Hierarchical Modelling of Raman Spectroscopic Data Demonstrates the Potential for Manufacturer and Caliber Differentiation of Smokeless Powders

Khandasammy, Shelby R.; Bartlett, Nathan R.; Halámková, Lenka; Lednev, Igor K.

doi:10.3390/chemosensors11010011

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…The primer currently found in most ammunition consists of a mixture of highly sensitive explosives [6] and other compounds, such as fuel, sensitisers, and oxidisers [19]. The weapon's discharge occurs when the trigger is pulled, followed by a series of mechanical interactions that release the firing pin, which impacts direct or indirectly with the base rim or centre of the cartridge and ignites the primer [21]. This ignition deflagrates the propellant, rapidly generating a large volume of gases that thrust the projectile through its trajectory [19].…”

Section: Main Components Of Gunpowder and Gunshot Residuementioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the authors noticed that most analysed samples did not dissolve completely, leading to additional centrifugation and filtration steps before GC-MS analysis [ 26 ]. Dichloromethane [ 97 , 98 ], acetonitrile [ 37 , 95 ], ethanol [ 99 ], methyl-ethyl-ketone [ 21 , 23 ], and methylene chloride [ 28 , 95 , 100 ] were also used in the extraction of organic compounds of explosives, SG and GSR samples. Sauzier et al [ 101 ] used acetone to extract compounds from collection devices, choosing it over dichloromethane due to its lower toxicity and ability to dissolve most explosive compounds.…”

Section: Analysis Of Gunpowder and Gunshot Residuementioning

confidence: 99%

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Chemical Analysis of Gunpowder and Gunshot Residues

Serol,

Ahmad,

Quintas

et al. 2023

Molecules

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The identification of firearms is of paramount importance for investigating crimes involving firearms, as it establishes the link between a particular firearm and firearm-related elements found at a crime scene, such as projectiles and cartridge cases. This identification relies on the visual comparison of such elements against reference samples from suspect firearms or those existing in databases. Whenever this approach is not possible, the chemical analysis of the gunpowder and gunshot residue can provide additional information that may assist in establishing a link between samples retrieved at a crime scene and those from a suspect or in the identification of the corresponding model and manufacturer of the ammunition used. The most commonly used method for the chemical analysis of gunshot residue is scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray, which focuses on the inorganic elements present in ammunition formulation, particularly heavy metals. However, a change in the legal paradigm is pushing changes in these formulations to remove heavy metals due to their potential for environmental contamination and the health hazards they represent. For this reason, the importance of the analysis of organic compounds is leading to the adoption of a different set of analytical methodologies, mostly based on spectroscopy and chromatography. This manuscript reviews the constitution of primer and gunpowder formulations and the analytical methods currently used for detecting, characterising, and identifying their compounds. In addition, this contribution also explores how the information provided by these methodologies can be used in ammunition identification and how it is driving the development of novel applications within forensic ballistics.

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Section: Main Components Of Gunpowder and Gunshot Residuementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Analysis Of Gunpowder and Gunshot Residuementioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical Analysis of Gunpowder and Gunshot Residues

Serol,

Ahmad,

Quintas

et al. 2023

Molecules

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Flashforward: The Current and Future Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy for Forensic Purposes

Alpuché,

Vyas,

Lednev

2024

J Raman Spectroscopy

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Vibrational spectroscopy combined with machine learning has a great potential for forensic applications. For example, handheld Raman spectroscopic instruments are already used by law enforcement agencies for precise, confirmatory identification of drugs. Beyond drug identification, several emerging technologies based on vibrational spectroscopy are currently under development for forensic investigative purposes, including the analysis of questioned documents, gunshot residue, fabrics, soil, hair, nails, and nail polish. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the application of vibrational spectroscopy in various areas of forensic analysis, particularly focusing on forensic serology and the analysis of trace evidences. In the case of forensic serology, the methodology allows for determining complex aspects of serological casework, including the time since deposition of a stain, as well as the phenotypic profile of the stain donor—namely, sex, race, and age. Furthermore, gunshot residues can be accurately identified by grain, caliber, and manufacturer when Raman spectroscopy is paired with machine learning. This integration of advanced spectroscopic techniques with machine learning holds great promise for furthering both the accuracy and efficiency of investigations, helping to reduce the total backlog of evidence investigation currently plaguing modern forensic laboratories.

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Hierarchical Modelling of Raman Spectroscopic Data Demonstrates the Potential for Manufacturer and Caliber Differentiation of Smokeless Powders

Cited by 2 publications

References 25 publications

Chemical Analysis of Gunpowder and Gunshot Residues

Chemical Analysis of Gunpowder and Gunshot Residues

Flashforward: The Current and Future Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy for Forensic Purposes

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