ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 April 1983
Page Count: 15

The Collection and Detection of Accelerant Vapors Using Porous Polymers and Curie Point Pyrolysis Wires Coated with Active Carbon
Andrasko, J
Research associate, The National Laboratory of Forensic Science,

(Received 21 May 1982; accepted 19 August 1982)

Abstract

The sampling of organic vapors from arson residues using different types of adsorbants is studied. Sampling tubes packed with porous polymers (Porapak Q and Tenax GC) as well as Curie point pyrolysis wires coated with finely divided or granular active carbon are used. The adsorption and desorption of several common accelerants carried out by these techniques is compared. The optimum conditions for applying the described techniques to the forensic science examination of fire debris are studied. Some comparisons with conventional headspace analysis of accelerant vapors are discussed.

Keywords:
forensic science, accelerants, vapors, fire accelerants, vapor analysis, porous polymers, activated charcoal, Curie point pyrolysis, thermal desorption, fire residues

Paper ID: JFS11513J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11513J
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