To help good package formation on winter, to ensure even winding of bobbins, F/F cohesion
of spin finish, should not be too low and should have moderate F/s finish.

Composition of spin finish:

Generally spin finish contain the following
a) 30-50% of solid (mineral ester oil)
b) 30-50% of emulsifying mixture of mostly non-ionic & anionic type
c) 5-10% of antistatic agents
d) 0-5% of other additives like cohesion agent, corrosion inhibitors, PH stabilizer, etc.
e) Rest for compilation of 100% water.

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Spin finish is mixed with water to produce a spin finish emulsion during application. Generally
spin finish emulsion contains 100% spun finish oil & 90% water chemical composition of spin finish,
influences of surface property & the morphology.

Test sample:
Specimen (synthetic fiber) approximately 6 gms should be taken for this extraction test, and it
is dried at constant temperature nearly 1000 to 1180 C in hot air oven. The solvent, ethanol of 150ml -
175ml should be taken in a conical flask for solvent extraction.

Procedure:
150 ml of ethanol is taken in the conical flask along with 6 gms of dried polyester. The conical
flask is gradually heated for two hours to carry out the process of extraction of spin finish from fiber.
The evaporated ethanol is being cooled by the circulation of water & condensed to settle as liquid in
the soxhlet.

Once the condensed ethanol reaches a particular level in the soxhlet they get siphoned
evaporation and condensation of solvent is taken in a beaker or weighting bottle of known weight. The
solvent is then Sl.no Weight of solvent extracted extracted from the extract &
the weight is recorded.

Total :

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Result:
Thus the amount of spin finish present in polyester is _____________%

Viva-Voce Questions
1. State the composition of typical spin finish
2. Why do you need spin finish?
3. What type of fibre does not have spin finish?
4. Spin finish will be give at ----------- stage of textile manufacturing
5. What is the range of spin finish given to fibres?

Inference

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

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Fiber Analytical Lab

Signature of the Faculty

Expt. No: 07 DETERMINATION OF BLEND PROPORTION OF P/C BLENDS

Date :

Aim:
To estimate the blend compositions of given polyester/cotton sample.

Experiment:

A sample of 10 x 10 cm Polyester / cotton (P/C) blended fabric was taken, and it is conditioned
in the oven for 20 minutes to remove the moisture from the sample. Initially calculate the weight of the
sample (A). This sample is treated with 70-75% con..sulphuric acid for 15 minutes under room
temperature. Acid treatment completely dissolves the one component (cotton) present in the blended
fabric. Calculate the final weight of the sample (B) after it is washed & dried in the oven. [Polyester
component to be dissolved by meta-cresol]

Percentage of Polyester in the sample (P) = [B / A] x 100

Percentage of Cotton in the sample (C) = 100 – P

Initial weight (A) of Final weight (B) of Percentage of Percentage of

S.No
the sample (gms) the sample (gms) Polyester (%) Cotton (%)

01

02

03

Avg

Result:

The blend proportion of the given sample was given below.

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Polyester : ______________ %
Cotton : ______________ %

Viva-Voce Questions
1. State the importance of estimation of blend proportion test
2. List out four commercially available blend proportion of P/C
3. What is the necessity of blending?

Inference:

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

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Signature of the Faculty

Expt. No: 08 DETERMINATION OF BLEND PROPORTION OF C/V BLENDS

Date :

Aim:
To estimate the blend compositions of given cotton/viscose sample.

Experiment:

A sample of 10 x 10 cm Cotton / Viscose (C/V) blended fabric was taken, and it is conditioned
in the oven for 20 minutes to remove the moisture from the sample. Initially calculate the weight of the
sample (A). This sample is treated with 50% con. sulphuric acid or sodium zincate for 15 minutes under
room temperature. Acid treatment completely dissolves the one component (viscose) present in the
blended fabric. Calculate the final weight of the sample (B) after it is washed & dried in the oven. [Cotton
component to be dissolved in 70 % sulphuric acid at room temperature.

