Application of Microscopy to the Textile Industry

Abstract

THE use of microscopy in the textile field is not new, since it is well known to the textile technologist. It has been used extensively for the study of the structure of fibers and fabrics and to some extent in a study of dyeing, printing, and finishing. It is possible to identify the fibers to be colored, examine the damaging effect of treatments, study the penetration of dyes, investigate causes of color defects, study methods for improved color application, observe the effects of fiber finishes, etc. In these studies, the microscope, if operated by qualified personnel, can be a useful tool in the evaluation of quality of the textile and thus make it possible to produce a satisfactory product at the lowest possible cost. Fiber MorphologyIn modern dyeing the colorist is confronted with the application of color to fabrics containing many different fibers. Since no class of dyes has been discovered which is applicable to all fibers, it is necessary to know the fiber or fibers which make up the material to be dyed so that the dyes having the most satisfactory properties can be chosen. Dye identification stains, and such tests as burning to detect characteristic odor, are often useful. However, in many cases use of the microscope is desirable for definite confirmation and quantitative estimation of fibers in mixtures. In addition to identification, microscopical examination can be employed to determine the fiber size, fineness, or denier, and the quality of the fibers under inspection. For example, the amount of mature and immature cotton can be determined by viewing in polarized light [41 ] , the presence or absence of a skin on rayon may be ascertained [21 ] , and the presence of pulled and mechanically damaged wools can be detected [47].

Phase microscopy; principles and applications [by] Alva H. Bennett [and others]

“…The scales on wool show well without stain with a medium Adarkcontrast phase objective. Lanaset coating on the wool scales may be seen with a 0.07A+0.25X diffraction plate (Calco, 1947;Royer and Maresh, 1947). Hairs may be studied when not too pigmented; the medium dark-contrast Aand high bright-contrast A+ plates have usually been found preferable for the lighter ones and the 5B-0.25X for darker pigmented hairs (Chase, 1949).…”

Chemical Microscopy in Dyeing and Finishing

“…Fluorescence is useful for many analytical identification purposes and has been used in dyeing studies for tracing the location of small quantities of fluorescent dyes (8). The ultraviolet instrument as such has been difficult to operate and has found little use in the dyeing and textile field.…”

Yarn Sample Preparation Techniques and Yarn Diameter Measurement for Analysing Cut-Cross Sectional View of Hollow Core Dref Spun Yarns

“…These techniques are all influenced by the methods of sample preparation. Generally, for image analysis yarn samples are prepared either by plate method or by cork method [14,15].…”