ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 November 2002
Page Count: 6

Analysis of Artificial Fireplace Logs by High Temperature Gas Chromatography
Kuk, RJ
Forensic Chemist, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Forensic Science Laboratory, MD

(Received 20 June 2002; accepted 8 June 2002)

Abstract

High temperature gas chromatography is used to analyze the wax of artificial fireplace logs (firelogs). Firelogs from several different manufacturers are studied and compared. This study shows that the wax within a single firelog is homogeneous and that the wax is also uniform throughout a multi-firelog package. Different brands are shown to have different wax compositions. Firelogs of the same brand, but purchased in different locations, also have different wax compositions. With this information it may be possible to associate an unknown firelog sample to a known sample, but a definitive statement of the origin cannot be made.

Keywords:
forensic science, gas chromatography, firelog, fireplace log, wax

Paper ID: JFS15562J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15562J
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