Latent Fingerprint Enhancement on a Brass Metal Surface using Paint Electrodeposition

<p>Fingerprint evidence recovered at a crime scene plays a key role in apprehending a suspect. Cyanoacrylate fuming is one the most successful methods of enhancing fingerprints from metallic surfaces. Despite the success of cyanoacrylate fuming, fingerprint recovery on fired cartridge casings is rarely successful. Therefore, a new fingerprint development method is needed to enhance fingerprint evidence that may still be present on fired cartridge casings. The aim of this research project is to study the use of metal and paint electrodeposition to enhance fingerprints on a brass metal surface. </p> <p>High throw power paint was used in the initial study; high throw power paint is formulated to coat the surface of the metal disks as well as any pits or crevices on the surface. These initial experiments showed that commercial high throw power paint had a tendency to cover not only the bare metal surface, but the fingerprint residue. In the next round of experiments, adjustments to the formulation were made to decrease the binder concentration by addition of carbon black and polyethylene glycol. The pH of the high throw power paint was adjusted with the addition of acetic acid and ammonium hydroxide. Dilution of paint showed a modest increase in fingerprint enhancement. Changes in paint morphology upon adjustment of the binder and non-aqueous components were observed. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2017

Author dc:creator

• Haskell, Reika D.

• Electrochemical Reduction
• Forensic Science
• Latent Fingerprints
• Analytical Chemistry

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2017 Reika D. Haskell

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/451

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1449