Fabric Behavior When Exposed to Flame

Judy demonstrates fabric testing at Sawyer Brook Distinctive Fabrics. She tests natural, protein, and synthetic fibers using a candle flame to observe their reactions. Cotton, linen, and rayon are plant-based and show similar burning characteristics. Silk and wool, as protein fibers, self-extinguish and leave a crushable ash. Nylon and polyester, synthetic fibers, shrink and melt, producing distinct smoke and residue. Blends exhibit characteristics of their components. The video concludes with a summary of the testing results.

What is the primary purpose of the equipment used by Judy in fabric testing?

• To assess the durability of the fabric

• To determine the fiber content of the fabric

• To test the colorfastness of the fabric

• To measure the weight of the fabric

Which characteristic is NOT observed when testing cotton fabric?

• Sticky residue

• Gray smoke

• Bright orange flame

• Light, fluffy ash

How does linen behave when exposed to flame compared to cotton?

• It melts and drips

• It does not maintain its shape

• It ignites before hitting the flame

• It produces white smoke

What is a common characteristic of plant-based fibers like rayon when burned?

• They emit white smoke

• They create a light, fluffy ash

• They have a crushable black bead

• They produce a sticky residue

What is a key feature of protein fibers like silk when exposed to flame?

• They produce a tan bead

• They shrink away from the flame

• They emit acrid black smoke

• They self-extinguish

What happens to wool when it is burned?

• It melts and drips

• It produces a light, fluffy ash

• It forms a crushable ash

• It emits white smoke

How does nylon behave when exposed to flame?

• It maintains its shape

• It produces a light, fluffy ash

• It self-extinguishes

• It shrinks and melts

What type of smoke is produced by burning polyester?

• Gray smoke

• No smoke

• White smoke

• Acrid black smoke

What is a characteristic of a silk-cotton blend when burned?

• It emits acrid black smoke

• It self-extinguishes

• It produces a tan bead

• It shrinks away from the flame

What indicates the presence of polyester in a polyester-cotton blend?

• No afterglow

• Gray smoke

• Acrid black smoke

• Light, fluffy ash