Polymers on the Crime Scene Forensic Analysis of Polymeric Trace Evidence [Hardcover]

This book approaches the analysis of forensic contact traces from a polymer science perspective. The development of characterization methods of new or unusual traces and the improvement of existing protocols is described. The book starts with a general introduction to polymers and the issues related to transfer, persistence and recovery of polymeric traces. The chapters present a distinctive feature of polymers, discussing how it can be measured, what the practical difficulties which can be encountered in the analysis, and how useful that information is for comparison or identification purposes. Practical tips for the realization of the forensic analyses are included.1. IntroductionReferences2. Polymers: an overview2.1 Why polymers need their own science?2.2 A short history of polymers2.3 The fundamentals of polymer science: some definitions2.4 Polymerisation reactions2.5 Average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution2.6 Classification of polymers2.6.1. Source-based classification2.6.2 Organic and inorganic polymers2.6.3. Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers2.6.4. Application-based classification2.7 Describing polymers: constitution, configuration, conformation2.7.1. Constitution2.7.2. Configuration2.7.3. Conformation2.8 Commercial polymers: a round up2.8.1. Polyethylene2.8.2. Polypropylene2.8.3. Polystyrene2.8.4. Polyacrylonitrile2.8.5. Polyacrylates2.8.6. Polyesters2.8.7. Polyoxymethylene, polyoxyethylene, poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(propylene glycol)2.8.8. Polycarbonates2.8.9. Polysulphone2.8.10. Polyamides2.8.11. Polyurethanes2.8.12. Poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(vinyl alcohol)2.8.13. Poly(vinyl chloride) and other chlorinated polymers2.8.14. Fluorinated polymers2.8.15. Polyisobutylene2.8.16. Polyisoprene: natural rubber and gutta percha2.8.17. Elastomers derived from butadiene and its derivatives2.8.18. Polychloroprene2.8.19. Formaldehyde-based resins2.8.20. Epoxy polymers2.8.21. Silicone polymers2.8.22. Cellulose and derivatives of cellulose2l³,