Thermal analysis of polymeric fibers: a model forensic study

摘要

POlymeric carpet fibers were evaluated by a number of physical analytical methods, including Differential Scanning Calorimetry, as part of a model forensic study. The purpose of this study is to determine the most effective methods for identifying crime scene fibers. X-ray diffraction analysis, light microscopy and DSC differentiated the carpet fibers. Heating and burning characteristics, ash content, chemical reactivity and a creep mechanical test did not assist in identifying the fibers. Interdisciplinary methods and thermal analytical techniques in particular are effective tools in aiding the identification and characterization of materials in question of civil and criminal law. Forensic material science uses systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through analysis, observation and experimentation. Thermal analytical data can be used to aid the legal system in interpreting technical variations in quite often a complex system.