In a lab that we did, the class broke into pairs and examined a few types of fabrics and materials. We collected data and wrote down observations concerning the tests performed.These tests included water retention properties, flammability, and an acid/base test. We also looked at these specimens under a microscope and recorded weave patterns and filament counts. A few of the main things that I took away from this lab are the differences between synthetic and natural fabrics. The synthetics (rayon, polyester, and nylon) generally have a lower filament count and have knitted or neatly woven patterns. The filament count and weave pattern is completely dependent on the type of clothing that the fabric sample was taken from. Synthetics, being plastic in origin, will more readily melt and burn than cotton or wool, and when they were submerged in an acid, nylon and rayon liquefied or at the very least softened. There are many more differences between natural and synthetic fibers/fabrics that I could list, but I will not do so because I am tired of this topic.