Thermogravimetric Analysis as a Polymer Identification Technique in Forensic Applications

Volume 49, Issue 3 (May 2004)

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ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 10 March 2004
Page Count: 6

Thermogravimetric Analysis as a Polymer Identification Technique in Forensic Applications
Brinkman, D
Indiana Wesleyan University, IN

Ihms, EC
Indiana Wesleyan University, IN

(Received 10 August 2003; accepted 21 December 2003)

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as a tool for determination of different species of polymers. Materials analyzed include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polystyrene, polypropylene, nitriles, and nylon. Analyses showed excellent discriminating results even when samples were contaminated with silicates, organics, moisture, and char. The techniques developed were designed with a forensic-type analysis in mind, such as analysis of blast fragments and arson debris. Techniques were developed that gave satisfactory results even when sample sizes were less than five milligrams.

Keywords:
forensic science, thermogravimetric analysis, polymers, plastics

Paper ID: JFS2003252
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003252
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

Author Title Thermogravimetric Analysis as a Polymer Identification Technique in Forensic Applications Symposium , 0000-00-00 Committee E30

		SEDL / Journals / Journal of Forensic Sciences (JOFS) / Citation Page Volume 49, Issue 3 (May 2004) Click here to download this paper now for $25 PDF (128K) View License Agreement ISSN: 0022-1198 CODEN: JFSCA Published Online: 10 March 2004 Page Count: 6 Thermogravimetric Analysis as a Polymer Identification Technique in Forensic Applications Brinkman, D Indiana Wesleyan University, IN Ihms, EC Indiana Wesleyan University, IN (Received 10 August 2003; accepted 21 December 2003) Abstract This paper investigates the potential of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as a tool for determination of different species of polymers. Materials analyzed include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polystyrene, polypropylene, nitriles, and nylon. Analyses showed excellent discriminating results even when samples were contaminated with silicates, organics, moisture, and char. The techniques developed were designed with a forensic-type analysis in mind, such as analysis of blast fragments and arson debris. Techniques were developed that gave satisfactory results even when sample sizes were less than five milligrams. Keywords: forensic science, thermogravimetric analysis, polymers, plastics Paper ID: JFS2003252 DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003252 ASTM International is a member of CrossRef. Author Title Thermogravimetric Analysis as a Polymer Identification Technique in Forensic Applications Symposium , 0000-00-00 Committee E30