Forensic Science Fact Files

Hair and Fibres

Burn Test for Fibres

Apparatus: Bunsen burner, heatproof mat, tongs, crucible and lid, fibre samples ( approx. 6cm by 2cm ) eg wool, nylon, polyester, cotton, linen, unknown fibre sample(s) (Note: this experiment is best done in a fume cupboard) You are going to conduct a series of burn tests on different fibre samples and then try to determine what an unknown sample is by testing. A. B. C. D. Set up bunsen burner on heat-proof mat. Light the burner and adjust it for a blue flame. Hold one of the strips of fibre samples in a pair of tongs and ignite the other end in the flame. Place in crucible and allow sample to burn. If the fibre goes out attempt to light again. Observe the sample and answer the following questions, recording your answers in a table like that shown below. 1. Does the fibre catch fire easily? 2. Does the fibre continue to burn when it is out of the flame? 3. How does the fibre burn ? eg with flame, smoulders, chars. 4. Is there any smell? If so describe it? 5. Is there any smoke? 6. Describe what is left in the crucible at the end. Ensure sample is fully burnt and/or extinguished. Clean out crucible. Repeat these observations for each sample. Finally, test the unknown sample and record your observations. Use these to try to identify sample. Check your results with your teacher.

E. F. G.

Fibre Wool Nylon Polyester Cotton Linen Unknown

Burn Rate

Burn Type

Smell

Smoke

Product left

National Institute of Forensic Science 2 August 2001

Forensic Science Fact Files

Hair and Fibres

Teachers Reference Properties of some fibres

Fibre Wool Effects of Chemicals Some damage by alkalis Flammability Burns with the smell of hair. Little smoke. Crumbly ash. Will not burn on its own. Flares and burns rapidly. Smell like celery. Melts and forms into beads. No smoke. Softens and melts into beads. No smell or smoke. Water Absorption Very high Comfort Warm to wear Strength Low

Cotton and Linen Nylon

Acids make holes Damaged by acids and bleaches Disolves in acetone. Damaged by dry-cleaning fluids and hot ironing No effect

Medium Low

Cool to wear Cool

Strong Very strong Lower than wool

Acetates

Low

Warm

Polyester

Acrylic

No effect

Viscose

Can be damaged by acids

Black smoke. Melts and forms into black beads. No smell. Black smoke. No smell. Melts into beads. Black ash left. Burns and flares like cotton.

Low

Cool

Very strong Medium

Low

Cool

High

Medium

Low

National Institute of Forensic Science 2 August 2001