An Evaluation of Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence as a Tool for Forensic Discrimination of Single Polyester Fibers

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry was applied to a forensic discrimination of single polyester fibers. In non-destructive direct measurement 5 mm long fibers used for references, trace metallic elements such as Ti, Sb, Ge, Mn, and Co, found in additives catalyst residues, were detected using benchtop TXRF spectrometer. The individual elemental compositions the identified, correlations between manufacturers established principal component analysis (PCA). Black sampled from car trunk mats also analyzed. Several contain both Sb that characterize different polymerization catalysts; this indicates composed recycled materials. SR-μXRF spectra showed similar patterns fiber samples