Identification of cotton fiber

There are different tests which could be used for the identification of the cotton fiber. It is suggested to combine at least two or more different methods to reach an acceptable and reliable conclusion in practice. Non technical testing does not require any special equipment or setting for identification of fiber such as:

❤Feeling Test

❤Burning Test

Feeling Test: Unresponsive, smooth and a soft hand to human skin, feels good against skin.

Burning Test: The reaction of fibers to heat from an open flame is a useful guide in identification of fibers. Not melt, burn, smell like paper burning. The smell of cotton burning is like of paper burning because paper is also a cellulosic material. 

Some technical tests are required for details identification of fiber:

★ Microscopic Identification

★ Chemical test

★ Coloring with dyestuffs solution

★ Solubility test

Microscopic Identification: Kidney shaped cross-section and natural convulation of longitudinal view easily identified cotton fiber.

Solubility: Cotton is easily dissolved by H₂SO_4.