Analysis of Luminescent Gunshot Residue (LGSR) on Different Types of Fabrics

• Published in: Journal of forensic sciences Vol. 65; no. 1; pp. 67 - 72
• Main Authors: Arouca, Aline M., Lucena, Marcella A. M., Rossiter, Rafael J., Talhavini, Márcio, Weber, Ingrid T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.01.2020
• Subjects: ammunition tagging; Collection; Fabrics; Firearm discharge residue; forensic science; gunshot residue; lead free ammunition; luminescent marker; non‐toxic ammunition; Projectiles; sheddability; Shootings; ammunition tagging; forensic science; gunshot residue; sheddability; luminescent marker; lead free ammunition; non-toxic ammunition
• ISSN: 0022-1198; 1556-4029
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14143

The collection of gunshot residue on fabric can be an arduous task due to the microscopic size of particles (blind collection) and sheddability of some fabrics. The introduction of luminescent markers and consequent formation of luminescent gunshot residue (LGSR) can facilitate this analysis. In this study, different fabrics were analyzed in order to verify the persistence of the LGSR on them, the possibility of collecting and analyzing particles by video spectral comparator (VSC) and SEM/EDS. Also, different colored fabrics were used as targets in order to investigate influence of fabric color on LGSR visualization. Furthermore, the influence of the fabric type in the distribution of the LGSR deposited around the projectile´s hole entrance was evaluated. The fabric sheddability did not alter collection of the particles or analysis. It was possible to observe and collect LGSR on all tested fabrics, even after the fabric had been shaken, or in colored fabrics.