A Quick Guide to Assessing Webbing Quality Through Burning

Determining the quality and type of webbing can be a fiery affair. One effective and direct method to assess this is through combustion. One significant advantage of the burn test is its immediacy; within moments, the user can often discern the primary composition of a textile. However, it's worth noting that the test can be less definitive when dealing with blended fabrics, as they may exhibit characteristics of multiple fibers. Additionally, safety is paramount when conducting a burn test. It's essential to handle materials in a well-ventilated area, keep flammable items away, and have the means to extinguish the flame quickly if needed. Despite its age-old nature, the burn test remains a valuable tool in the textile industry for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Here's a simple breakdown of what to look for when you put the flame to the yarn:

How to Conduct the Burn Test:

1. Extract several warp and weft yarns from your webbing.
2. Light them with a fire source.
3. Closely observe any changes, focusing on the smell, flame color, and post-burn residue.

Webbing Types and Their Burning Characteristics:

Special Webbing:

• Melts but doesn't easily ignite.
• Displays a blue-green flame at the edges.
• Emits toxic fumes when burned.
• Residue - Hard round black bead.

Nylon Webbing:

• Burns and melts simultaneously.
• Blue flame when ignited.
• Continues to melt even after the flame is removed.
• Distinct irritating smell during combustion.
• Residue - Soft and loose black ash.

PP (Polypropylene) Webbing:

• Hard to ignite.
• Extinguishes quickly once removed from the flame.
• Yellow flame with green undertones and white smoke.
• Emanates a sharp, sour aroma.
• Residue - None to minimal.

Polyester Webbing:

• Melts near the flame and is flammable.
• Burns slowly and produces black smoke when away from the source.
• The frame has a yellow tip and a blue base.
• Residue - None but emits a petroleum-like odor.

While the combustion method is straightforward for identifying pure fibers, blends can be more challenging to discern. Always ensure safety when conducting burning tests and handle the materials in a well-ventilated area.

Related Reading

• What are the Different Qualities of Nylon Webbing?
• What are the Most Common Webbing Weaves?
• Tips for Selecting the Right Webbing Material