Forensic Science Applications of Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS): III. Direct Analysis of Polymeric Foams

Abstract

Many types of polymeric organic foams, which comprise items such as thermal insulation, packaging materials, furniture and garment fillings, carpet padding, and so forth, can be sampled directly using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Some of the advantages of direct DRIFTS sampling include: (1) no sample preparation is required, (2) the method is completely nondestructive, and (3) the method provides more spectral information for characterizing and individualizing particular substances than many alternative techniques do. Several examples illustrating the direct DRIFTS analysis of a variety of foam articles are presented and discussed.

Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy in Criminal Forensic AnalysisThis is publication number 01‐06 of the Laboratory Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Names of commercial manufacturers are provided for identification only and inclusion does not imply endorsement by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“…Suzuki was the first to apply the DR method to forensics with the analysis of drugs, polymers, wood and solvents. 10 He continued with additional work on drugs, 11 polymer foams 12 and paints. 13,14 Document analysis by DR has been reported for copy toners 15,16 and inks.…”

Water analysis

“…A method using HPLC has been developed for the analysis and comparison of nail varnishes (566). Many types of polymeric organic foams were examined by using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (567) . A microspectrophotometer has been converted into a unit capable of recording luminescence spectra.…”