Działanie czynników mechanicznych oraz termicznych na morfologię włosów ludzkich i zwierzęcych

The main purpose of the presented study was to investigate and compare the influence of mechanical and thermal factors on the morphology of human and animal hair. Several factors that may occur during criminal offenses were selected for testing including cutting by a scalpel or scissors, damaging by a hammer; and high, or low-temperature thermal treatment (heating for 1h, or 24 hours at elevated temperatures 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C, as well as freezing for 24 hours at -20°C, or for 10 minutes in liquid nitrogen (-197°C)). The impact of selected mechanical and temperature factors on human and animal hair was made mainly on the basis of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the elemental composition of the hair was investigated and analyzed using an EDX (Energy - Dispersive X-ray) spectrometry. Performed tests show the degree of human hair degradation depending on the examined factor and time.