Exercise No.

2: Physical and Chemical Test of Fibers

I. For the Results and Observation:

Tabulate the results of the burning and solubility tests. For example:

A. Burning Characteristics of Fibers

Fiber Melts? Curls? Burns? Extinguishes? Residium?

1. Plants (Leaves)

Yes No Yes

2. Piece of cloth

Yes Yes Yes

3. Rope

Yes Yes Yes

4. Coconut husk

Yes No Yes

5. Acetate

Yes Yes Yes

6. Soft broom

Yes No Yes

7. Fan

Yes Yes Yes

B. Solubility of Fibers

Fiber Bleach (Zonrox) Muriatic Acid Acetone Ethyl Alcohol

Change in color
1. Plant (Leaves)
Change in texture

2. Piece of cloth Change in color

3. Rope No change at all

4. Coconut Husk Change in color

5. Acetate Change in texture

6. Soft broom Change in color

7. Fan No change at all

II. For the Discussion:

Discuss the results of the experiment, reactions observed, color changers, odor or fumes evolved. Then,
based on the results of burning and solubility tests, classify the samples tested, whether animal fiber, plant
fiber, artificial fiber, reconstituted fiber or mineral fiber.

• In the solubility of the fiber, wherein the regent that was being used is bleach (zonrox), the results
in fibers 1,2,4, & 6 manifest changes of color wherein they appear lighter, and in fiber 5, there's a
change in the texture wherein it became more thin and in fiber 3 & 7 shows no sign of changes at all.

• In muriatic acid, there are changes in color of fibers 1,2,3,6 and 7 where it also appears in lighter
color than the original one. In fiber 4, there is a change of color and texture which also appears
lighter and softer and in fiber 5, there's a change in texture, as a result, it became softer.

• In acetone, fibers 1,2,3,5 and 7 show no changes at all, while in fibers 4 and 6 show changes in the
color.

• In Ethyl Alcohol, there are no changes in all fibers at all apart from fiber 4 that has changed in
color.

III. For the Guide Questions, copy and answer the following:

1. Describe the five main classes of fibers that are of interest to forensic scientists. Using the results of your
experiment, classify the specimens tested.

1. Naturally occurring fibers made mostly of certain proteins are called animal fibers. Fur and
feathers (including wool) and silk are a few examples.

2. Fibers derived from plants are known as plant fibers. Given that they come from plants naturally,
these are also referred to as natural fibers.

3. Synthetic fibers, also known as artificial fibers, are manufactured by humans via a process called
chemical synthesis, in contrast to natural fibers that are taken directly from living things, such
plants or animal fur. Bio materials that replace soft or hard tissues are made using reconstituted
fiber as the foundation for their matrices and scaffolding.

4. For all non-metallic inorganic fibers, the term "mineral fiber" is employed. The natural sources of
mineral fibers are inorganic.

5. Animal fibers burn easily and give off a burning hair smell similar to ammonia. Plant fibers burn
easily and smell like burning paper. Burning plastic gives forth an unpleasant smell as artificial
fibers melt. Reconstituted fibers can't be distinguished from natural plant fibers because they
burn with the same smell as their natural antecedents. Mineral fibers don't smell or burn.
2. You burn a fiber, which does not melt as it approaches the flame. It curls as it burns, and it self-
extinguishes when you remove it from the flame. A hard black bead forms at the burned end of the fiber.
What specific fiber do you suspect? Explain your answer.

• Wool, cause it is a protein fiber which burns slowly. It sizzles and curls away from flame
and may curl back onto fingernail. It leaves beads that are brittle, dark, and easily crushed. It
is self-extinguishing and leaves harsh ash from crushed bead.

3. Site some advantages of using solubility testing over burning tests.

• The advantages of using solubility testing include its ability to provide comprehensive
information on the identity of an unknown fiber, particularly when distinguishing between
synthetic fibers, and its ability to distinguish blends in a more fundamental way than burning
tests could.

4. At room temperature, a questioned fiber specimen dissolves in acetone but not in glacial acetic acid. What
type of fiber do you suspect?

• We believe that modacrylic fibers are the type of fiber that dissolves in acetone but not in
glacial acid. Modacrylics possess strength, resilience, softness, and dimensional stability.
They dry quickly, exhibit good press and shape retention, and are easily colored. It is
common for the fibers develop matting and pilling. They don't conduct heat well, which is
advantageous for protection but detrimental for ventilation.

5. A questioned fiber specimen proves to be insoluble in all of your room temperature reagents. What fiber
type do you suspect, and what reagent would you use to confirm your suspicion?

• One possibility is that the fiber is synthetic, like rope, if the specimen is insoluble in any
reagent at room temperature. One can employ a solvent, like strong sulfuric acid, to verify
this suspicion. It is well known that while natural fibers like cotton or barbecue sticks stay
insoluble, synthetic fibers like polyester and rope disintegrate in these solvents.

GROUP 3
Cahimat, Dea Ella Amor

Caminoc, Shaina Mae

Capiyoc, Mary Claire

Conge, Raymart

Tonido, Mark Joseph