List of Experiments / Activities
- 1Unit I — Fibre Identification by Chemical Solubility Tests — Identify given natural and synthetic fibre samples (cotton, wool, silk, nylon, polyester, acrylic) using differential solubility in acids, alkalis, and solvents; record systematic observations
- 2Unit I — Moisture Regain and Moisture Content of Fibres — Determine moisture regain and moisture content of cotton, wool, nylon, and polyester samples by oven-drying method; relate to hygroscopicity and comfort properties of fibres
- 3Unit II — Viscosity Average Molecular Weight of Polymer — Measure viscosity of polymer solution (PVA or cellulose) at different concentrations using Ostwald viscometer; determine intrinsic viscosity [η]; compute viscosity-average molecular weight using Mark-Houwink equation
- 4Unit II — Degree of Polymerisation by Viscosity Method — Determine degree of polymerisation (DP) of a cellulose or polymer sample from intrinsic viscosity; relate DP to fibre strength and processing behaviour
- 5Unit III — Dyeing of Cotton with Direct Dye — Dye a cotton fabric sample with a direct dye at optimum temperature and salt concentration; measure dye exhaustion by UV-Vis spectrophotometry; calculate % exhaustion and colour strength (K/S value)
- 6Unit III — Dyeing of Nylon with Acid Dye — Dye a nylon fabric with an acid dye under acidic conditions; control pH with acetic acid; measure exhaustion by UV-Vis; study effect of pH on dye uptake
- 7Unit III — Effluent Analysis of Dye Bath — Analyse the exhausted dye bath effluent for BOD, COD, and colour; relate to environmental impact of textile wet processing; assess need for treatment
- 8Unit IV — Softener Finish – Effect on Fabric Handle — Apply cationic softener to cotton fabric at different concentrations; evaluate handle by subjective bending test and crease recovery angle measurement; relate to softener chemistry
- 9Unit IV — Water Repellency Test on Finished Fabric — Apply water-repellent finish (fluorocarbon or silicone-based) to fabric samples; evaluate water repellency by spray test (IS/AATCC method) and contact angle measurement; relate to DWR chemistry
- 10Unit V — Natural Dye Extraction and Dyeing — Extract natural dye from turmeric, henna, or onion skin; mordant cotton fabric with alum; dye and assess colour strength by UV-Vis; relate to sustainable natural dyeing and green textile chemistry
- 11Unit V — Enzymatic Scouring of Cotton (Bio-scouring Demo) — Scour cotton fabric using pectinase enzyme solution; compare whiteness, wettability, and weight loss with conventional alkali scouring; relate to enzyme-based green processing
- 12Unit I — Burning Test and Melting Behaviour of Fibres — Perform burning test on natural (cotton, wool, silk) and synthetic (nylon, polyester, acrylic) fibres; observe flame behaviour, odour, and ash; correlate with fibre chemical structure and fire safety
Course Objectives
- To identify and characterise natural and synthetic textile fibres by chemical and physical tests
- To study polymer properties including viscosity, degree of polymerisation, and solubility
- To perform dyeing experiments and determine dye-fibre affinity and exhaustion
- To evaluate finishing chemicals and their effect on textile fabric properties
- To apply green chemistry in textile processing and assess effluent quality
Course Outcomes (COs)
After completion of the course student will be able to:
- CO1Identify textile fibres by solubility and burning tests and determine moisture regainK3
- CO2Determine viscosity-average molecular weight and degree of polymerisation of polymer samplesK3
- CO3Perform dyeing experiments and evaluate dye exhaustion and effluent qualityK3
- CO4Apply softener and water-repellent finishes and evaluate fabric property changesK3
- CO5Extract and apply natural dyes and demonstrate enzyme-based green textile processingK3
Suggested Textbooks / Reference Books
- Engineering Chemistry – Jain and Jain
- Textile Chemistry – Thomas Bechtold and Tung Pham
- Dyes and Pigments – R. Christie Safety and General Instructions
- Students must wear lab coat and safety goggles at all times in the chemistry laboratory
- Handle all acids, alkalis, and oxidising agents with extreme care; use fume hood for volatile chemicals
- Dispose of chemical waste in designated containers as per lab safety guidelines
- Do not pipette by mouth; use rubber bulb or mechanical pipette fillers
- Wash hands thoroughly after every experiment; report any spillage or accident immediately
Official AKTU syllabus
This subject is on page 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 of the original AKTU PDF.