Investigations of gunshot residue and environmental particles through use of focused ion beam and other characterisation techniques

R. Wuhrer, I. Sarvas, L. Green, R. Lam, V. Spikmans, H. Kobus

    Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

    Abstract

    ![CDATA[Firearms are prevalent in our society and many countries are involved in the production of firearms and munitions. It is said that approximately 8,000,000 small arms are manufactured annually. Forensic science plays an important role in the investigation of firearm related crimes and can establish an association between firearms and assailant by detecting and identifying gunshot residue particles (GSR), which are solid microscopic particles ejected from the openings, gaps and clefts of firearms. These particles are condensed from the high temperature and high pressure gases produced by the deflagration of the primer and propellant in the cartridge case. These particles are frozen by rapid cooling and are deposited on the body and clothing of the shooter and on nearby surfaces. If the rate of cooling is sufficiently high, the solid particle should retain the structural disorder of the liquid, which is a feature anticipated in GSR morphology. GSR particles are identified by two features, composition and morphology. The presence of Pb, Sb and Ba in a particle is considered characteristic of firearms origin. The ASTM standard describes the elemental composition of GSR and classifies these elemental compositions as characteristic or consistent with GSR but the guide’s description of morphology is not extensive.]]
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication18th International Microscopy Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 7-12 September, 2014: Proceedings
    PublisherCzechoslovak Microscopy Society
    Number of pages2
    ISBN (Print)9788026067207
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    EventInternational Microscopy Congress -
    Duration: 7 Sept 2014 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceInternational Microscopy Congress
    Period7/09/14 → …

    Keywords

    • forensic sciences
    • firearms
    • crime

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Investigations of gunshot residue and environmental particles through use of focused ion beam and other characterisation techniques'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this