Percentage of Polyester in the sample (V) = [B / A] x 100

Percentage of Viscose in the sample (C) = 100 – P

Initial weight (A) of Final weight (B) of Percentage of Percentage of

S.No
the sample (gms) the sample (gms) Cotton (%) Viscose (%)

01

02

03

Avg

Result:

The blend proportion of the given sample was given below.

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Cotton : ____________ %
Viscose : ____________ %

Viva-Voce Questions

1. State the importance of estimation of blend proportion test.

2. List out four commercially available blend proportion of P/V
3. What is necessity of blending?

Inference:

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

Signature of the Faculty

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Expt. No: 09 DETERMINATION OF BLEND PROPORTION OF P/V BLENDS

Date :

Aim:
To estimate the blend compositions of given polyester/viscose sample.

Experiment:

A sample of 10 x 10 cm Polyester / Viscose (P/V) blended fabric was taken, and it is conditioned
in the oven for 20 minutes to remove the moisture from the sample. Initially calculate the weight of the
sample (A). This sample is treated with 50% con. sulphuric acid or sodium zincate for 15 minutes under
room temperature. Acid treatment completely dissolves the one component (viscose) present in the
blended fabric. Calculate the final weight of the sample (B) after it is washed & dried in the oven.
[Polyester component to be dissolved in metacresol at room temperature.

Percentage of Polyester in the sample (P) = [B / A] x 100

Percentage of Viscose in the sample (V) = 100 – P

Initial weight (A) of Final weight (B) of Percentage of Percentage of

S.No
the sample (gms) the sample (gms) Polyester (%) Viscose (%)

01

02

03

Avg

Result:

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The blend proportion of the given sample was given below.

Polyester : ____________ %
Viscose : ____________ %

Viva-Voce Questions

1. State the importance of estimation of blend proportion test.

2. List out four commercially available blend proportion of P/V
3. What is necessity of blending?

Inference:

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

Signature of the Faculty

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Expt. No: 10 DETERMINATION OF BLEND PROPORTION OF P/W BLENDS

Date :

Aim:
To estimate the blend compositions of given polyester/wool sample.

Experiment:

A sample of 10 x 10 cm Polyester / Wool (P/W) blended fabric was taken, and it is conditioned
in the oven for 20 minutes to remove the moisture from the sample. Initially calculate the weight of the
sample (A). This sample is treated with 10% sodium hydroxide for 30 minutes under room temperature.
Alkali treatment completely dissolves the one component (wool) present in the blended fabric. Calculate
the final weight of the sample (B) after it is washed & dried in the oven. [Polyester component to be
dissolved by meta-cresol]

Percentage of Polyester in the sample (P) = [ B / A ] x 100

Percentage of Wool in the sample (C) = 100 – P

Initial weight (A) of Final weight (B) of Percentage of Percentage of

S.No
the sample (gms) the sample (gms) Polyester (%) Wool (%)

01

02

03

Avg

Result:
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The blend proportion of the given sample was given below.

Polyester : ___________ %
Wool : ___________ %

Viva-Voce Questions
1. State the importance of estimation of blend proportion test
2. List out four commercially available blend proportion of P/C
3. What is necessity of blending?

Inference:

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

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Signature of the Faculty

Expt. No: DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF FIBERS

Date :

Aim:
To determine the density value of given sample.

Procedure:
The density of material is defined as its weight per unit volume. Textile fibre density is more
conveniently determined indirectly by comparing the sample with standards of known density. The two
commonly used techniques are the sink float and gradient column methods. After finding the density
value of the given fibre, the density can compare with the standard density values of different fibre.

