Multi­fiber Dye Reaction Background: Different fibers react to dyes in different ways causing them to stain with different colors. The multi­fiber ribbon used in this lab contains 13 different fiber strips woven together into a single ribbon. The fibers are woven on a synthetic warp with the differences in the weft. To use this same process to identify colored textiles, you would first have to remove all the existing dye. Materials: multifiber test fabric
Test fabric dye #1
Test fabric dye #2 fiber samples forceps Procedure: 1. Soak a 1cm wide strip of multi­fiber ribbon in dye #1 for 5 minutes. 2. Using forceps, remove from dye and rinse thoroughly in hot water until no dye comes out of the fabric strip. 3. Blot dry. Match the strip to the grid showing the order of the fibers. Fill in Data Table 1 for strip #1. 4. Repeat steps 1­3 for a second strip in dye #2. 5. Repeat steps 1­4 for your two unknown fiber sample swatches. Place one in dye #1 and the other in dye #2. Fill in Data Table 2 with your results for the unknown fiber sample. 6. Compare the unknown fiber swatch with the fabric strip for each dye to identify the type of fiber in the swatch. Record your results in Data Table 2. Results: Data Table 1. Known Fiber Results. Fiber type Acetate Modacrylic Triacetate Cotton Acrylic Dacron 54 Dacron 64 Nylon Orlon Silk Polypropylene Rayon Wool Color of Fabric in Dye #1 Color of Fabric in Dye #2 Data Table 2. Unknown Results. Fiber type Color of Fabric in Dye #1 Color of Fabric in Dye #2 Conclusions: 1. Why would the multi­fiber ribbon take up dye differently if the warp thread is all the same synthetic fiber? 2. What was the identity of your unknown fabric?