Technology in Forensic Science

Sampling, Analysis, Data and Regulations

Deepak Rawtani, Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain, Deepak Rawtani, Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain

• Publisher: Wiley-VCH
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9783527827695
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Médecine
• Subtopic: Médecine légale

The book "Technology in Forensic Science" provides an integrated approach by reviewing the usage of modern forensic tools as well as the methods for interpretation of the results. Starting with best practices on sample taking, the book then reviews analytical methods such as high-resolution microscopy and chromatography, biometric approaches, and advanced sensor technology as well as emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and taggant technology. It concludes with an outlook to emerging methods such as AI-based approaches to forensic investigations.

Section V
Sensors Technology for Forensic Science

10
Sensors for the Detection of Explosives and Gunshots Residues

Kishan Koyani¹, Maithri Tharmavaram¹, Gaurav Pandey¹,^*, Deepak Rawtani¹, and Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain²

Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Institute of Research & Development, Sector 9, Gandhinagar, 382007, Gujarat, India

New Jersey Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA

10.1 Introduction

Gunshot residues (GSRs) and explosives are the key evidence in the field of investigation. The detection of explosives and explosive‐related unlawful compounds is the primary areas for the anti‐terrorist movement and to identify the harmful consequences on health. Many different methods that are totally different from each other in terms of principles have been used in the detection of explosives. Sensors are one of the methods of detection with the capability of imitation of the canine system, which are known to be the most stable method of detection (Singh 2007).

An explosive can be described as a material that can be initiated through very fast and self‐propagating decomposition resulting in the form of more stable compounds due to the liberation of heat or the expansion of sudden pressure effect. Levied on their structure and execution, explosives are classified into many varieties. Basically, explosives are classified as low‐level and high‐level explosive, and each variety is classified into completely different forms. Low explosives detonate at comparatively low rates, and the high rated explosive detonate at velocities of km/s. Low explosives embrace propellants, black powder, pyrotechnics, etc. The chemical change propagates with such a rate that the speed of reaction in material exceeds the speed of sound. High explosives have been subdivided into two teams: one is primary explosives and another is secondary explosives. The primary explosives, which incorporate with Pb(N₃)₂ and C₆HN₃O₈Pb, are profoundly perceptive to inception and are frequently referred to as “starting explosives” because they could be utilized to touch off secondary explosives. Secondary explosives, which incorporate nitroaromatics and nitramines, are considerably more pervasive at military locales than primary explosives. Secondary explosives are frequently utilized as fundamental charge or reinforcing explosives since they are figuring to explode just under explicit conditions. Secondary explosives can be inexactly arranged into liquefying pour explosives that depend on nitroaromatics (Furton and Meyers 2001).

Nonstop estimation of explosives is favored as it gives a fitting criticism during the portrayal or remediation of sullied locales and offers quick cautioning in an instance of pollution by past transfer techniques like during assembling, stockpiling, and disarmament of weapons. Not just this, distinguishing proof and measurement of explosives has comprised a rising and significant theme of enthusiasm due to their significant job in security danger. It has been generally talked about that the location of hazardous mixes is an exceptionally noteworthy task in legal sciences, antiterrorist exercises, and worldwide de‐mining ventures. As needs to be, broad endeavors have been dedicated to the improvement of imaginative and powerful sensors, which are able to observe explosives. Asbury has called attention to the significance of the investigation of explosives in two distinct fields. One is the risk of an illicit utilization of these mixes against the security of the country and to cause the bedlam in the country, in this manner empowering the psychological militant exercises. As the danger of psychological warfare is expanding, the interest for solid and quick strategies for screening baggage is likewise expanding (Asbury et al. 2000). The successful filtering for explosives in objects of different sizes, running from little postal packages to huge holders and trucks is now becoming a significant part of counter‐fear mongering exercises. Each of the issues has prompted significant endeavors in creating touchy recognition frameworks; and second menace is developing worry about wellbeing dangers related to the arrival of explosives into nature from military destinations and previous ammunition plants (Talmage et al. 1999).

The other section of this chapter discusses about the GSRs. Procedures for looking at GSR have developed from simple color tests to present modern investigative techniques. Forensic science can also be known as the implementation of many scientific principles in criminal justification (Rawtani et al. 2019). GSR proofs are that area of forensic science that are more underrated by the forensic community. It is surely the main underutilized kind of physical proof. The stunning increment in gun‐related offenses in the United States has heightened the significance of fast and accurate GSR analysis. GSRs are also known as the names of cartridge discharge residue and gunfire residue, the residues of the gunfire placed on the naked hands and the wearable of person who shoots the gun. It is a combination of burnt and unburnt residues from the explosive primer, fragments of the bullet, the firearm, and the cartridge cases (Morales and Vazaquez 2004). Officers who investigate the crime site test the clothes and skin of the person who found the suspect of a crime to identify that the person was presen...