NIJ Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Paint & Polymers
Course Outline & Syllabus
Polarized light microscopy, infrared microspectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and SEM/EDS will be applied to the examination of organic and inorganic pigments, extenders, media and binders. Topics include particle morphology, optics, microchemistry, sublimation methods, and paint-fragment sectioning techniques.
Prerequisite: The Forensic Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) course serve as a prerequisite for the advanced courses. Students must complete the Forensic Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) course or submit proof of competency to the director before an application to the advanced courses will be accepted.
Day 1: – Review of polarized light microscopy, nature of paint: chemistry of vehicles and pigments, history, different kinds of paint, particle size
Day 2: – Koehler illumination, micrometry, refractive index measurements, pleochroism, dispersion staining, extinction, birefringence, compensation
Day 3: – Sampling and sample handling: tungsten needles, crossections, mounting media, crushings; preparation of samples for FTIR, SEM (EDS); particle identification and characterization of pigments: Morphology, optical properties, observations on <11m particles, Aroclor preps in 5442 and 1260 (rolling media), high index methods, S/Se melts and sublimation
Day 4: – Microchemical methods, sample preparation: ashing, fusion (Na2CO3), solubility, density, qualitative inorganic and organic analysis, microminaturization of tests; vehicle examination and identification: Media, surface coatings, glues, pastes, solubility, staining, fluorescence
Day 5: – Special methods: FTIR, fluorescence, SEM, TEM; Interpretation/Resources: significance of correspondence, survey data, standards, case circumstances
2008 NIJ Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Paint & Polymers Course Dates
May 12-16, 2008 Closed
August 4-8, 2008 Closed
2009 NIJ Advanced Forensic Microscopy: Paint & Polymers Course Dates
January 12-16, 2009: Closed
April 20-24, 2009: Closed
October 19-23, 2009: Closed