Date of Award
Spring 5-1-1980
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
D. J. Reuland
Second Advisor
W. A. Trinler
Abstract
This study investigates the use of thermal analysis for the identification and characterization of fibers for forensic purposes. Fibers such as polyesters, polyacrylics, polypropylenes and nylon were investigated by Differential Thermal Analysis (D.T.A.) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (T.G.A.) to see if their resulting thermograms were characteristic of each fiber. Also, infrared analysis was performed on each fiber. In addition, such factors as heating rate and sample size along with fiber blends were studied as to their effect on thermograms. As a result of this study several important conclusions may be drawn. Although it was found that for the most part D.T.A. was characteristic of the studied fiber, some exceptions were found. In these exceptions, i.r. analysis confirmed the identity of the fiber. Hence, although D.T.A. and i.r. analysis by themselves may not give rise to the correct identity of the fiber coupled together they do. Thermogravimetric analysis of the fiber blends did not show any outstanding potential. rt was also found that changes in sample size and heating rate do indeed affect the thermogram. Lastly, it was found in some cases fiber blends are the sum of their individual fiber components. As a general conclusion, D.T.A., coupled with i.r. analysis, has much potential in fiber identification for forensic purposes.
Recommended Citation
Coffey, Ronald J., "The Use of Thermal Analysis in the Identification and Characterization of Fibers of Forensic Interest" (1980). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3292.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3292
Included in
Analytical Chemistry Commons, Evidence Commons, Materials Chemistry Commons, Materials Science and Engineering Commons, Physical Chemistry Commons, Thermodynamics Commons