ASTM E2224-23a
(Guide)Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared Spectroscopy
Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared Spectroscopy
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide is designed to assist an examiner in the selection of appropriate sample preparation methods for the analysis, comparison, and identification of fibers using IR spectroscopy. IR spectroscopy can provide additional compositional information than is obtained using polarized light microscopy alone. The extent to which IR spectral comparison is conducted will vary with specific sample and case evaluations.
5.2 IR analysis should follow visible and fluorescence comparison microscopy, polarized light microscopy, and ultraviolet (UV)/visible spectroscopy. If no meaningful differences are noted between the known and unknown samples in optical properties, then proceed to IR spectroscopy as the next step in the analytical scheme, as applicable.
Note 1: IR analysis generally follows the aforementioned techniques since sample preparation (for example, flattening) irreversibly changes fiber morphology.
5.3 IR spectroscopy should be conducted before dye extraction for chromatography due to the semi-destructive nature of the extraction technique. Because of the large number of sub-generic classes, forensic examination of acrylic and modacrylic fibers is likely to benefit significantly from IR spectral analysis (5). Useful distinctions between subtypes of nylon and polyester fibers can also be made by IR spectroscopy.
5.4 IR spectroscopy can provide molecular information regarding major organic and inorganic components. Components in lesser amounts are typically more difficult to identify. Reasons for this include interference of the absorption bands of the major components with the less-intense bands of minor components, and sensitivity issues whereby the minor components are present at concentrations below the detection limits of the instrument.
5.5 Fiber samples are prepared and mounted for microscopical IR analysis by a variety of techniques. IR spectra of fibers are obtained using an IR spectrometer coupled with an IR microscope, ATR, or diamond c...
SCOPE
1.1 Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a valuable method of fiber polymer identification and comparison in forensic examinations. The use of IR microscopes, coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, has greatly simplified the IR analysis of single fibers, thus making the technique feasible for routine use in the forensic laboratory. This guide provides basic recommendations and information about IR spectrometers and accessories, with an emphasis on sampling techniques specific to fiber examinations. The particular method(s) employed by each examiner or laboratory will depend upon available equipment, examiner training, sample suitability, and sample size.
1.2 This guide is intended for examiners with a basic knowledge of the theory and practice of IR spectroscopy, as well as experience in the handling and forensic examination of fibers. In addition, this guide is to be used in conjunction with a broader analytical scheme.
1.3 If polymer identification is not readily apparent from optical data alone, an additional method of analysis, such as microchemical tests, melting point, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, or pyrolysis gas chromatography, should be used. An advantage of IR spectroscopy is that the instrumentation is readily available in most forensic laboratories and the technique is minimally destructive.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practice...
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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2224 − 23a An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
1
Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared Spectroscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2224; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a valuable method of fiber
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
polymer identification and comparison in forensic examina-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
tions. The use of IR microscopes, coupled with Fourier
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, has greatly simplified
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the IR analysis of single fibers, thus making the technique
feasible for routine use in the forensic laboratory. This guide
2. Referenced Documents
provides basic recommendations and information about IR
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
spectrometers and accessories, with an emphasis on sampling
techniques specific to fiber examinations. The particular meth- D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
E131 Terminology Relating to Molecular Spectroscopy
od(s) employed by each examiner or laboratory will depend
upon available equipment, examiner training, sample E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Tech-
nical Experts
suitability, and sample size.
E1421 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance
1.2 This guide is intended for examiners with a basic
of Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared (FT-MIR) Spectrom-
knowledge of the theory and practice of IR spectroscopy, as
eters: Level Zero and Level One Tests
well as experience in the handling and forensic examination of
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related
fibers. In addition, this guide is to be used in conjunction with
Documentation
a broader analytical scheme.
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
1.3 If polymer identification is not readily apparent from
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
optical data alone, an additional method of analysis, such as
E2228 Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fi-
microchemical tests, melting point, IR spectroscopy, Raman
bers
spectroscopy, or pyrolysis gas chromatography, should be
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training,
used. An advantage of IR spectroscopy is that the instrumen-
Continuing Education, and Professional Development
tation is readily available in most forensic laboratories and the
Programs
technique is minimally destructive.
