Damaging effect of corrosive substances on textile products and fibres in the view of forensic analyses

Abstract

A trace evidence in the form of a fiber or textile product gains greater evidential usefulness if it is damaged due to the use or destructive factors. Hence, an intensive examination of destructive processes influenced by either physical or chemical factors may significantly help in determining the type of a product, circumstances and the course of a criminal incident. The aim of conducted studies was to test the influence of selected corrosive substances on morphology of textile products and fibres, and to conclude whether despite the changes inflicted by the used substances, there was a possibility of subjecting the fibres to identification and comparative tests in order to objectively conclude about the course of an incident in its criminal aspect. The results of conducted studies allowed to characterize the influence of used corrosive substances on textile products and single fibres, varying in qualitative composition and structure. Undoubtedly, the present study does not cover all the aspects of undertaken issue and opens the door to further considerations in the context of observed chemical reactions. Such studies would likely contribute to developing new research methodologies of fibrę microtraces analyses.