Includes 6 known and 3 unknown fibres plus slides, coverslips, mounted needles, forceps and full instructions. All you need to add is a butane burner and microscope.

The world around us is filled with textiles, from the clothes we wear to the carpet we walk on. Identifying the fibres that make up these items can be a useful skill. An example of a practical application is in forensic science, identifying fibres that have been collected as evidence.

Fibres come under three main types: natural (cotton, linen, silk, wool), regenerated (viscose, acetate, modal, lyocell, triacetate), and synthetic (polyester, nylon, acrylic).

The Southern Biological Fibre Detectives kit allows your students to identify different fibre types by conducting tests that highlight differences in their properties.

The kit contains six known fibres and three unknowns. First, students examine the known fibres to become familiar with their microscopic appearance and distinctive burning characteristics. In the next step, they compare the three unknown fibres to reveal their identify.

Each kit contains sufficient items and materials for a minimum of 10 student groups to perform this practical. A comprehensive manual is included to guide both teacher and students through the exercise.

Replenishment kits containing the replacement fabrics are also available.