Analysis of\nDyed Textile Fibers: Connecting Small\nMolecule and Polymer Chemistry with Forensic Science

An upper division laboratory experiment focuses on the\ncharacterization\nof the chemical structures of fiber samples using a solubility test\nand FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy, and solvent extraction\nfollowed by TLC (thin layer chromatography) and UV–vis spectrometry\nfor the detection of the dye component found in the fiber. Laboratory\nreports and embedded questions are used to assess the accomplishment\nof the learning outcomes. This activity provides students with additional\nopportunities (beyond those presented in introductory classes) to\nwork with widely applicable techniques and simultaneously links polymer,\norganic, and general chemistry concepts with forensic applications.\nThe protocol can also be easily adapted to address a variety of learning\nobjectives.