A Novel Method to Discriminate between Natural and Synthetic Fibers by Stable Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen Isotope Analyses

Abstract We determined stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotopic compositions (δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O) of fibers to discriminate between plant, animal, and synthetic fibers. The δ13C and δ15N values of synthetic fibers are significantly lower than animal fibers. Cashmere and alpaca have relatively lower δ18O values than other animal fibers. Moreover, there are significant differences between acrylic and cashmere (e.g., in δ15N values). These results suggest that the stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope analysis would be useful in discrimination of natural and synthetic fibers.