Chemical analysis of damage to textiles

SCHINDLER and E. FINNIMORE University of Applied Sciences Hof, Germany 

Analysis of damage to textiles is not usually an exact science although it does use scientific methods. In many cases several different tests are necessary. Their results can sometimes be contradictory. These then have to be evaluated and weighed up against each other very critically, whereby comparison of samples, experience with similar cases and information about the circumstances of the damage can be useful. In many ways this process is similar to a court trial when only circumstantial evidence is available but fortunately in the laboratory the damase can often be imitated and the evidence thus verified. 

Most textile companies do not have the personnel or equipment required for the clarification of complicated faults. On the other hand they do have the best insight into peripheral information required for damage analysis. However, when they hand over the fault to an institute or, more usually, to their suppliers of fibres, dyestuffs or auxiliaries for investigation they often only pass on part of this information. Analysis of the fault is then often regarded as technical customer service in order to promote and cement customer relationships. The intensity of 

---