Vocabulary & Definitions
The smallest indivisible unit of a textile.
What is fiber?
The most common plant fiber.
What is cotton?
Under magnification, these fibers have very regular diameters.
What are synthetic fibers?
The very first step a forensic scientist should take when searching an area for fiber evidence.
What is visually searching the area?
Within this amount of time after a crime, approximately 95% of fiber evidence falls off.
What is 24 hours?
A continuous strand of fibers that have been spun together.
What is yarn?
Fiber obtained from goat hair.
What is cashmere?
Animal fibers are composed primarily of this biological material.
What is protein?
Scientists use this technique specifically to analyze the dyes present in fabric evidence.
What is chromatography?
The level/type of evidence fibers are classified as, because they are mass-produced and lack individuality.
What is class evidence?
Repeating chemical units bonded together to form polymers.
What are monomers?
Plant fibers derived from Manila and Sisal originate from this specific part of the plant.
What is a leaf?
During a burn test, this general type of fiber tends to shrink back away from the flame.
What are synthetic fibers?
This chemical test compares how known and unknown fibers dissolve in various liquids.
What is a solvent test?
The specific name for the type of transfer when a loose shirt fiber falls to the floor and is later picked up on another student's pants.
What is secondary transfer?
The lengthwise, parallel yarn in a weave pattern.
What is the warp?
This plant fiber is harvested from the surrounding husk of a coconut.
What is coir?
Unlike synthetic fibers, natural fibers are often vulnerable to damage by these living organisms.
What are microorganisms?
Non-destructive test performed when only a limited amount of fiber evidence is available.
What is Infrared Spectroscopy?
Name two mineral fibers frequently used for insulation or fire resistance.
What are fiberglass and asbestos?
The weave pattern characterized by a shiny surface with little friction.
What is a satin weave?
The first man-made synthetic fiber, which also happens to be the most common.
What is rayon?
Under magnification, this feature (an outer layer) may be seen on hair-based fibers.
What is cuticle?
The first physical property checked when matching a recovered fiber to a specific location.
What is looking at the color?
How fabric made from fur differs structurally from fabric made from animal hair.
What is: Fur leaves the hair attached to the skin/hide, whereas hair is removed/harvested from the skin?