Lab Experiment 13

pH OF FABRIC
Name:

Student idi:

Score:

Signature of Lab Tutor:

Date:

TO DETERMINE SURFACE & CORE OF pH OF FABRIC

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Upon the successful completion of this experiment students will be able
to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Determine the surface & core pH of fabric

Use universal pH indicator (MERK) / phenolphthalein solution
Understand and use pH scale

MACHINES / MATERIAL REQUIED

Dropper with bottle

pH meter and pH scale
Conical Flask
Heating stove
Scissors

CHEMICALS REQUIRED

Universal pH indicator (MERK solution) / phenolphthalein solution

Distilled water

DISCUSSION
pH can be defined as the measure of degree of acidity or alkalinity. The
most convenient way of easing pH scale. The term pH scale means,
minus logarithm of the molar concentration of the hydrogen ion present
in the solution.
pH scale ranges from 0(maximum acidity) to 14(maximum alkalinity),
middle value of the scale which is represents neutral point. The acidity
increases from neutral towards 0 and alkalinity towards 14.On
calculating pH of fabric, it can be calculated both on surface and core of
the fabric called surface and core pH respectively.
PROCEDURE
Procedure for the Surface pH:

Pour few drops of universal pH indicator on the specimen

Rub it gently for few seconds

Observe color change and compare it with the pH scale
Note the readings

Procedure for the Core pH:

1. Take appropriate quantity of water based on fabric to water ratio
(liquor ratio 1:30)
2. Cut fabric into small pieces
3. Boil the distilled water for 10 minutes in the conical flask
4. Put the fabric into flask and again boil for 10 minutes
5. Let the fabric specimen coo, down and check the pH of the
solution with pH meter
6. Fill the table given below
Assessment:
Sample
No

Surface
pH

Core Ph

1
2
3
4
5

TEST RESSULTS

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is effect of pH of fabric in the coloration process?

2. Why core of pH of fabric is necessary to be determined?

3. What is the pH of a pretreated cotton fabric?

FINAL CHECK LIST

1. Clean your machinery equipment/materials and workbench before you
leave.
2. Ensure the replacement of all equipments to their specified storage
area.
3. Submit your answers to questions together with your data, calculation
and result before the next laboratory/ equipment