FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY (FRS581)

LABORATORY REPORT

EXPERIMENT 1: FORENSIC FIBER ANALYSIS

NAME: AHMAD ZAKWAN BIN KASSIM

STUDENT ID: 2021886994
PROGRAMME CODE: AS253
GROUP: AS2535A2
DATE OF EXPERIMENT: 16TH OCTOBER 2023
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 30TH OCTOBER 2023
LECTURER’S NAME: MADAM KHAIRULMAZIDAH BINTI
MOHAMED
 INTRODUCTION
A fiber is the smallest unit of fibrous material, and its length is many times larger than
its diameter. Fibers occur naturally as plant and animal fibers, but they can also be produced
artificially. It can be spun together with other fibers into yarn, which can then be woven or
knitted to make fabrics. The type and length of fibers used, the type of spinning method, and
the type of fabric structure all influence fiber migration and the importance of fiber bonding.

Natural fibers and manmade fibers are two types of fibers. Natural fiber is found in both
plants and animals. Natural fibers account for more than half of all fibers manufactured. Cotton,
hair, fur, silk and wool make up natural fibers. Meanwhile, synthetic fibers can be classified
into two types: regenerated or natural polymer fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. Regenerated
or natural fibers are created by processing natural resources to form a fiber structure. The most
common regenerated fibers are rayon and acetate. Synthetic polymer fibers are made entirely
from chemicals and are often more durable than natural or regenerated fibers. Best of all,
synthetic fibers will melt if touched by an iron that is too hot. The most commonly used
synthetic fibers are nylon (polyamide), polyester, acrylic and olefin.

Fibers may become key evidence in situations involving personal contact, such as
homicide, assault, or sexual offenses, where cross-transfers between suspect and victim clothes
may occur. Similarly, the force of collision between a hit-and-run victim and a car frequently
results in fibers, threads, or even full pieces of clothes clinging to vehicle parts. Fibers may
also become embedded in screens or glass smashed during a break-in attempt. Fibers' final
value as forensic evidence is determined by the criminalist's ability to constrain their origin to
a limited number of sources, if not a single source, regardless of where and under what
conditions they are found.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PART A
Compound light microscope and fibre samples (manmade and natural known fiber and
2 unknown fiber) were used for this part. The known fiber samples were studied under 50x and
100x low power microscopes bright field and fluorescence field. Coarse adjustment was not
used when using the 10x objective. Any pits or striations on the fibers were noted. The visual
differences between the manmade (polyester) fibers and natural (cotton) fibers were
determined. As part of this investigation the color of each was noted. The unknown fiber
samples were studied under both objectives. Any pits or striations on the fibers were noted.
The known samples were matched to the unknown samples based on these comparisons.
PART B
Candle, one-hole rubber stopper, fibre samples and forceps were used for this part. The
candle was placed in the hole of the stopper, and it was lit. The burning characteristics of each
of the known fibers were noted as well as the unknown fiber. Observations were recorded in
the data table. The fiber was held in the forceps, it was brought close to, but not touched the
flame. The fiber’s behaviour was described whether it was ignited, melt or curl as it approaches
the flame. The fiber was held in the forceps and touched to the flame. The fiber’s behaviour
was described whether it was ignited quickly or slowly and does it sputter, drip or melt. The
fiber was removed from the flame and its behaviour was described whether it self-extinguish,
continue to burn, or glow. Any odor associated with the fiber in a flame was noted. The fiber’s
behaviour was described whether it smell like vinegar or hair. Residue that was left after the
fiber is removed from the flame was observed. The fiber residue was described whether its
leave a white, fluffy ash, a hard bead or a melted blob.

PART C
Chopper knife, a ough granite stone, a nail and a wooden block were used for this part.
Tears and damages in the clothes were examined and they were related with the type of weapon
that has caused them. Tear caused by a chopper knife was examined. A piece of cloth (known
samples) was stretched onto a wooden block and chopped with a chopper knife. Next, tear
caused by a single edged knife was examined. A piece of cloth (known sample) was stretched
on a sand bag or a sand filled container and a tear was created by stabbing with a knife. Next,
tear caused by a double-edged knife was examined. A piece of cloth (known sample) was
stretch on a sand bag or a sand filled container and a tear was created by stabbing with a knife
having sharp edges on both sides. Next, tear caused by a sharp nail was examined. A piece of
cloth (known sample) was placed on the tip of a sharp nail projecting from a wooden plank and
the cloth was stretch until a tear is created. Next, tears caused due to forcible contact with a
rough object (a stone) was examined. A piece of cloth (known sample) was stretch onto a
smooth wooden plank and the cloth was smashed using a ough granite stone until a ragged a
tattered tear is produced. Lastly, tears caused due to overstretching of cloth was examined. The
two ends of a sufficiently long piece of cloth (known sample) were held by two individuals
who would forcibly stretch the cloth until a tear is produced.
 RESULTS
PART A: EXAMINATION OF KNOWN FIBERS UNDER A
MICROSCOPE

