Abstract
Textiles can be crucial in forensic investigations, serving as direct evidence or, more often, as carriers of crime-related evidence. However, textile degradation can compromise both the material itself and any associated evidence, particularly when exposed to decomposition fluids and environmental aspects. This research compared degradation in 100% cotton and 100% polyester fabrics wrapped around experimental stillborn piglets and control swatches of the same fabrics. All samples were placed in a Western Australian bushland environment for 131 days during the autumn season, either on soil or in plastic containers. Samples were collected periodically throughout the research period, dried, and examined microscopically for signs of physical, chemical, and biological degradation. Findings indicate that decomposition fluids and insect activity followed by microbial, fungal and algal growth were the primary degradation factors, particularly affecting cotton when in contact with the soil. This research provides valuable insights into degradation processes, contributing to the interpretation of textile evidence in cases involving decomposition.
