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Pyrolysis Applications in Forensic Labs
Pyrolysis Applications in Forensic Labs
6 Oct 2015The following examples represent the analysis of typical forensic materials, including tapes and rubbers, representing polymers and copolymers such as polyolefins, and acrylics. Also included is the identification of additives, like plasticizers and antioxidants, all of which help differentiate and identify such multi-component materials. GC/MS can provide a wealth of information about complex chemical systems, but the components usually must be volatile to be compatible with the technique. Analytical pyrolysis expands the scope of GC/MS analysis by creating volatile compounds producing chromatograms, representing the various constituents of the evidence, and require only microgram sized samples, thus saving valuable evidence.
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Gas ChromatographyGas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and quantitate mixtures of small and volatile compounds. Gas chromatographs or GC systems include components such as GC columns, detectors, pumps and autosamplers. Choose from packed or capillary GC columns, flame ionization (FID), photoionization (PID) electron capture detectors and selective or non-selective detectors. Find the best gas chromatographs in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer.
Evidence Collection and AnalysisEvidence Collection and Analysis is the retrieval and subsequent investigation into criminal evidence obtained from a crime scene. Forensic genetic instruments, kits and reagents enable the analysis of evidence collected at the crime scene. Reagents and kits for presumptive analysis for body fluids such as blood, saliva and semen in addition to drugs and narcotics test kits are used for CSI. Fingerprinting equipment, forensic light sources, casting kits and equipment for collecting recoverable materials can be found in the directory.Toxicology / Drugs of Abuse TestingToxicology and Drugs of Abuse Testing is the investigation into toxic and illegal substances found at the scene of a crime or from a suspect and / or victim associated with a scene of a crime. Analyzers, immunoassays and drugs of abuse test kits and presumptive test kits are an essential aspect of toxicology investigation.Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Thermal Analysis EquipmentThermal analysis equipment is used for measuring heat flow, weight loss, dimension changes or thermomechanical properties and is important for analyzing a material’s performance and stability. Thermal analysis equipment includes differential scanning calorimeters (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzers (TGA), thermomechanical analyzers (TMA), dilatometers, thermometers, vapor sorption analyzers, boiling and melting point apparatus. Thermal analyzers can reveal properties such as melting, crystallization and glass transitions or other processes such as oxidation, decomposition, volatilization, as well as coefficients of thermal expansion and modulus. Find the best thermal analysis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.GC-MS GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) instruments and equipment are used to separate, quantify and identify mixtures of small and volatile compounds, such as polycyclic aromatics, fatty acids and alcohols. Often used in drug detection, forensic investigation and environmental analysis for pesticides and contaminants, GC-MS is a powerful addition to your lab’s analytical capabilities. GC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzers can give greater sensitivity and resolution to your analysis. Find the best GC-MS instruments and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.PolymersPolymers are large molecules made up of many repeat units. Natural polymers such as DNA and proteins are essential to life, whereas synthetic polymers such as polystyrene and polyethylene are used widely due to their functionality. Typical techniques for analysis include GPC, SEC, DSC, FT-IR and NMR.PyrolysisVolatilesVolatiles are a group of compounds that have a low boiling point and evaporate at room temperature. Volatiles, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can be used to determine shelf-life of food samples. GC-MS is typically used to analyze volatiles.