SKETCH
VISUAL DESCRIPTION UNDER
TYPE OF FIBERS BRIGHT FIELD AND
FLUORENCENCE FIELD
40X Low Power 100X Low Power

KNOWN 1 (100%
COTTON)

Twirl weave pattern

KNOWN 2 (100%
POLYESTER)
Plain weave pattern

UNKNOWN 1

Plain weave pattern

UNKNOWN 2

Leno weave pattern

PART B: BEHAVIOR OF FIBER IN A FLAME

TYPE OF FIBER KNOWN 1 KNOWN 2 UNKNOWN 1 UNKNOWN 2

APPROACHING Curl Melt Curl Curl
FLAME

Ignite slowly ignite quickly ignite quickly ignite quickly

IN THE FLAME melt melt melt
REMOVED FROM
THE FLAME Continue to burn Glow Continue to burn Continue to burn
ODOR Hair Hair Hair Vinegar
RESIDUE Fluffy ash Hard bead Hard bead Fluffy ash
 PART C

KNOWN 1 (100% KNOWN 2 (100%

TYPE OF WEAPON UNKNOWN 1 UNKNOWN 2
COTTON) POLYESTER)

CHOPPER KNIFE

SINGLE EDGED KNIFE

DOUBLE EDGED
KNIFE

SHARP NAIL

STONE

OVERSTRETCHING
 DISCUSSION
Natural fibers usually have rough exteriors that mimic hair. Cotton, for example, has a
ribbon-like look and bends in uneven patterns. Long extrusion lines on the outer layer of some
synthetic fibers are possible. Synthetic (man-made) fibers are normally homogeneous and
smooth, with some having long extrusion lines. Only microscopic examination of color and
morphological traits such as weave patterns can identify and compare such fibers. Cotton is the
most frequently used plant fiber in the world today. Although the inclusion of dyed cotton in a
color combination has boosted its evidence significance in some circumstances, the ubiquitous
use of undyed white cotton fibers in garments and other materials has rendered its evidential
value nearly useless. Thus, four different types of cloth were employed in this laboratory, two
of which were known fabrics (100% cotton, and 100% polyester) while the other two were
unknown fabrics.

Part A evaluated known and unknown fabric samples using a compound light
microscope at 40x to 100x low power with bright field and fluorescence fields. Because it has
the illusion of twisted or swirling elements, 100% cotton in grey was discovered to have a twirl
weave pattern. Where the twirl weave pattern is recognized for its intricate and dynamic
appearance, often adding an element of sophistication and artistic flair to the woven fabric. The
100% polyester, purple in color, was found to have a simple crisscross pattern of yarns, where
each weft yarn passes alternately over and under each warp yarn. The plain weave pattern
creates a strong, durable fabric with a tight structure and a smooth surface. Similarly, the weave
pattern observed under the microscope for the black and white-colored (unknown fibre 1) plain
weave pattern, as well as the weave pattern shown by the purple-colored 100% polyester, was
plain. For green-colored (unknown fiber 2), it has leno weave pattern where it has an open,
airy, and stable fabric structure. It is characterized by the twisting of warp yarns around the
weft yarns, creating a stable mesh-like appearance. So, it can be concluded that the 100%
polyester fabric matched with the unknown fibres 1 because they have the same type of weave
pattern, whereas the 100% cotton fabric cannot be compared to the other.

Part B investigated the behavior of known and unknown fabric samples. As known
fabric 1 (100% cotton) approaches the flame, it begins to curl away. When placed in the flame,
the fabric ignites slowly and continues to burn after being removed from the flame. The fabric
smelled like hair and left a fluffy ash residue. The same behavior was demonstrated by
unknown fabric 2, with the only difference being that the fabric ignite quickly and melts away
from the flame first before continuing to burn after being removed from the flame, and smelled
like vinegar. As a result, unknown fabric 2 is made of the same material as 100% cotton fabric.
In contrast, known fabric 2 (100% polyester) does not shrink and curls away as it approaches
the flame. The fabric ignites quickly and melt when placed in the flame and glow when
removed from the flame. The fabric emitted an odor reminiscent of burning hair and left behind
a hard, tough, black bead as residue. The same behavior was demonstrated by unknown fabric
1, with the only difference being that the fabric does curls away as it approaches the flame and
continue to burn as it removed from flame. It also emitted a chemical odor reminiscent of
burning hair. As a result, unknown fabric 1 is made of the same material as 100% polyester
fabric.

The difference in behavior of each fabric is due to its different melting or burning point.
The burning point of 100% cotton is around 210 degrees Fahrenheit, but the burning point and
necessary precautions will change if a cotton blend or waxed cotton is burned. Because fire
requires oxygen to burn, the flammability threshold can shift as the air around the material is
reduced or increased. The temperature must rise due to a lack of oxygen, and vice versa; the
values are more accurate when there is a steady flow of fresh air. Polyester, on the other hand,
has a melting point of 250. The length of time the fabric is exposed to the high heat source will
influence it. The melting rate and temperature are also influenced by the textile's thickness and
whether it is blended or arranged with other materials.

