Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/S64240/01
Title:	Direct potentiometric imaging of latent & partially developed fingerprints using the Scanning Kelvin Probe
Principal Investigator:	McMurray, Professor HN
Other Investigators:	Worsley, Professor D Wilshire, Professor B
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Forensic Science Service Ltd QinetiQ
Department:	Materials Engineering
Organisation:	Swansea University
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 May 2004	Ends:	30 April 2007	Value (£):	211,526
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Combustion Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
This proposal intends a detailed study into a new application of the scanning Kelvinprobe (SKP) as a means of visualising latent fingerprints on metallic surfaces, particularly those associated with firearms cartridge cases and explosive devices after firing or detonation. Work recently carried out at Swansea has shown that the papillary ridge sweat deposits of human fingerprints induce or mediate electrochemical reactions at the surface of metals such as brass and iron. These reactions act to depress local Volta (outer) potential values by >0.2 volts, allowing print visualisation by SKP without any need for prior development. The resulting Volta potential patterns may persist for long periods (months) in contact with room air. The kinetics and mechanism of potential pattern development will be systematically investigated together with the influence of substrate metal, individual sweat components and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. The ability of SKP to provide data of forensic value will be evaluated on significant substrates, such as firearms cartridge cases, under realistic conditions of surface contamination, substrate heating/print pyrolysis and mechanical abrasion/smearing. Deliverables include a forensic-capable environment SKP facility at Swansea. Given the extent of current concerns regarding the spread of world terrorism and the rapidly increasing incidence of criminal firearms use within the UK, including the use of both semiautomatic and automatic weapons, the proposed proposed forensic application of SKP would appear to be compellingly relevant and timely.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.swan.ac.uk