Automotive flock and its significance in forensic fibre examinations

Abstract 

The interiors of fifty eight vehicles were examined and samples were taken. All vehicles had samples of flocked material in their interiors. Flocked material was found on the window channels, window frames, door edges and in glove compartments or central console compartments. The majority of flock fibres used in the vehicles examined were carbon black pigmented polyester or nylon. A variety of dyed nylon fibres were also used in the vehicles. The discrimination power of dyed flock fibres used in the interior of vehicles was found to be 0.974. The front seats of these vehicles were examined for loose flock fibres. All vehicles had flock fibres present on the front seats. In the majority of vehicles, flock originating from material in the vehicle's interior was present on the front seats of the vehicle. The number of flock fibres present on the front seats varied greatly from car to car but did not appear to be dependant on the type of seat fabric or on which areas in the car were flocked.

Keywords: Trace evidence, Vehicles, Flock, Fibres, Microscopy, FTIR, Raman, Discriminating power