NAME:__________________________________________ The Science Behind the Headlines: Forensic Fiber Analysis Pre-Lab: This FRONT PAGE must be handed

in BEFORE the start of lab. One copy should be taped in your lab notebook before lab under the heading Introduction and the other should be handed to us. Complete answers on this sheet only. 1. The lab safety manual indicates that natural fibers are the best clothing type to wear in a chemistry lab. Use the flow chart in the laboratory write-up to explain why natural fibers are a safer choice.

2. A fiber sample was found to smell of burning hair, dissolved in boiling NaOH, but did not dissolve in HCl. What is a likely identification of the fiber sample? Explain.

3. For each of the following fibers (polymers) draw the chemical structure, i.e. show specific atoms
attached in a polymer chain AND show neighboring chains to show intermolecular forces and/or covalent bonds between chains.

Wool

Cotton

Nylon

Rayon

Polyester

Silk 1

The Science Behind the Headlines: Forensic Fiber Analysis Background In addition to hair and glass, fiber is another example of trace evidence. In many cases, identification or matching of fiber evidence is essential to solving a crime. Criminalists may examine fiber size, crimp, color, luster, cross-section or even soil damage or adhering debris. It is common to determine the refractive index of a fiber specimen to allow for comparisons and matching with existing databases. Chemical testing can also be used for the identification of fibers. In this laboratory exercise, you will microscopically and chemically analyze fibers that are typically found in clothing including wool, acetate, cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, and silk. Description of the Crime Scene It was a cool and crisp spring morning just south of the Canadian border. State Patrol officer Frank Moretti was making has morning rounds near the border when he noticed an unusual black Jaguar x-type parked in a vacant wheat field. In the car was a mid-thirties man with two gun shoot wounds to the chest. Frank immediately phoned for backup. Backup officers and the forensics team arrived within an hour. Upon arrival the forensics team knew they were in for a challenging case. Due to what Frank had described, they guessed they were dealing with foul play, probably regarding the local drug trade. The investigators found traces of a white unknown powder that they concluded was cocaine. The team only found fingerprints that belonged to the victim. Clearly the person/persons behind the crime were experienced and wore gloves. The team had almost packed up when they noticed several red fibers on the passengers seat. The victim was not wearing red. Frank proceeded to track down possible suspects at local restaurant where drug runners and dealers often congregated. He found three men all wearing red clothing and a search found firearms on all three individuals. He collected fabric samples from each of their red pieces of clothing. Your task is to determine whether the unknown fiber found on the passengers seat matches any of the fabric swatches taken from the suspects. You will be doing (i) microscopy, (ii) a cross sectional analysis, and (iii) chemical tests to aid your investigation. You may do these tests in any order. Microscopy Examine each of the fabric/fiber samples using a stereoscope, a hand lens, and a polarizing microscope. For each material record information on size, crimp, color, luster, damage and soil or debris presence. Sketch (in your notebook) and describe in words what you see. (Be sure to indicate in your diagrams the scope type used and the magnification.) Select one strand of the fiber from the crime scene to be analyzed. Prepare a wet mount of the fiber by placing it on a microscope slide, adding a drop of water, and covering the fiber and the water with a cover slip. 3

 Examine the fiber under low, medium, and high magnification. Sketch the fiber at the magnification that gives you the best view. Be sure to record comments about any striations or other features that would help you identify the fiber. Repeat this procedure for each of the other fibers from the suspects and the evidence from the crime scene. Cross Section Analysis For the unknown and each of the suspects fibers, use a PVC sandwich to look at the cross section of the fiber. BE CAREFUL WITH THE RAZOR BLADESTHEY ARE VERY SHARP. The technique will be demonstrated at the start of lab time. Chemical Analysis Perform chemical analysis on fiber samples using the flowchart found below. It is essential that you are wearing your safety goggles for the chemical (including burning) analysis and that you work in a HOOD. You should perform a chemical analysis on each of the known samples before working on the unknowns. (Unknowns include the crime scene fibers and the suspect clothing.)

Analysis of Results: DUE at the field trip: ONE report PER PERSON (individual) In your REPORT (discussion of data): address the following: Can you rule out any of the suspects at this time? Explain and use specific examples from your data to support your findings. DO NOT include a results section, simply a report of the data. Did the samples from the crime scene match any of the samples from the suspects? If so, which suspect or suspects? Support your answer with specific evidence from your lab work. If not, what can you say about the suspect you are looking for?