K. L. & B. J. Kosanke and Richard C. Dujay
ABSTRACT: Today the most reliable method for detecting gunshot residue is through the combined use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of the resulting X-rays. In recent years, this same methodology has found increasing use in detecting and characterizing pyrotechnic reaction residue (PRR) particles. This is accomplished by collecting particulate samples from a surface in the immediate area of the pyrotechnic reaction. Suspect PRR particles are identified by their morphology (typically 1 to 20 micron spheroidal particles) using a SEM, which are then analyzed for the elements they contain using X-ray EDS. This will help to identify the general type of pyrotechnic composition involved. Further, more detailed laboratory comparisons can be made using various known pyrotechnic formulations.
Keywords: pyrotechnic reaction residue, gunshot residue, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, morphology, X-ray elemental analysis, forensics
Ref: JPyro, Issue 13, 2001, pp40-53
(J13_40)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
