The Relationship Between the Surface Morphology and Chemical Composition of Gunshot Residue Particles

Abstract

In this study, chemical composition and morphology of gunshot residue (GSR) of 9 × 19 mm Parabellum-type MKE (Turkey)-brand ammunition were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. GSR samples were collected by "swab" technique from the shooter's right hand immediately after shooting. According to general principles of thermodynamics, it is likely that the structures will have a more regular (homogeneous) spherical form to minimize their surface area due to very high temperatures and pressures that occur during explosion. Studied samples were collected under the same conditions with the same original ammunition, from the same firearm and a single shooter. This is because many other variables may affect size, structure, and composition in addition to the concentrations of elements of the structure. Results indicated that the chemical compositions are effective in the formation of GSR morphological structures.

The relationship between gunshot-residue particle size and Boltzmann distribution

“…To answer these questions, a detailed model for the GSR particle sizes needs to be prepared by a quantitative analysis. Here, a quantitative analysis may explain the particle-size distribution and dimensional characteristics [4][5][6][7]. We are developing an approach that shows the general behaviour of the size distribution of the GSR particles.…”

Metallic Fumes at Indoor Military Shooting Ranges: Lead, Copper, Nickel, and Zinc in Different Fractions of Airborne Particulate Matter

“…Small firearm shooting practice is regularly conducted at indoor shooting ranges. Depending on the efficiency of the ventilation, number of fired gunshots, ammunition type and propellant, and other factors, air can contain various metals, such as Cu, Pb, Zn, and Sb, and gaseous components such as CO, CO 2 , NO, NO, NH 3 , HCN, and CH 4 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Although lead-free ammunition does not produce Pb, various metals (e. g. Cu, Zn, B, K, Fe), as well as organic compounds such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes, are present [8,10,11].…”

The influence of different skin types on GSR sampling by tape lifting for SEM analysis

“…To prevent any accidental contamination, each of the ammunition was collected from only one person before being analyzed and then each of them was analyzed with the same strict conditions. It's a unique study that analyzes the change in GSR, depending on various conditions, collected from a specified surface from the shooter's right hand, using Mechanical and Chemical Industries Corporation {MKEK‐brand cartridge was 38% lead styphnate (TNR Pb), 6% tetracene (TRZN), 34% barium nitrate Ba(NO 3 ), 15% antimony sulfide Sb 2 S 3 , 4% pentrite (PETN), and 3% aluminum powder (Kara et al, )}. brand 9x19mm diameter full‐metal jacket ammunition fired with Sarsilmaz Kilinc Mega 2000 brand pistols.…”

“…The morphological and elemental characteristics of the GSR of the fired firearms can be analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM‐EDS) imaging techniques (Singer et al, ). Analysis of the residue of the products attributable to the explosion of the shots is of great importance (Brożek‐Mucha, ; Kara, Lisesivdin, Kasap, Er, & Uzek, ; Kara, Sarikavak, Lisesivdin, & Kasap, ) to determine whether the person in question has fired a shot with that firearm (Kara & Yalçinkaya, ; Plattner, Kneubuehl, Thali, & Zollinger, ).…”