The Deterioration of Fabric Under Hydrochloric Acid

Erin Wei Natalie Lecher Layton Funk

Introduction
Purpose is to protect people in labs, industrial work, cleaning jobs, etc. Also to see which type of fabric is strongest. Each fabric is 100% pure. Used 6 M of hydrochloric acid.

Our Big Question is

What are the effects of a corrosive agent (HCl) on different types of pure fabric?

Hypotheses
Nylon received the most damage. Polyester received the most damage. Cotton received the most damage. Rayon received the most damage. They all were affected the same.

Method
Cut out a 12 cm x 12 cm square from fabric. Measure 1 mL of 6 M HCl and pour the acid into 1 mL of distilled water. Pour the HCl onto the square of fabric and assess the damage after three minutes. Repeat for each fabric to conduct two trials each.

Raw Quantitative Data

Qualitative Data

Calculated Quantitative Data

Amount of Absorption
1.2

0.8 0.705 Mass Difference (0.01 g) 0.6

0.4

0.415

0.2

0 -0.06

0.025

-0.2

-0.4 1 2 Type of Fabric 3

1=Nylon 2=Rayon 3=Cotton 4=Polyester

Conclusion
The results indicated that 100% polyester absorbed the most HCL. 100% nylon absorbed the least and formed a glue-like residue. So, one should wear polyester rather than nylon, cotton, or rayon if they are working with acids.

Ways to Improve Experiment

References
Aguirre, Sarah. "Types of Fabric: A Fabric Glossary." Housekeeping and Organization - Simple Tips and Tutorials to Clean and Organize Your Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://housekeeping.about.com/od/fabricglossary/Gl ossary_of_Fabric_Types_and_Names.htm> Simhon, Rachel. "Household plc: really filthy bathrooms - Telegraph." Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. N.p., 13 Sept. 2003. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/3317144/Hous ehold-plc-really-filthy-bathrooms.html>.