Statistical Discrimination of Flat Glass Fragments by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Methods for Forensic Science Applications
Pitts, SJ
Forensic chemist, The RCMP Forensic Laboratory, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Kratochvil, B
Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.


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

Paper ID: JFS361910122

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Author Pitts SJ, Kratochvil B Title Statistical Discrimination of Flat Glass Fragments by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Methods for Forensic Science Applications Symposium , Committee on