NCJ Number
240285
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2012 Pages: 738-743
Date Published
May 2012
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper discribes a new, simple method for the reproducible creation of pyrolysis products from different materials that may be found at a fire scene.
Abstract
A new, simple method for the reproducible creation of pyrolysis products from different materials that may be found at a fire scene is described. A temperature programmable steady-state tube furnace was used to generate pyrolysis products from different substrates, including softwoods, paper, vinyl sheet flooring, and carpet. The temperature profile of the tube furnace was characterized, and the suitability of the method to reproducibly create pyrolysates similar to those found in real fire debris was assessed. The use of this method to create proficiency tests to realistically test an examiner's ability to interpret complex gas chromatograph-mass spectrometric fire debris data, and to create a library of pyrolsates generated from materials commonly found at a fire scene, is demonstrated. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.