The Arrhenius method was used to investigate the effect of accelerated aging conditions on the physical and mechanical properties of polymer films for technical, medical, food and office applications. Temperature and UV radiation were taken into account as environmental factors. It was shown that the tested films are more sensitive to thermal degradation than UV radiation. The reduction in tensile strength after thermal aging does not exceed 40%, and in the case of UV radiation, 14%. The estimated lifetime of the tested films is over 5 years.

Traces of potential contact from a perpetrator for evidence are one of the most frequently secured groups of evidence during the examination of the crime scene and during the examination of material in forensic laboratories. By far the most common way to secure the above-mentioned traces is the use of swabs. The literature reports indicate promising results from the use of adhesive materials for securing contact marks. The products currently on the market are not dedicated to forensic genetics or cause problems with the recovery of protected DNA at the stage of DNA isolation in the laboratory. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of conditions from an accelerated aging process carried out under simulated laboratory conditions (with aging factors as follows: UV radiation, temperature, and humidity level) on the physico-mechanical properties and chemical resistance of adhesive films made of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). As part of the research, the influence of storage conditions on the physico-mechanical properties and chemical resistance of developed foil materials used to secure forensic traces was developed and verified. The research was carried out in conditions similar to the real ones, conducting tests of accelerated aging with the following factors: temperature, humidity, and UV radiation.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sterilization of low-adhesive films with ethylene oxide (EO) or accelerated electrons (radiation sterilization) on their performance in the context of their use to protect forensic traces. It was hypothesized that the implementation of the sterilization process made it possible to obtain functional tools for securing traces. The analysis showed that changes in surface density, density, tensile strength, and adhesion strength do not significantly affect the functional performance of the tapes. Additionally, no alterations in chemical resistance were observed following either sterilization method. The results confirm that both sterilization techniques are suitable for obtaining sterile tapes for forensic applications.