Experimental investigations on hair fibers as diffusion bridges and opiates as solutes in solution

Diffusion experiments were performed using clipped hair fibers as diffusion bridges and aqueous solutions of morphine, codeine and dihydrocodeine. Natural as well as predamaged hair fibers were investigated. The test series were conducted at ambient temperature and at high humidity. After 312 or 372 hours the middle segments of the strands were clipped, washed and analyzed by GC/MS. Only when virgin hair samples were used the solutes passed along the fiber at full length resulting in a positive immunological finding at the end of the diffusion bridge. Most of the washing fluids were positive for opiates. All centerpieces had a high opiate content. The opiate concentration in damaged hair was significantly higher. Radial swelling of the hair fiber with radial diffusion was the first and main process to appear when hair was exposed to water. The diffusion process in hair could not be placed in a simple mathematical treatment.