Flammability test

Aim: to find out how polyester fabric react near or to a flame. Equipment: polyester fabric samples, matches, thongs, heatproof mat Method: 1. Hold fabric to tong and apply flame slowly 2. Observe reaction and record observation. Name of fiber (polyester) Satin Reaction when approaching flame Reaction when removed from flame Start melting Melts and Still slowly shrink melted vigorously and does and becomes not catch black fire Starts melting faster than satin Melts and shrink vigorously and does not melt to black straight away. Still melted And does not catch fire Reaction when in flame Odour of smoke Length of time to burn completely (seconds) 40 Appearance of remaining ash

Organza

Hard to tell Close to burning paper mix with wood Hard to tell Close to burning paper mix with wood

Hard, plastic like, black

36

Hard, plastic like, black

In conclusion, organza burnt the fastest and this is probably due the thinness of the fabric compared to satin which is a bit thicker. Both fabric reactions to flame are nearly the same so they are polyester. This experiment is important as it gives the manufacturers an idea of how the clothes will react when near flame and can give out safety care for the clothes.

Fabric (Polyester) Satin Organza

Rub it takes until wear and tear 74 14

Abrasion test
Aim: to discover how long it takes before a fiber wears or tears as a result of abrasive contact. Equipment: fabric samples, sandpaper, tape, piece of board. Method: 1. Tape fabric to the board. 2. Use the sandpaper to rub in one direction using the same pressure 3. Count the number of rubs it takes until it makes a hole. 4. Record observations. In conclusion, organza is the first to wear with little amount of rubbing. Again, this may be due to it thinness of fabric and the loose weaves. Satin was very durable and this may be due to the thickness of the material. This experiment is important as it give an estimated life of the fabric during abrasion.

Microscope test
Aim: to examine fibers to see what they look like under the microscope and how they feel Equipment: fabric sample, microscope Method: 1. Feel and look at fabric samples 2.Place fabric sample under the microscope 3. Adjust the lenses to focus on the image if needed 4. View the fiber under the microscope and record observations

Fiber (Polyester) Satin

What it looks like Shiny on one side, dull on the other

What it feels like Smooth on one side and a bit rough on the other, thick

What it looks like under the microscope

Organza

Shiny and translucent

Thin, flimsy, light, a little rough

In conclusion, we can see that since these two fabrics are made of polyester, the threads are similar: they look like thin plastic pieces of thread. This experiment is important as it determines the characteristics of the fiber.