1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for the quantitative elemental analysis of the following 17 elements: lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), zirconium (Zr), barium (Ba), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), hafnium (Hf), and lead (Pb) through the use of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for the forensic comparison of glass fragments. The potential of these elements to provide the best discrimination among different sources of soda-lime glasses has been published elsewhere [1-5]. Silicon (Si) is also monitored for use as an internal standard. Additional elements can be added as needed, for example, tin (Sn) can be used to monitor the orientation of float glass fragments. 1.2 This test method only consumes approximately 0.4 to 2 g of glass per replicate and is suitable for the analysis of full-thickness samples as well as irregularly shaped fragments as small as 0.1 by 0.4 mm in dimension. The concentrations of the elements listed above range from the low parts per million (gg-1) to percent (%) levels in soda-lime-silicate glass, the most common type encountered in forensic cases. This test method may be applied for the quantitative analysis of other glass types; however, some modifications in the reference standard glasses and the element menu may be required. 1.3 This test method does not replace knowledge, skill, ability, experience, education, or training and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
This standard is a follow on to E2330 (ICP-MS analysis of glass) as the glass examination community has migrated from solution-based analysis to laser-based sampling. There are more than 15 forensic laboratories worldwide currently using LA-ICP-MS routinely to analyze glass evidence. The document addresses the need to standardize not only the analytical method but also the comparison criteria used to determine whether or not there is an association between glass samples suspected of having a common origin.
Keywords
forensic science; glass comparisons; glass measurement; trace elemental analysis; laser ablation; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; LA-ICP-MS
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
[Back to Top]
