1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the determination of the fiber blend composition of mixtures of the fibers listed in 1.2. Procedures for quantitative estimation of the amount of moisture and certain nonfibrous materials in textiles are also described, for use in the analysis of mixtures, but these are not the primary methods for the determination of moisture content for commercial weights.

1.2 These test methods cover procedures for the following fiber types:

1.2.1 Natural Fibers:

1.2.1.1 Cellulose-Base Fibers:

Cotton

Hemp

Flax

Ramie

1.2.1.2 Protein-Base Fibers:

Animal hairs (other than wool)

Silk, cultivated

Silk, Tussah

Wool

1.2.2 Man-Made Fibers:

1.2.2.1 Cellulose-Base Fibers:

Acetate (secondary)

Rayon, viscose or cuprammonium

Triacetate

1.2.2.2 Synthetic-Base Fibers:

Acrylic

Aramid

Modacrylic

Nylon 6, Nylon 6-6, others

Olefin

Polyester

Spandex

1.3 These test methods include the following sections and tables:

1.4 The analytical procedures described in the test methods are applicable to the fibers listed in 1.2. The test methods are not satisfactory for the separation of mixtures containing fibers that fall within the same generic class but differ somewhat, either physically or chemically, from each other. These test methods are not satisfactory for the determination of bicomponent fibers.

Note 1 - For other methods of analysis covering specific determinations, refer to: Test Methods D 461, Test Method D 584, Methods D 885, Test Method D 1113, Test Method D 1334, and Test Method D 2130. Methods for moisture are covered in Methods D 885, Test Method D 1576, Test Method D 2462, Test Method D 2495 and Test Methods D 2654. For the determination of commercial weight, refer to Test Method D 2494.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

23.1 The following procedures may be used for the quantitative analysis of textiles containing two or more types of fibers that cannot be readily separated chemically. If the sample contains both animal and vegetable fibers, a mechanical separation (Section 10) or a chemical analysis (Sections 11-22) shall first be made. The percentages of the different types of fibers in these two groups shall then be determined by the appropriate method as directed in Sections 24 and 26. The accuracy obtainable with microscopical methods depends to a considerable extent upon the ability of the analyst to identify the different fibers present in the mixture and also upon the number of fibers examined and the number measured.

Note 22 - Photomicrographs of common textile fibers are appended to AATCC Method 20.