A study on fibre identification and characterization of various headscarf fabrics

Fahmi, Shazwina Ayna Mohd (2025) A study on fibre identification and characterization of various headscarf fabrics. Other thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

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Abstract

This study focuses on the identification and characterisation of fibres from six types of headscarf fabrics, mainly cotton, silk, polyester, lycra, viscose, and moss crepe as potential sources of trace evidence in forensic investigations. Fibre evidence, often transferred during physical contact, plays a crucial role in linking suspects, victims, and crime scenes. Morphological tests revealed that distinct weave patterns and yarn structures significantly influence fabric behaviour, such as porosity and density, aiding in the differentiation of fabric types. Both cotton and viscose exhibited plain weaves, but cotton had a less porous fabric structure than viscose. Polyester and lycra showed dense synthetic structures. Burning tests identified fibres based on their combustion behaviour, residue formation, and odour. Lycra however shows uniqueness in the absence of hard beads although it is synthetic fibre. Moss crepe and viscose displayed mixed traits, confirming their partially synthetic origins. Solubility tests further validated fibre compositions by observing their reactions to various chemical solvents, demonstrating distinct dissolution behaviours influenced by chemical structure and environmental factors. Most fibres did not dissolve in 75% and 60% sulphuric acid, and none dissolved in formic acid, while most fibres dissolved in high-temperature 50% sodium hydroxide solutions. In conclusion, this study successfully classified and identified the six types of fibres using comprehensive fibre identification methods, enhancing their value as trace evidence in forensic applications

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Uncontrolled Keywords: fibre identification
Subjects: R Medicine
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Divisions: Kampus Kesihatan (Health Campus) > Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan (School of Health Sciences) > Thesis
Depositing User: MUHAMMAD AKIF AIMAN AB SHUKOR
Date Deposited: 30 Oct 2025 00:22
Last Modified: 04 Nov 2025 03:00
URI: http://eprints.usm.my/id/eprint/63137

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