Development of Latent Fingermarks on Different Substrates Using Polyaniline-Based Powder Obtained by Simple Precipitating Method

Abstract

Purpose: Polymeric materials are widely used in various industries and fields, such as vehicle and air industry, medicine, pharmacy and nanotechnology, but still insufficiently investigated in forensic applications. Their specific properties could be of a great significance in forensic trace analysis and they could also gratify the cost-benefit requirements. Design/Methods/Approach: This paper deals with polyaniline-based polymer powder, obtained by simple precipitating method, with the aim to develop latent fingermarks deposited onto different surfaces, often found at the crime scene. Findings: Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) analyses confirmed interactions between components of the system. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis suggested that prepared powder has fine, uniform particles, which easily bind to the sweat and lipid fingerprint residues. Prepared powder was also used to visualize latent fingermarks left on different non-porous, semi-porous and porous surfaces, i.e. plywood, glass and paper. Originality/Value: Obtained results showed that prepared powder could be used as a substitution for commercially employed fingerprint powders used in everyday forensic practice/trace analysis.