Painted Specimens Research Articles

Electrical conduction investigation of pre-stressed carbon/epoxy fabric laminates heated by ampere-level currents

A study on electrical conduction of carbon/epoxy laminates has so far been conducted in an ad hoc nature without a standardised method, involving many extrinsic factors. How these factors affect electrical conduction of carbon/epoxy laminates has not been well established. The objectives of this work are to ascertain the effects of electrical currents, temperatures, and clamping torques on the anisotropic electrical conduction of carbon/epoxy laminates. Two-probe method with solid electrodes was developed with machined carbon/epoxy laminate specimens of various dimensions. The contributions of elevated temperatures and clamping pressures to electrical conduction were investigated. Various contact conditions with or without conductive paint were examined. The relationship of electrical resistance correlating with temperature and clamping pressure was developed to aid an analysis of data trends. From the average test results of 18 groups, aided with qualitative predictions, the milliampere-to-ampere increases of current led to significant reductions in electrical conductivities in both in-plane and through-the-thickness directions. The rises of temperatures resulted in the similar reductions in electrical conductivity due to the increased resistance. The increase in clamping torque increased the electrical conductivity values in both directions. Applying conductive paint to the contact faces did not appear to affect the contact resistance. Thus, the enhanced values of electrical conductivity from the painted specimens were attributed to their lower body temperatures, as the conductive paint at the contact faces soaked up the substantial amount of the electrical energies.

The random presence of glass and paint on the clothing and footwear of members of the general population: A US baseline survey at various seasons.

This study assists the interpretation of glass and paint evidence by filling an existing gap in the background occurrence that reflects the socioeconomic and demographic circumstances in the United States. The collection was performed in a college US city (Morgantown, West Virginia) to determine the effect of the type of clothing worn at different seasons on the presence of glass and paint. Tape lifts and sole scrapings (1038) were collected from 210 participants and up to six clothing and footwear areas per individual. Glass fragments were analyzed via polarized light microscopy (PLM), refractive index (RI), micro-X-Ray fluorescence (μXRF), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), while paint specimens were examined by light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR). Higher occurrences of glass and paint were found in the winter season. The winter collection yielded 10 glass fragments and 68 paint particles, whereas the summer collection resulted in one glass fragment and 23 paint particles. The percentage of individuals with traces varied between seasons; 7% of individuals in the winter and 0.9% in the summer had glass, whereas 36% of individuals in the winter and 19% in the summer bore paint. Lastly, when considering the overall garment and footwear areas, glass was detected in 1.4% of the winter set, compared to 0.2% in the summer collection; paint was found in 9.2% of the winter collection, whereas only 4.2% was found in the summer set. There were no instances where both glass and paint were detected on the clothing and footwear of the same individual.

Maintenance of initial lightness on mortars treated with TiO2 in the long term

The importance of colours is not limited to the aesthetic but also other parameters like thermal comfort. Painting light colours on the building's external surfaces increases its reflection of solar radiation, reducing the heat gains. In contrast, dark colours can increase solar heat gains by absorbing more radiation. Regarding the TiO2 answer to the lightness on the facade, different samples of TiO2 were tested. First, in the laboratory for methylene blue dye degradation and second in a natural environment using different forms of treatment (powder and suspension) on mortars, measured by a spectrophotometer over three years to determine the loss of lightness over time. The methylene blue test showed that the TiO2-P25p, TiO2-PC-S7s, and TiO2-E502s samples had the same effectiveness after exposure to artificial UV radiation, while the TiO2-PC105p sample presented the worst performance. Concerning the lightness, after thirty-seven months of the natural exposition, the white painted specimens had the best results than specimens with TiO2 suspensions and specimens with TiO2 in powder. Beyond the absorptivity, the white painted specimens could be considered with low absorptivity. In contrast, the specimens treated with TiO2 suspension and those treated with TiO2 powder could be medium absorptivity. Regarding the visual aesthetic perception, the study concludes that for the final user, there is no great difference in white painted specimens, while for the other (powder and suspension), the colour difference can be noticed well over three years of exposure.

