Which of the following fibers catches fire least?
(1) Nylon
(2) Cotton
(3) Rayon
(4) Terracotta
Answer: (2) The fiber least prone to catch fire is cotton. Fabrics with more of the fiber surface area exposed to air have more oxygen available to support burning and therefore burn more easily. Thus, thin, gauzy fabrics, lace, or brushed fabrics can be very flammable. Fabrics with a napped or brushed surface of fine fibers can catch fire easily because of the greater amount of fiber surface exposed to oxygen in the air.
