Using the Scanning Electron Microscope to Identify the Cause of Fibre Damage Part I: A Review of Related Literature

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn an attempt to outline known theory explaining fibre end appearances, the authors reviewed the available literature on the use of the scanning electron microscope to identify the cause of fibre damage and noted a dearth of published information which applied to forensic investigations. The lack of extensive, systematic and collaborative investigations in this area of forensic textiles has made it impossible to establish theories explaining fibre end appearances for fibres taken from damaged yarns or fabrics as would be the case in many forensic investigations. Theories for single fibre fracture/failure have been established by textile scientists and may serve as the starting point for fabric damage analyses. The review has indicated a need for comparative studies between single fibre damage and fabric damage analyses, and a need for collaborative studies involving both textile and forensic scientists.