The Methods and Benefits of Staining in the Microscopy of

Consumer Products

Tom Kremer

DuPont Fiber Identification Stain No. 4

Acid Blue 298

Acid Red 182

Direct Blue 218

Disperse Orange 25

Disperse Yellow 3

Color Reactions

Nylon – red to reddish brown

Rayon – blue to blue-green

Cellulose acetate – orange

Polyester – pale yellow/yellow tan/beige

Acrylic – beige

Olefin – light tan to pale yellow

Color Reactions (contd.)

Wood pulp (chemically treated) – green

Wood pulp (mechanical) – red

Cotton (normal) – strong blue to blue-gray

Cotton (mercerized) – green

Glass – doesn’t stain

Silk – dark purple

Color Reactions

S/B latex – red

Polystyrene acrylate – yellow-gold

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) – pale yellow

Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) – red

Osmium Tetroxide Vapor Staining