ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Restoration Tactics for Seriously Corroded Cu and Cu-Alloy Firearms Evidence
Andresen, BD
Metallurgist, director, and deputy director, Forensic Science Center, L-178, Livermore National Laboratory, CA

Randich, E
Metallurgist, director, and deputy director, Forensic Science Center, L-178, Livermore National Laboratory, CA

Tulleners, FA
Program manager, California Department of Justice, California Criminalistics Institute, CA

Grant, PM
Metallurgist, director, and deputy director, Forensic Science Center, L-178, Livermore National Laboratory, CA

Fickies, TE
Criminalist, California Department of Justice, Bureau of Forensic Services, CA

(Received 11 September 1999; accepted 21 December 1999)

Abstract

A cleaning procedure for seriously weathered or corroded bullets and cartridge casings was developed and implemented for evidence specimens from a multiple homicide. The restoration protocol entailed successive treatments with increasingly aggressive chemical solvents and cleaning solutions while monitoring the progress of the method by optical microscopy. Treatment of worst-case, Cu-alloy jacketed bullers and casings resulted in reconditioned specimens that subsequently underwent successful firearms examinations.

Keywords:
forensic science, evidence cleaning techniques, metal restoration, solvent treatments, firearms examination

Paper ID: JFS14887J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14887J
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