U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Smokeless Powder Residue Analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis

NCJ Number
164264
Author(s)
D M Northrop; W A MacCrehan
Date Published
1997
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a procedure for analyzing residues from fired smokeless powder collected from the hands of shooters, clothing, spent shell casings, or explosive remains in crimes involving the use of firearms and improvised explosive devices such as pipe bombs.
Abstract
The bases of the test are the qualitative and quantitative identification of characteristic organic components present in the post-combustion residues. The residues are collected by adhesive film life; by alcohol swabbing of hands, clothing, spend shell casing, and explosive debris; or both. The residues are analyzed using micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis (MECE). The MECE technique provides identification or organic additives in the smokeless powder. The procedure may provide positive identification of the use of materials containing smokeless powder. Figures, tables, and 4 references (Author abstract modified)