A visual aid, often presented in tabular format, provides a standardized method for identifying textile fibers based on their burning characteristics. The resource documents observable reactions such as flame appearance, odor, residue, and burn rate when a fabric sample is exposed to a controlled flame. For example, cotton will typically exhibit a rapid burn, smell like burning paper, and leave a soft, gray ash, while polyester may melt and produce a chemical odor.
This systematic evaluation is a crucial tool in textile analysis and quality control. It offers a relatively inexpensive and readily accessible technique for determining fiber composition, which is valuable for applications ranging from consumer protection to historical artifact preservation. Historically, this method has served as a primary identification technique, preceding more sophisticated analytical procedures. Its reliability, when executed with proper technique and comparison to reference materials, makes it indispensable.