NCJ Number
132513
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1991) Pages: 1360-1367
Date Published
1991
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A method using the combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and spot tests is described for the detection and identification of match heads in post-blast debris.
Abstract
The rationale for the procedure is based on the assumption that match heads are scraped off from their wood or paper bases during the preparation of improvised explosive devices and that most of the constituents of the match heads are inorganic compounds. Eighteen brands of matches from the United States, Japan, Greece, Turkey, Korea, and Canada were examined in addition to the brand from Israel. SEM/EDS analysis revealed the elemental composition of the various match heads to be potassium, chlorine, sulfur, and silica. This information was complemented by spot tests which verified the presence of the chlorate ion and elemental sulfur. In 10 out of 13 real cases of explosions of improvised pipe bombs, this procedure demonstrated the presence of small fragments similar in color and/or morphology to those of the match heads examined in the study. This procedure may serve as practical proof that a sample originated from match heads, especially if there are match heads for comparison. 11 figures, 1 table, and 11 references (Author abstract modified)