2.2 Other Documents:
3
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
ISO 17025 Testing and calibration laboratories
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
3. Terminology
1.5 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
science practitioners with the requisite formal education,
refer to Terminologies D123 and E131.
discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demon-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
strated proficiency to perform forensic casework.
3.2.1 aperture, n—an opening in an optical system that
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
controls the amount of light passing through a system.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.2 attenuated total reflection (ATR), n—a method of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
spectrophotometric analysis based on the reflection of energy
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as E2224 – 23. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/E2224-23A. 4th Floor, New Yor
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2224 − 23 E2224 − 23a An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
1
Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared Spectroscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2224; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a valuable method of fiber polymer identification and comparison in forensic examinations. The
use of IR microscopes, coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, has greatly simplified the IR analysis of
single fibers, thus making the technique feasible for routine use in the forensic laboratory. This guide provides basic
recommendations and information about IR spectrometers and accessories, with an emphasis on sampling techniques specific to
fiber examinations. The particular method(s) employed by each examiner or laboratory will depend upon available equipment,
examiner training, sample suitability, and sample size.
1.2 This guide is intended for examiners with a basic knowledge of the theory and practice of IR spectroscopy, as well as
experience in the handling and forensic examination of fibers. In addition, this guide is to be used in conjunction with a broader
analytical scheme.
1.3 If polymer identification is not readily apparent from optical data alone, an additional method of analysis, such as
microchemical tests, melting point, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, or pyrolysis gas chromatography, should be used. An
advantage of IR spectroscopy is that the instrumentation is readily available in most forensic laboratories and the technique is
minimally destructive.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.5 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience and is to be
used in conjunction with professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills,is intended for use
by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917
and abilities.), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
Current edition approved April 1, 2023May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 20222023 as
E2224 – 22.E2224 – 23. DOI: 10.1520/E2224-23.10.1520/E2224-23A.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E2224 − 23a
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
E131 Terminology Relating to Molecular Spectroscopy
E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts
E1421 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared (FT-MIR) Spectrometers: Level
Zero and Level One Tests
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
E2228 Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fibers
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
2.2 Other Documents:
3
ISO 17025 Testing and calibration laboratories
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide, refer to Terminologies D123 and E131.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This
...
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E2224 − 23a An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
1
Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared Spectroscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2224; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a valuable method of fiber
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
polymer identification and comparison in forensic examina-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
tions. The use of IR microscopes, coupled with Fourier
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, has greatly simplified
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the IR analysis of single fibers, thus making the technique
feasible for routine use in the forensic laboratory. This guide
2. Referenced Documents
provides basic recommendations and information about IR
2
spectrometers and accessories, with an emphasis on sampling 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
techniques specific to fiber examinations. The particular meth-
od(s) employed by each examiner or laboratory will depend E131 Terminology Relating to Molecular Spectroscopy
E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Tech-
upon available equipment, examiner training, sample
suitability, and sample size. nical Experts
E1421 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance
1.2 This guide is intended for examiners with a basic
of Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared (FT-MIR) Spectrom-
knowledge of the theory and practice of IR spectroscopy, as
eters: Level Zero and Level One Tests
well as experience in the handling and forensic examination of
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related
fibers. In addition, this guide is to be used in conjunction with
Documentation
a broader analytical scheme.
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
1.3 If polymer identification is not readily apparent from
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
optical data alone, an additional method of analysis, such as
E2228 Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fi-
microchemical tests, melting point, IR spectroscopy, Raman
bers
spectroscopy, or pyrolysis gas chromatography, should be
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training,
used. An advantage of IR spectroscopy is that the instrumen-
Continuing Education, and Professional Development
tation is readily available in most forensic laboratories and the
Programs
technique is minimally destructive.
2.2 Other Documents:
3
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
ISO 17025 Testing and calibration laboratories
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
3. Terminology
1.5 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
science practitioners with the requisite formal education,
refer to Terminologies D123 and E131.
discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demon-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
strated proficiency to perform forensic casework.
3.2.1 aperture, n—an opening in an optical system that
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
controls the amount of light passing through a system.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.2 attenuated total reflection (ATR), n—a method of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
spectrophotometric analysis based on the reflection of energy
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as E2224 – 23. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/E2224-23A. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Uni
...
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