NCJ Number
219469
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 57 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2007 Pages: 522-529
Date Published
July 2007
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study presents the preliminary analysis of the effectiveness of eugenol, the major component of clove powder, for the recovery of erased characters on polymers.
Abstract
Results indicated that eugenol rapidly recovered erased characters on the surface of polymer substrates. The authors were able to revisualize erased characters from a range of polymers, including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, high-impact polystryrene, and polystyrene. The authors concluded that eugenol is a safe and easily sourced reagent for the recovery of erased characters of polymers. The study included a range of polymers; materials included cut-up compact disc (CD) cases and a number of other polymers supplied by EFM Plastics. Materials also included eugenol 99 percent and clover powder obtained either from preground or freshly ground cloves. Each polymer was stamped with three randomly chosen digits, which were then manually erased with sandpaper until they were no longer visible to the naked eye. The samples were set aside for at least 48 hours to allow for stress relaxation. Clover powder was then applied to the sample surface to a depth of approximately 2 mm. Samples were left for 10 hours and then the clover powder was removed. Eugenol was then applied to each sample using either a cotton bud or a paintbrush. Each sample was inspected after varying times of drying. Recovered characters were observed with the naked eye and were recorded with a Video Spectral Comparator VSC-1 and oblique lighting using a Crime Life forensic light source. Tables, figures, references