ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 16

Statistical Discrimination of Flat Glass Fragments by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Methods for Forensic Science Applications
Kratochvil, B
Professor, University of Alberta, Alberta

Pitts, SJ
Forensic chemist, The RCMP Forensic Laboratory, Alberta

(Received 23 October 1989; accepted 14 March 1990)

Abstract

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and cyclic INAA (CINAA) techniques were used for the discrimination of flat glass fragments. Employing short irradiation, delay, and count times, sample test portions of 100 µg and 1 mg (INAA) or 1 and 5 mg (CINAA) were considered. A statistical model was used to assign the elemental variation among glasses to different experimental factors; by advanced statistical methods elemental differences between specific glasses can be identified. Analysis and comparison of float glass panes produced by two major Canadian manufacturers were also performed; the two were readily differentiated, primarily on the basis of their aluminum levels.

Keywords:
forensic science, glass, statistical analysis, instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), flat glass fragments, elemental composition of flat glass

Paper ID: JFS13013J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13013J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.