Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Which category does my project fit into?

I'm finding out which fabric softener reduces the most flammability in 100% cotton.

Please help and thank you,
Becky

Becky,

This sounds like more of a physical science project.

It also sounds pretty dangerous. I suggest you do any burn tests at school in a fume hood under the close supervision of your science teacher. If you do not have access to a functioning fume hood, I strongly suggest you do bleep else. This is mainly for safety reasons, but you will also need a standard, reproducible location to perform burn tests in order to compare products.

Also, what makes you think fabric softeners affect flammability of clothing? What substances are there in fabric softeners that lead you to ask the question? Is the residue that remains in the fabric enough to make a difference?

Which fairs are you planning to enter? (the category guidelines vary distinctly from fair to fair.) If you can answer this question, I'll be able to better answer your question.

hhemken wrote:Becky,

This sounds like more of a physical science project.

It also sounds pretty dangerous. I suggest you do any burn tests at school in a fume hood under the close supervision of your science teacher. If you do not have access to a functioning fume hood, I strongly suggest you do bleep else. This is mainly for safety reasons, but you will also need a standard, reproducible location to perform burn tests in order to compare products.

Also, what makes you think fabric softeners affect flammability of clothing? What substances are there in fabric softeners that lead you to ask the question? Is the residue that remains in the fabric enough to make a difference?

I have already completed the project. I just need to know which category I should enter it in.

Thanks,
Becky

Could you provide a list of categories, or point us to a website describing them?

Also, I am curious as to whether you found any kind of fire-proofing effect using fabric softeners!