The microscopic test is a technical test that involves identifying the fabric with the help of a microscope with a magnification of minimum 100 power. The test can easily distinguish between fibres.
Technical tests require skilled personnel who can handle and use the equipment and chemicals for the analysis of the textile fibres. Among microscopic tests and chemical tests, microscopic tests are mainly used for natural fibre. The test identifies the natural fibres more easily as compared to manmade ones. Synthetic fibres are very similar in appearance and the increase in the number of varieties makes it a little tough to distinguish the fibres even under a microscope.
Microscopic Appearance of textile fibres
The microscopic test is a technical test that involves identifying the fabric with the help of a microscope with a magnification of minimum 100 power. The test can easily distinguish between fibres. The test identifies the natural fibres more easily as compared to man-made ones. Synthetic fibres are very similar in appearance and the increase in the number of varieties makes it a little tough to distinguish the fibres even under a microscope.
Natural Fibres: Vegetable Fibres
Types of textile fibers – list of textile fibers by its sources
A comprehensive textile fabric names by fiber sources
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Cotton
Longitudinal View
![Cotton longitudinal]()
- Mature flat and ribbon-like with convolutions, thick wall and small lumen
- Immature very thin wall and a large lumen with few convolutions
- Dead very thin and almost transparent
- Mercerized smooth and cylindrical, fewer convolutions and lumen or sometimes may be absent
Cross-Sectional View
![Cotton Cross sectionl]()
- Kidney Shaped
- Elliptical
- Very thin like a strip
- Nearly round or circular
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Linen
![Lenin longitudinal]()
Longitudinal View
Smooth and Bamboo like with cross marking nodes, no lengthwise striations, narrow lumen
![Cotton Cross section]()
Cross-Sectional View
Sharp polygonal shape with straight sides. Immature oval shape with a large lumen.
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Hemp
Longitudinal View
Smooth and cylindrical with a cross marking nodes, no lengthwise striations, broad lumen
Cross-Sectional View
Partly polygonal
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Jute
Longitudinal View
Cylindrical with uneven in diameter, a lumen is broad and varies greatly
Cross-Sectional View
Rounded polygonal with a central lumen
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Ramie
Longitudinal View
Irregular and broad with cross marks irregular distributed, a conclusion may appear
Cross-Sectional View
Oblong
Natural Fibres: Animal Fibres
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Wool
Longitudinal View
![Wool longitudinal]()
Cylindrical, irregular, rough surface, scale-like structure, dark medulla may appear on coarse wool fibresCross-Sectional View
![Wool cross sectional]()
Nearly round or circular, medulla may appear -
Silk
Longitudinal View
![Silk longitudinal]()
Smooth surface, Structureless, triangular shaped transparent rod(Wild silk/Tussah silk – broader fibre with fine, longitudinal lines passing across filament)![Silk Cross sectionall]()
Cross-Sectional View
Triangular shape with rounded corners(Tussah silk flat wedge or spindle-shaped
Cylindrical, irregular, rough surface, scale-like structure, dark medulla may appear on coarse wool fibres
Nearly round or circular, medulla may appear
Smooth surface, Structureless, triangular shaped transparent rod(Wild silk/Tussah silk – broader fibre with fine, longitudinal lines passing across filament)
Man-made Fibres
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Viscose Rayon
![Rayon longitudinal]()
Longitudinal View- Normal type fairly dense longitudinal striations or fine lines
- Special type-may be smooth and Structure less
![Rayon cross sectionall]()
Cross-Sectional View- Irregular with a serrated outline
- Oval or round
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Cellulose Acetate fibres
![Acetate longitudinal]()
Longitudinal View
Uniform in width with a few distinct longitudinal striations
Cross-Sectional View
Irregular with a serrated outline
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Acrylic
![Acrylic longitudinal]()
Longitudinal View
Smooth surface, uniform diameter, rod-like appearance, some types with irregularly spaced striations
![Acrylic cross section]()
Cross-Sectional View
Rounded or Dumbbell shaped
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Polyester
![Polyester longitudinal]()
Longitudinal View
Structureless, uniform diameter, rod-like appearance
![Polyester cross section]()
Cross-Sectional View
Circular
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Nylon
Longitudinal View
Structureless, uniform diameter, rod-like appearance
Cross-Sectional View
Circular
Longitudinal View
Cross-Sectional View
Good afternoon
I am looking for high quality coloured photos of wool, linen, cotton and nylon fibres under a microscope. Are you able to assist me or direct to whoever can?
I await hearing from you
Regards
Mrs Yodaiken
please give me microscopic appearance of ilama fiber angora fiber bison fiber mohair fiber cashmere fiber
May I ask if anyone has a determination method of refibra ?
do you have any images for flax, hemp, Ramie and Jute fibers under the optical microscope?
I was told that Rayon and Linen are similar under a microscope. Are they?
How similar are they in texture & feel? In absorption? In coolness in hot weather? In durability?
please correct the many misspellings