Microscopy Lab Name

MICROSCOPIC IDENTIFICATION OF FIBERS

Each of the textile fibers shows distinctive characteristics when viewed under the microscope. The three most important

features to observe are:

1—Size (relative size as compared to other fibers and uniformity of size as compared to fibers of the same kind).

2—Shape (best seen in cross sections)

3—Markings

SUPPLIES:

Microscope, slides, cover glasses, samples of the following fibers:

1. Cotton

2. Linen

3. Wool

4. Rayon

5. Cultivated silk

6. Wild silk

7. Nylon

8. Unknown

PROCEDURE:

I. Please LISTEN to the instructions given by the lab manager very CLOSELY.

II. Examine eight fibers under the microscope, including the first seven listed above and one other.

III. Make a water slide of the fibers, being sure that they are thoroughly separated on the slide.

IV. Examine them under high power and observe their characteristic size, shape, and markings.

V. Draw at least two representative fibers on each type and describe their distinctive characteristics on the data sheet.

II. Answer questions on last page

Part I.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

1. COTTON COTTON:

2. LINEN LINEN:

3. WOOL WOOL:

4. RAYON RAYON:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

5. CULTIVATED SILK CULTIVATED SILK:

6. WILD SILK WILD SILK:

7. NYLON NYLON:

8. UNKNOWN A: DESCRIPTION

B. NAME OF FIBER:

PART II.

QUESTIONS:

1. Which fibers vary most in size?

2. On what fibers is “gum” likely to be found?

3. What fibers are frequently “delustered”?

4. What is the difference in microscropic appearance in “gum” and “delustering”?

5. What fibers contain lumens?

6. What fibers contain medullas?