Investigation into the effect of fingermark detection chemicals on the analysis and comparison of pressure-sensitive tapes.

Chadwick, S; Lo, M; Brack, F; Bunford, J; Hales, S; Roux, C

Investigation into the effect of fingermark detection chemicals on the analysis and comparison of pressure-sensitive tapes.

Chadwick, S

Lo, M Brack, F Bunford, J Hales, S Roux, C

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Publisher:: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Forensic science international, 2020, 315, pp. 110454
Issue Date:: 2020-10

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Chadwick, S https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2006-9841
dc.contributor.author	Lo, M
dc.contributor.author	Brack, F
dc.contributor.author	Bunford, J
dc.contributor.author	Hales, S
dc.contributor.author	Roux, C https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3610-420X
dc.date.accessioned	2021-03-01T21:41:05Z
dc.date.available	2020-08-03
dc.date.available	2021-03-01T21:41:05Z
dc.date.issued	2020-10
dc.identifier.citation	Forensic science international, 2020, 315, pp. 110454
dc.identifier.issn	0379-0738
dc.identifier.issn	1872-6283
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/146594
dc.description.abstract	Pressure sensitive tapes such as duct tape are a common trace type sent for forensic analysis. The limited variation of tape backings and adhesives can provide valuable linkage evidence between a scene, a victim or a person of interest. Fingermarks are also often found on tapes and prioritised over tape analyses. This project aimed to investigate the effects of fingermark enhancement chemicals, namely Wet Powder™, cyanoacrylate and cyanoacrylate stained with rhodamine 6G, on various tapes and their comparison with untreated tapes. The changes in physical and optical features were observed using a Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) and microscopy. Chemical changes were analysed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Most physical and optical properties were not heavily affected by the treatments. An increase in fluorescence was observed with specimens stained with rhodamine 6G as might be expected. Significant chemical changes were observed in the FTIR spectra produced from cyanoacrylate fuming. Polyethylene backings and rubber adhesives were heavily affected while polypropylene backings were moderately affected. Cellulose backings, polyester and polyacrylate adhesives were not significantly affected. Wet Powder™ treatment proved useful for enhancing fingermarks on most adhesives while leaving behind little chemical residue that might interfere in a forensic comparison.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
dc.relation.ispartof	Forensic science international
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110454
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject.classification	Legal & Forensic Medicine
dc.title	Investigation into the effect of fingermark detection chemicals on the analysis and comparison of pressure-sensitive tapes.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	315
utslib.location.activity	Ireland
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CFS - Centre for Forensic Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2021-03-01T21:40:59Z
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	315

Abstract:

Pressure sensitive tapes such as duct tape are a common trace type sent for forensic analysis. The limited variation of tape backings and adhesives can provide valuable linkage evidence between a scene, a victim or a person of interest. Fingermarks are also often found on tapes and prioritised over tape analyses. This project aimed to investigate the effects of fingermark enhancement chemicals, namely Wet Powder™, cyanoacrylate and cyanoacrylate stained with rhodamine 6G, on various tapes and their comparison with untreated tapes. The changes in physical and optical features were observed using a Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) and microscopy. Chemical changes were analysed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Most physical and optical properties were not heavily affected by the treatments. An increase in fluorescence was observed with specimens stained with rhodamine 6G as might be expected. Significant chemical changes were observed in the FTIR spectra produced from cyanoacrylate fuming. Polyethylene backings and rubber adhesives were heavily affected while polypropylene backings were moderately affected. Cellulose backings, polyester and polyacrylate adhesives were not significantly affected. Wet Powder™ treatment proved useful for enhancing fingermarks on most adhesives while leaving behind little chemical residue that might interfere in a forensic comparison.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/146594