Burn Test

Combustion tests are somewhat subjective but simple tests based on knowledge of how certain fibers burn. In the combustion test, the following characteristics were observed.

Combustion tests are usually performed on a small number of yarn samples that are twisted together. Since the threads used in one direction of the fabric are not always composed of the same fibers used in the other direction, the warp and weft threads should be burned separately.

Select small samples of at least 6 to 8 yarns of about 4 inches in length and twist them together into a bundle of about 1/8 inch in diameter. Hold one end of the bundle with tweezers or two coins. A piece of aluminum foil of about 10 to 12 square inches can be used as a protected work area. When the sample ignites it can be dropped onto the foil without damage. You can use candles and matches to provide flames

The characteristics observed during the burning test can be affected by several aspects. When the fabric / yarn contains a fiber mixture, it is difficult to identify a single fiber. It may be difficult to distinguish between two or three different types of fibers burned together with a single thread. The finish used for the fabric can also change the observed function

Some fibers will ignite slowly, but will burn soon afterwards. If you are not cautious, others may get hot and painful burns. You also need to pay attention to keep your hair away from the flames

Silk: It gets burned, but it does not melt. It shrinks from the flame. I smell the burnt meat. The residue is a black hollow irregular bead, and it tends to be a black powder like sand. It is self-extinguishing, ie it burns itself

Wool and other protein fiber: it will burn but will not melt. It shrinks from the flame. It has a strong burning smell. The residue is a black hollow irregular bead, which can be easily pulverized into a sandy black powder. It is self-extinguishing, ie it burns itself

Most of the fibers produced will melt with burning and tend to shrink from the flame. Other identification functions are as follows.

Acrylic: astringent. The residue is a hard and irregular shaped bead. Also, when burning it will give out black smoke.

Nylon: It smells like celery. The residue was hard and creamy beads that were originally dark

Olefin / polyolefin: There is a smell of chemical type. The residue is hard yellow-brown beads. Flame gives off black smoke

Polyester: Slightly sweet chemical smell. The residue was originally a hard cream colored bead, it got dark. Flame gives off black smoke

Spandex: It melts while it burns but does not shrink from the flame. It has a smell of chemical type. The residue is soft black ash

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The fibers can also be distinguished by smell of smoke generated during combustion and ash or melted beads remaining after burning. Some cloths are mixtures and mixtures of fibers may make burning tests a fairly unreliable test of fiber content. In addition, some fabrics have chemical coatings and applied coatings that change the way they burn, making the combustion test even more unreliable. It is a protein fiber that burns slowly and winds up from the flame. It leaves dark beads which are easily crushed. It is self-extinguishing and leaves ash, dark, gritty fine powder. I smell like burnt hair and burnt meat. It generates little smoke and smoke is not harmful.

The characteristics observed during the burning test can be affected by several aspects. When the fabric / yarn contains a fiber mixture, it is difficult to identify a single fiber. It may be difficult to distinguish between two or three different types of fibers burned together with a single thread. The finish used for the fabric can also change the observed function

Safety precautions need to be taken before carrying out the burn test. Especially when testing synthetic materials, always work in a well-ventilated place. Please use metal tweezers or pliers and hold the burning cloth and prepare a convenient fire extinguishing agent in case of emergency. Other advice: 1) Do not use sinusitis or cold problems, do not use fuels with strong fuel smells or refillable writers. Disposable lighters are most effective. This is a basic guide