Cotton, linen (flax), silk and wool are common natural fibres for clothing and household items. Each fibre has its own properties suitable for those end-uses. Cotton and flax are cellulose, while silk and wool are protein fibres. The three methods to identify these fibres, in stages, are by the burning test, solubility test and if necessary by examining the cross-sectional and/or longitudinal views of fibres. These fibres dissolve differently in specific chemicals, at certain conditions.

The presentation will cover very briefly on fibre classification, properties of cotton, linen, silk and wool related to their end-uses. The identification of these four fibres and other available fibres by burning and solubility tests, as well as their cross-sectional and/or longitudinal views will be explained.

Introducing DR. SALMIAH BIN MOHD NOR

Dr. Salmiah bin Mohd Nor holds a PhD in Science (Textile Technology), Universiti Teknologi  MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia and a M.Sc  in Home Economics, majoring in Clothing and Textiles, Florida State University, Tallahassee, USA. She is a former Guest Fellow at the Institute of Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA) UKM, Bangi, Selangor and Associate Professorof Textile Technology Program, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UiTM, Shah Alam.She has also published A Manual on Textile Testing.