Sink-float method:
The sink-float method requires a beaker, pipette, burette and two liquids. The liquids must be
miscible and inert to the fibre being tested. One liquid (A) is lower dense than the fibre and the other
liquid (B) is higher density than fibre. A known volume of liquid A is pipetted into a beaker and the fibre
is immersed in the liquid. The second liquid B, is then added drop by drop from a burette to the beaker
with constant stirring. As the density of the liquid solution in the beaker changes, a point is reached
where the density of the liquid equals to that of the fibre and the fibre will neither sink nor float but will
remain suspended in the liquids. The volume of the second liquid added to the beaker is recorded and
the density of the fibre is calculated.
Density of fibre = (dA VA + dB VB ) / (VA + VB)

dA - Density of liquid A VA - Volume of liquid A

dB - Density of liquid B VB - Volume of liquid B

Density Gradient Column:

Density gradient analysis consists of preparing a density gradient column. Calibrating the
column and then introducing the fiber sample to the column for measurement of its density. The column
is a vertical tube containing two miscible liquids such that the density in the tube changes continuously

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from top to bottom. The column is calibrated by immersing several objects of known density in the
column and then plotting their locations in the column versus their densities on graph paper.
Glass spheres of known densities are used as calibration floats. The fibre is dropped in the
column and when it has settled in the column, its location is recorded. Finally, the density of the fiber is
determined by noting the density on the calibration curve corresponding to its location in the column.
Prepare a density gradient column as follows:
1. Clamp the density gradient glass tube in a firm vertical stand.
2. Pour into the tube 25 mL of tetrachloroethylene.
3. Now prepare mixtures of xylene and tetrachloroethylene by volume in descending order of
percent tetrachloroethylene: 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, 30/70, 20/80 and 10/90, pour 25 mL
of each in order carefully down the side of the gradient tube. Finally, put 25 ml of xylene on top.
4. Take short fragments of dyed reference fibers and tie in a knot snipping off loose ends. Boil for
about 2 min in xylene solvent to remove moisture and air. Place in the column. After about a
half hour they should come to rest at the leel representing their density. Calibrated glass
spheres may be used to determine the actual density at various levels..

DENSITIES OF FIBERS ARE LISTED IN THE BELOW TABLE:

Fibres Density (g/cc) Fibers Density (g/cc)
Asbestos (chrysotile) 2.1-2.8 Novoloid 1.25

Cellulose 1.51 Nylon 1.12-1.15

Silk 1.32-1.34 Nylon 6.6 1.12-1.15
Wool and other hair 1.15-1.30 Nytril 1.2
Acetate, secondary 1.32 Polyester 1.38 or 1.23
Acetate, tri. 1.3 Polyethylene 0.90-0.92
Acrylic 1.12-1.19 Polypropylene 0.90-0.92
Anidex 1.22 Rayon 1.51
Aramid 1.38 Rubber 0.96-1.06
Azlon 1.3 Saran 1.7
Glass 2.4-2.6 Spandex 1.20-1.21
Metallic Varies Vinal 1.26-1.30
Modacrylic 1.30 or 1.36 Vinyon 1.34-1.37

5. Prepare the unknown fiber in like manner, place in the gradient column and note at what level
it floats. Densities of fibers are listed in the above table:

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Fiber Analytical Lab

Result:
The density value of given sample is determined as _____________.

Viva-Voce Questions
1. Which fibre has high density?
2. What is the density of cotton fibre?
3. List out the fibre having density of less than 1.
4. What are the chemicals used to prepare the density column?
5. State the importance of density test.

Inference

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

Signature of the Faculty

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Fiber Analytical Lab

Expt. No: DETERMINATION OF FILAMENT CREEP

Date :

Aim:
To determine the amount of creep in the given filament yarn.

Theory
The single yarn strength tester is used to find out the creep of given filament. A known length
of filament yarn is taken and its one end is fixed to the jaw (J1). The known weight x gms is attached to
other end of the filament and measure its extension in various time intervals by using the scale. The
same load is removed, and measures its recovery in various time intervals and plot the graph. From
this, primary and secondary creep can be computed.

Extension (cm) Recovery (cm)

S.No
0 min 5 mins 10 mins 15 mins 0 min 5 mins 10 mins 15 mins

01

02

03

04

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Graph

Viva-Voce Questions
1. What is primary creep?
2. What is secondary creep?
3. Mention the importance to study the creep.

Inference

MARKS ALLOCATION

Marks
Details Marks Allotted Status
Awarded

Preparation 30

Experiment / Calculation / Graphs 40

Inference 20

Viva 10

Total 100

Signature of the Faculty

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KSRCT