ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 8

The Analysis of Polyvinylchloride Wire Insulation by Gel Permeation Chromatography
Baer, BR
technical support specialist, Millipore Corp., Waters Chromatography Division, MA

Bender, EC
Special agent and chemist, Instrumental Analysis Unit FBI Laboratory, DC

Rudolph, TL
Special agent and chemist, Instrumental Analysis Unit FBI Laboratory, DC

(Received 2 April 1985; accepted 8 July 1985)

Abstract

Polyvinylchloride (PVC) insulated stereo speaker wire from a homicide case involving the strangulation of a child was received by the FBI Laboratory for analysis. A method utilizing gel permeation chromatography to analyze PVC wire insulation was developed which was capable of discriminating between different commercially available brands of wire insulation. Using this method, we were able not only to link the wire found at the crime scene with a source from a suspect's residence, but also to associate it with a particular commercial brand of wire. The analysis of this case sample and other brands of stereo speaker wire is described.

Keywords:
criminalistics, polyvinylchloride, chromatographic analysis, gel permeation chromatography, polymer analysis, wire insulation

Paper ID: JFS12277J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12277J
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