NCJ Number
133527
Date Published
1991
Length
177 pages
Annotation
A research project was conducted to develop a technology that would individualize samples of polymeric materials such as synthetics, thereby identifying trace evidence in a criminal case.
Abstract
The technology used supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography (SFE-SFC) and pyrolysis-supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography (PY-SFE-SFC) techniques. The initial experiments used high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene samples to determine intra-sample and extra-sample information. Variations were made in the preparation of the samples and in the use of the instrument. The synthetics used in the experiments included plastic bags, cutting boards, paints, and cosmetics. The experiments are continuing, but the research has produced inconclusive results so far. 471 figures (Author summary modified)