Thermogravimetric Analysis as a Polymer Identification Technique in Forensic Applications
Ihms, EC
Department of Chemistry, Indiana Wesleyan University, 4201 South Washington, Marion, IN 46953.

Brinkman, DW
Department of Chemistry, Indiana Wesleyan University, 4201 South Washington, Marion, IN 46953.

(Received 10 August 2003; Accepted 21 December 2003)

Abstract
This paper investigates the potential of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as a tool for determination of different species of polymers. Materials analyzed include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polystyrene, polypropylene, nitriles, and nylon. Analyses showed excellent discriminating results even when samples were contaminated with silicates, organics, moisture, and char. The techniques developed were designed with a forensic-type analysis in mind, such as analysis of blast fragments and arson debris. Techniques were developed that gave satisfactory results even when sample sizes were less than five milligrams.

Keywords:
forensic science, polymer, thermogravimetric analysis

Paper ID: JFS2003252
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003252

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