title: Investigating the provenance of un-dyed spun cotton fibre using multi-isotope profiles and chemometric analysis.
abstract: The analysis of un-dyed spun cotton fibres can be challenging within a forensic science context where discrimination of one fibre from another is of importance. Conventional microscopic and chemical analysis of these fibres is generally unsuccessful because of their similar morphology. In this work we have explored the potential of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) as a tool for spun cotton fibre analysis in an attempt to reveal any discriminatory information available. Seven different batches of un-dyed spun cotton fibre from four different countries were analysed. A combination of the hydrogen and oxygen isotopic data facilitated the correct association of the samples, demonstrating, for the first time, the applicability of IRMS to fibre analysis in this way.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Forensic Sciences, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, WestCHEM, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XW, UK. n.nicdaeid@strath.ac.uk
authors.forename: Niamh Nic
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Daéid
authors.forename: Wolfram
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meier-Augenstein
authors.forename: Helen F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Kemp
mesh_terms: D032561:Cotton Fiber / Q000145:classification*; D044707:Forensic Sciences / Q000379:methods; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000032:analysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D010103:Oxygen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D025341:Principal Component Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D013784:Textiles / Q000032:analysis* / Q000145:classification
chemical_list: D010103:Oxygen Isotopes; D006859:Hydrogen