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Identification of textile fibers

Edited by M M Houck, West Virginia University, USA

Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles No. 84

 - provides a comprehensive review of the main types of fibre together with their structure, characteristics and identification
 - assesses methods of fibre identification from optical microscopy to DNA analysis as well as instruments available to identify fibres

The identification of fibers is important to the textile industry, forensic science, fashion designers and historians among others. Identifying fibers involves observing the physical and chemical properties of the fiber for which there are a wide diversity of instruments available. This book provides a comprehensive review of fiber structure, the diversity of instruments available to identify fibers and applicications for a range of industries.

The first part of the book examines the main fibers, their structure and characteristics. Part two focuses on methods of fiber identification, ranging from microscopic to DNA analysis. Specific applications, including how textiles are identified in forensic investigations.

Identification of textile fibers is an important text for forensic scientists, police and lawyers who may be involved with the use of textile fibers to provide evidence in criminal cases. It will also be relevant for textile designers, technologists and inspectors wishing to assess fiber quality and understand fiber damage.

Published in association with The Textile Institute

£155.00 / US$265.00 / €185.00

An e-book version of this title is available to purchase as part of a Collection or Pick n Mix or by Chapter. Visit Woodhead Publishing Online

About the editor

Max Houck is the Director of the Forensic Science Initiative and Director of Forensic Business Development at West Virginia University. He has published numerous articles and several books in related fields and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Forensic Sciences and the Journal of Forensic Identification.

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Identification of textile fibers
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Contents

PART 1 TEXTILE FIBER STRUCTURE AND CHARACTERISTICS
PART 2 METHODS OF FIBER IDENTIFICATION

PART 1 TEXTILE FIBER STRUCTURE AND CHARACTERISTICS

Introduction to textile fiber identification
M M Houck, West Virginia University, USA
 - References

Ways of identifying textile fibres and materials
M M Houck, West Virginia University, USA
 - Introduction
 - Identification and comparison of fibres
 - Classification of fibres
 - Pyrolysis gas chromatography
 - Analysis of fibre colours and dyes
 - Future trends
 - References

Natural animal textile fibres: structure, characteristics and identification
S R Tridico, Australian Federal Police, Australia
 - Introduction
 - Animal fibre growth, structure, composition and properties
 - Types of natural animal fibres
 - Natural animal fibres characteristics
 - Identification of natural animal fibres
 - Future trends
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - Acknowledgements
 - References

Synthetic textile fibres: structure, characteristics and identification
Y Ohta, Toyobo Research Center Co, Japan and K Kajiwara, Otsuma Women’s University
 - Introduction
 - Fundamental characteristics of fibrous materials
 - Common synthetic fibers
 - Crystal structure of synthetic fibers
 - Identification of synthetic fibers
 - References

High performance fibres: structure, characteristics and identification
Y Ohta, Toyobo Research Center Co, Japan and K Kajiwara, Otsuma Women’s University, Japan
 - Introduction
 - The primary structure and physical properties of HPFs
 - Identification of high strength and high modulus fiber
 - Alternative methods analysis of higher-order structure
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - References

The use of classification systems and production methods in identifying manufactured textile fibers
K L Hatch, The University of Arizona, USA
 - Introduction
 - Polymer origins and fiber classification
 - PLA/polylactide fiber
 - Fiber subclasses
 - Multicomponent fibers
 - Future trends
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - References

PART 2 METHODS OF FIBER IDENTIFICATION

Optical microscopy for textile fibre identification
M Wilding, The University of Manchester, UK
 - Introduction
 - Practical and quality control considerations
 - Initial identification based on physical appearance
 - Identification based on properties
 - Examples of more advanced microscopic techniques
 - Future trends
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - References

The use of spectroscopy for FP textile fibre identification
M M Houck, West Virginia University, USA
 - Introduction: spectroscopy of fibers
 - Categorizing methods by nature of excitation
 - Categorizing methods by measurement process
 - Common methods of spectroscopy
 - References

Microspectrophotometry for textile fiber colour measurement
S Walbridge-Jones, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, USA
 - Introduction
 - An understanding of spectroscopy
 - Microspectrophotometer design
 - Types of microspectroscopy
 - Perception of color: human vs
 - machine
 - Metamerism
 - Applications of microspectroscopy in fiber analysis
 - Limitations, strengths, and future trends
 - References

Alternative and specialised textile fibre identification tests
P H Greaves, Microtex, UK
 - Introduction
 - Alternative methods of fibre identification
 - Scanning electron microscopy
 - Further techniques
 - Benefits of scanning electron microscopy compared to a light microscope
 - Quantitative aspects
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - References

Analysis of dyes using chromatography
S W Lewis, Curtin University of Technology, Australia
 - Introduction
 - Dyes
 - Conclusions
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - Acknowledgments
 - References

DNA analysis in the identification of animal fibres in textiles
P F Hamlyn, BTTG Ltd, UK
 - Introduction
 - Extraction of DNA from animal fibers
 - Development of methods for using DNA analysis to identify animal fibers
 - Effect of fiber processing on DNA analysis and the use of DNA amplification technology
 - Future trends
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - References

PART 3 APPLICATIONS

Identifying plant fibers in textiles: the case of cotton
S Gordon, CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, Australia
 - Introduction
 - Cotton fibre structure and composition
 - Cotton fibre properties
 - Future trends
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - References

The forensic identification of textile fibers
M M Houck, West, Virginia University, USA
 - A forensic mindset
 - Microscopy of fibers
 - Manufactured fiber production and spinning
 - Polarized light microscopy
 - Fluorescence microscopy
 - Conclusions
 - References and further reading

Identifying and analysing of textile damage in the textile industry
W D Schindler, University of Applied Sciences, Germany
 - Introduction: importance and reasons for textile damage analysis in the textile industry
 - Main types, manifestations and causes of textile damage
 - Methods of identifying and analysis of textile damage
 - Damage analysis according to the type of fiber
 - Damage analysis of cellulosics, especially cotton
 - Damage analysis of wool
 - Damage analysis of silk
 - General types of damage to synthetics
 - Analysis of damage to polyester fibers
 - Analysis of damage to nylon fibers
 - Analysis of damage to acrylic fibers
 - Analysis of damage to elastane (spandex) fibers
 - Analysis of damage to polyolefin fibers, especially polypropylene
 - Special types of textile damage and their analysis
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - Conclusions
 - Acknowledgments
 - References

The role of fibre identification in textile conservation
P Garside, University of Southampton, UK
 - Introduction
 - Analytical techniques
 - Conservation strategies
 - Case studies
 - Future trends
 - Sources of further information and advice
 - Acknowledgements
 - References