The effects of body decomposition fluid on clothing dyes in natural cotton fibres using hyperspectral imaging analysis

Dowley, Alexie (2020) The effects of body decomposition fluid on clothing dyes in natural cotton fibres using hyperspectral imaging analysis. Masters by Research thesis, Murdoch University.

Abstract

Body coverings such as clothing and blankets can provide valuable information into determining the time since death in criminal investigations. Natural fibres, such as cotton, have the ability to retain and embed decomposition fluid within the fibres themselves. Analysis of these fluids can provide valuable information into the lipid profile at different stages of body decomposition.

Through the use of ATR-FTIR and CG-MS, analysis of by-products from tissue break down can be determined to examine the chemical processes that occur. These by-products also assist in understanding the preserving effect natural fibres experience in the presence of adipocere. Many environmental conditions such as seasonal temperature and location have been researched to understand this concept. Both surface and burial remains have been examined to determine the differences in time a body takes to reach each stage of decomposition. A knowledge gap was identified, relating to the extent the decomposition process may affects changes in clothing dyes as a possible factor in time of death estimations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters by Research)
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
Supervisor(s):	Speers, James and Nolan, Ashley
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/59619

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