Characteristics of fabrics in Fibre to Fabric – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Fibre to Fabric

Activity Name: Characteristics of fabrics in Fibre to Fabric

Activity Description:

In this experiment, you will collect natural and artificial fabrics to observe and record their characteristics. The focus will be on water absorbing nature, drying time, smell while burning, result after burning, stretching capacity of yarn, and smoothness.

You will also discuss the types of fabrics that are smooth in nature, the fabrics that dry quickly, the relation between smoothness and drying time, and the fabrics that give ash when burnt.

Required Items:

1. Natural fabrics (e.g., cotton, silk, wool)
2. Artificial fabrics (e.g., polyester, nylon)
3. Burner or lighter
4. Table to record observations

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Collect different samples of natural and artificial fabrics.
2. Label each fabric sample with its type (natural or artificial) for easy identification.
3. Prepare a table with the following columns: S.No, Character, Natural fabric, Artificial fabric.
4. Begin the experiment by observing the water absorbing nature of each fabric. Pour a small amount of water on each fabric sample and note down the observations in the table.
5. Next, observe the time taken by each fabric sample to dry completely. Note down the drying time in the table.
6. Now, take a small piece of each fabric and carefully burn it using a burner or lighter. Observe and record the smell produced by each fabric when burnt, as well as the result after burning (ashes or residue left behind).
7. Test the stretching capacity of the yarn in each fabric. Gently stretch a small portion of yarn from each fabric sample and note down the observations in the table.
8. Lastly, assess the smoothness of each fabric sample by touching and feeling its texture. Record your observations in the table.

Experiment Observations:

S.No | Character | Natural fabric | Artificial fabric

1. | Water absorbing nature | Absorbs water | Does not absorb much water
2. | Time taken to dry | Dries slowly | Dries quickly
3. | Smell while burning | Odorless or faint| Produces a pungent smell
4. | Result after burning | Leaves ashes | Melts or forms beads
5. | Stretching capacity of yarn | Stretches easily | Less stretchable
6. | Smoothness | Smooth and soft | Smooth but may vary

Note down your observations in below table format

Precautions:

• Handle the burner or lighter with care and ensure proper safety precautions while burning the fabric samples.
• Conduct the burning experiment in a well-ventilated area or under adult supervision.
• Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby to extinguish any accidental fire.
• Avoid direct contact with the flame or heated materials.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

1. Fabrics made from natural fibers, such as silk and cotton, have distinct characteristics.
2. The water absorbing nature of fabrics can vary depending on their composition.
3. Fabrics made from artificial fibers may have different properties compared to natural fabrics.
4. Burning fabrics can produce specific smells, and the resulting residue or ash can vary between natural and artificial fabrics.
5. The stretching capacity of yarn can give an indication of the fabric’s elasticity.
6. Smoothness is a characteristic that can vary among different types of fabrics, regardless of whether they are natural or artificial.