Part C examined the tears and damage on both known and unknown fabrics to
determine what type of weapon caused them. Damage caused by a chopper knife, single-edged
knife, double-edged knife, sharp nail, rough granite stone, and overstretching the fabric is
depicted in Data Table Part C. The chopper knife easily cut through both known and unknown
fabrics. Both known and unknown fabrics revealed that a single-edged knife cut had a direct
cut to only one side, whereas a double-edged knife cut was visible on both sides. When a sharp
nail is used to cut known and unknown fabrics, the long thread of the cloth is pulled out of its
pattern, and the cut is not clean. A rough granite stone will leave a small hole in the fabric and
give the surface a pressed appearance. This effect is visible on both known and unknown
fabrics. Overstretching tears, also known as rips, are visible on well-known and unknown
fabrics and are distinguished by a lack of uniform threading and rough, small cuts.

QUESTIONS
1. Describe the characteristic(s) made the known fibers under both fields.

100% cotton is a the twirl weave pattern which recognized for its intricate and dynamic
appearance, often adding an element of sophistication and artistic flair to the woven
fabric.
100% polyester is a plain weave pattern which have a simple crisscross pattern of yarns,
where each weft yarn passes alternately over and under each warp yarn.

2. From the burning tests, which type of fiber is most like the unknown fiber?
Describe the characteristics they had most in common.

100% cotton is like unknown fibre 2. 100% cotton approaches the flame, it begins to
curl away. When placed in the flame, the fabric ignites slowly and continues to burn
after being removed from the flame. The fabric smelled like hair and left a fluffy ash
residue. The same behavior was demonstrated by unknown fabric 2, with the only
difference being that the fabric ignites quickly and melts away from the flame first
 before continuing to burn after being removed from the flame and smelled like vinegar.
100% polyester is like unknown fibre 1. 100% polyester does not shrink and curls away
as it approaches the flame. The fabric ignites quickly and melt when placed in the flame
and glow when removed from the flame. The fabric emitted an odor reminiscent of
burning hair and left behind a hard, tough, black bead as residue. The same behavior
was demonstrated by unknown fabric 1, with the only difference being that the fabric
does curls away as it approaches the flame and continue to burn as it removed from
flame. Both fibers were plain weave pattern.

3. Why might an investigator want to identify unknown fibers from a crime

scene?

Fibres aid in forensic analysis at crime scenes because their sources can be traced. A
cloth fiber on a person's shoe can be used to connect them to a crime scene.

4. What must scientists be able to do for fiber evidence to be useful in a crime

scene investigation?

To effectively use fiber evidence at a crime scene, scientists must be able to narrow its
origin down to one or two possible sources. This is due to the fact that the majority of
clothing, furniture, and floor coverings are mass-produced, which is inefficient.
Forensic experts can use microscopes to trace the origin of a fiber. With the aid of a
microscope, the forensic scientist can see much more detail in the fiber under
examination than they would with their naked eyes alone. They can see the fiber in
greater detail this way. If the fiber cannot be identified, the forensics scientist will
perform a flame examination to see how the fibers burn. They will be able to make a
more informed guess about the unknown by directly comparing it to known fibers.

5. From where do we get the materials to make natural fibers?

It can be obtained directly from an animal, vegetable, or mineral source and spun into
yarns before being woven into cloth, or it can be obtained directly from an animal,
vegetable, or mineral source and used to make nonwoven fabrics such as felt or paper.

6. How are manmade fibers most different from natural fibers?

Chemical processes are used to create synthetic fibers from man-made substances. A
spinneret is a device that converts polymers into fibers and is typically used to extract
fibers during the chemical phase.
 7. Why is it important to identify cuts and damages in fabrics?

Cloth damage analysis is a vital forensic tool that has helped solve a wide range of
cases, including stabbings, shootings, and sexual harassment. It can also withstand
"acid attacks" and fire.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, under a compound light microscope, the pattern of each known fiber 1
(100% cotton), known fiber 2 (100% polyester), unknown fiber 1 and unknown fiber 2 was
very well defined. The responses of known and unknown fibers to fire can also be characterised
by observing their appearance before, during, and after exposure to the flame, as well as the
smell and amount of residue left behind. Finally, the weapon responsible for the tears and
damage visible in both known and unknown samples can be identified.

REFERENCES
1. Flammability of clothing. City of Huntington Beach, CA -Flammability of Clothing.
(2020). Retrieved November 7, 2022, from
https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/government/departments/fire/safety_tips/
FlammabilityofClothing.cfm#:~:text=Heavy%20fabrics%20that%20are%20cl
osely,quantity%20of%20material%2C%20burn%20longer

2. TEXTILE FASHION STUDY (September 3, 2012). Different Between Natural Fiber

and Synthetic Fiber. Retrieved October 23, 2016, from
http://textilefashionstudy.com/difference-between-natural-fiber-andsynthetic-
fiber/.

3. Godfrey, J. (2022, June 13). Fabric burn test: A list of the temperatures at which
different textiles burn or melt. Pretty Old. Retrieved November 7, 2022, from
https://prettyoldclothing.com/blogs/updates/fabric-burn-test-a-list-of-the-
temperaturesat-which-different-textiles-burn-or-melt