Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/2741
Title: Nano-scale analysis of titanium dioxide fingerprint-development powders
Authors: Reynolds, AJ
Jones, BJ
Sears, V
Bowman, V
Keywords: Fingerprints;Forensic science;Titanium oxide;Sticky-side adhesive
Issue Date: 2008
Publisher: IOP
Citation: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 126: 012069, 1-4
Abstract: Titanium dioxide based powders are regularly used in the development of latent fingerprints on dark surfaces. For analysis of prints on adhesive tapes, the titanium dioxide is suspended in a surfactant and used in the form of a small particle reagent (SPR). Analysis of commercially available products shows varying levels of effectiveness of print development, with some powders adhering to the background as well as the print. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of prints developed with different powders show a range of levels of aggregation of particles. Analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the fingerprint powder shows TiO2 particles with a surrounding coating, tens of nanometres thick, consisting of Al and Si rich material. X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to determine the composition and chemical state of the surface of the powders; with a penetration depth of approximately 10nm, this technique demonstrates differing Ti: Al: Si ratios and oxidation states between the surfaces of different powders. Levels of titanium detected with this technique demonstrate variation in the integrity of the surface coating. The thickness, integrity and composition of the Al/Si-based coating is related to the level of aggregation of TiO2 particles and efficacy of print development.
URI: http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/1742-6596/126/1/012069
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/2741
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/126/1/012069
ISSN: 1742-6596
Appears in Collections:Materials Engineering
The Experimental Techniques Centre

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
jpconf8_126_012069.pdf1.91 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Items in BURA are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.