Improving the Fatigue Behaviour of PURMAL S-70 Polyurethane Paint

Oxidation is one of the main degradation mechanisms that affects most industrial components and occurs as a result of a chemical reaction by which an oxygen atom is added to the molecule of an organic substance or compound. Light, in particular the ultraviolet (UV) component, activates the process of degradation of organic materials, favouring a series of oxidation reactions that occur when the component is in contact with oxygen in the air or water (especially salt water).Given that a number of components work in variable mechanical stress conditions (vibrations caused by the technological process itself or generated by repeated starts / shutdowns of equipment), the protective coatings aim to improve the physico-chemical properties of the surfaces to reduce the degradation, as well as to improve the fatigue behaviour, knowing that the fatigue cracks are initiated from local stress concentrators caused by the surface imperfections of the components. Paper presents the experimental results on fatigue behaviour of the deposited layers, after exposure to UV radiation. In the experimental program, a 2 mm thick AlMg3 sheet (EN AW-5754) was used as substrate. The Aluminium oxide layer naturally created on the metal surface, prevents the effect of oxygen and atmospheric pollutants, but this layer is unstable in corrosive environments. Thus, for a qualitative protection, protective organic layers are used. In experiments, the polyurethane paint PURMAL S 70, RAL 9010 (PUR) and the same paint but aditivate with graphene oxide (PUR + GO) were compared. Prior to fatigue testing, the painted specimens were subjected to accelerated artificial UV-aging process with ultraviolet radiation for 72 hours. Axial fatigue tests were performed with a frequency of 40 Hz, in pulsating mode, with R = 0.053 and with decreasing loads, starting from 0.85% of the tensile strength (Rm), up to 0.5% Rm. Analysis of S‑N curves revealed that, in the field of oligocyclic fatigue there are no significant differences between the fatigue results obtained on PUR-protected specimens, compared to those protected with PUR + GO, instead in the case of polycyclic fatigue, the paint with addition of 1% graphene oxide has improved fatigue resistance.

Comparison of reflectance to solar radiation between mortars treated with TiO2 and painted mortars after three years of exposure

The incident solar radiation on the building envelope is strongly affected by the urban characteristics and building facade materials. This paper reports a study on the variation in the solar reflectance of mortar specimens with different treatments of TiO2 – powder (addition) and suspension (cover) - compared with white painted specimens and exposed in the long term. The solar reflectance of mortars was evaluated at biweekly intervals over three years to reach their degradation over time. The results obtained for the white painted specimens revealed that they practically maintained the exact value of their initial reflectance to solar radiation over three years of exposure ending with 73% of its index. In addition, the comparison between the white painted specimens and specimens with TiO2 powder addition showed a mean solar reflectance difference of 28.25%, showing that difference certainly would be noticed by the final user in terms of absorption and color change. The study also revealed that comparison between the specimens with TiO2 in powder addition and specimens with TiO2 in suspension showed a mean solar reflectance difference of 8.5% and demonstrate that result will not identify by the final user concerning the absorption and color change, and not indicate their preference since both showed the same effectiveness in mean after three years of exposure.

Towards selective laser paint stripping using shock waves produced by laser-plasma interaction for aeronautical applications on AA 2024 based substrates

Laser stripping is a process which typically includes different forms of ablation phenomena. The presented work investigates a mechanical stripping process using high pressure laser-induced shock waves in a water confined regime. Power density is studied as a parameter for selective laser stripping on painted specimens and for adhesion relations with single layer epoxy targets. A flashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser with fixed spot size (4 mm) is shot on single layer epoxy and several layers of polymeric paint applied on a AA 2024-T3 (Aluminium) substrate. After laser treatment, samples are investigated with optical microscopy, profilometer and chemical analysis (FTIR & TGA). The results show that selective laser stripping is possible between different layers of external aircraft coatings and without any visual damage on the substrate material. In parallel to the experimental work, a numerical model has been developed to explain the background of the physical mechanisms and to qualitatively evaluate the detailed stress analysis and interfacial failure simulation for a single layer of epoxy on an aluminium substrate. The predicted failure patterns agree with the surfaces of the tested specimens observed by a microscope.

Simple Acrylic Color Technique for the Preparation of Wet Specimen in Anatomy Museum

Introduction: The subject anatomy is an essential subject in medical college for students and museum with attractive, an innovative colored specimen with well-labeled specimen aids a pivotal role in the teaching and learning process. Once the specimen has been selected for coloring, undergoes fixation, acrylic paint coloring, plastic bottle mounting and proper labeling for better visualization of the structure.
 Method: We have utilized a simple acrylic color method for painting the gross specimen available for the teaching and learning process from well-embalmed cadavers. The materials required are acrylic color paint, brush, clear nail polish, glycerin, clear plastic bottle, 10% formaldehyde and can be performed at room temperature.
 Result: The acrylic coloring technique of wet specimen makes specimen attractive which is cost-effective, non-toxic, creates great interest and aids long term memory to the student.
 Conclusion: The acrylic painted wet gross specimen with clear plastic bottle mounting remains stable in 10% formalin without color fading and makes students a better understanding of the subject.

Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Fire-Resistant Coatings on Combustion and Flame Spread Characteristics by Medium Density Fiber Boards Commonly Used in Jordan

The rate of flame spread on surfaces indicates how quickly the hazardous stages will be reached in low ventilation compartments. Building codes and standards want building authorities to achieve the minimum flame spread requirements. Several types of wood have been used in the series of conducted tests for this research since most of the furniture products in Jordan depend on it. Jordan imports all of its needs from natural wood at a high cost. Medium density fiberboard has become very popular in Jordan as an alternative source of wood. For comparison, white pine and Medium density fiberboard have been tested according to the methodology of American Society for Testing and Materials standard using lateral ignition and flame transport apparatus. Ignition experiments of treated wood with fire resistant paint have been performed. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of fire resistant paint on the performance of tested specimens by comparing ignitibility and flame spread parameters between unpainted and painted specimens. A comparison of six parameters that have been identified to demonstrate the capability of wood specimens to withstand a flame when fire resistant paint is applied will be presented. The sought parameters included are the minimum heat flux, the ignition time, the ignition parameter, the thermal inertia, the flame spread rate, and the peak heat release rate. The results have showed the propensity of specimens for flaming have been decreased with fire resistant paint. Flaming ignition temperature for pine specimen has been increased from 460 K to 530 K due to fire resistant painting. Furthermore, the flame of painted wood is weaker than the unpainted wood specimen while the flame spread parameter is lower for painted specimens. It has been 2.61 kW2/m3 for unpainted compared with 1.78 kW2/m3 for painted Medium density fiberboard.

Effect of contact surface type on the slip resistance in bolted connections

The use of slip-critical bolted connections is strongly emphasized for steel structures located in seismic zones by building codes. Obviously, the type of contact surface has a significant effect on the slip resistance of such connections. The purpose of this research is to experimentally and numerically evaluate the effect of the type of plate contact surface on the frictional resistance of these structural components. To this end, some samples of bolted connections with different contact situations were selected and tested. The surfaces selected for this purpose include sandblasted, painted (with different thicknesses), and grooved (triangular and square shapes with two different groove's heights). Subsequently, in order to perform numerical analyses, the force-displacement relationship of the connections are simulated by constructing some Finite Element (F.E.) models for each case. The obtained data from numerical simulations were verified by the experiments, indicating an acceptable match. Overall, the results of this study showed that the square-grooved sample had the highest frictional resistance; while, the painted specimen exhibited the least frictional resistance. The frictional resistance of grooved samples with regard to sandblasted, ordinary, and painted are significantly higher. These values imply that with grooving the steel surface, in practice, the strength of such connections can be effectively improved.

Assessment of Influence and Threshold Ratios of Titanium Dioxide and Calcium Carbonate as Pigments on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Emulsion Paint

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) also known as Titanium White, is an inorganic, synthetic pigment used in paint to protect the substrate from harmful effects of ultraviolet light when lead pigments are regarded as toxic. However, its use is being limited since it causes flu-like symptoms, respiratory problem and skin irritation. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is a chemical commonly used as an extender pigment in cement to provide bulkiness at relatively low cost. Because of the problem associated with TiO2, it is of importance to regulate and optimize the use of TiO2 relative to CaCO3 and their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of emulsion paints. Nine paint specimens were formulated using 0 – 80 grams per litre of TiO2 and 120 – 200 grams of CaCO3, respectively at 10 gram interval. The following tests were performed on them: specific gravity, viscosity, pH, surface drying time, hard drying time, wash-ability/adhesion and opacity tests, in accordance to Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 278: 1990. The result shows that all samples met specifications of 10 poise maximum, 5%, 7.5-9.0, 20 minutes, 2 hours, and 201 minimum, for viscosity, specific gravity, pH, surface drying time, hard drying time and wash-ability/adhesion properties, respectively. However, six sample specimens only met the requirement of NIS 278:1990 of 2coats for good opacity. In conclusion, TiO2 has no negative effect on the other physio-mechanical properties except the opacity of the paint and so specimens 7, 8 and 9, and ratio 30:170 is considered the threshold values for the paint production.

Characterization and exploration of polyurethane nanofiber webs coated with graphene as a strain gauge

The objectives of this study were as follows: (a) to compare two coating methods (i.e., brush painting and doctor blade coating) for applying graphene onto polyurethane nanofiber webs (PU NWs) for developing e-textiles; (b) to investigate the surface characteristics and chemical and mechanical properties of the specimens based on the coating conditions; (c) to find the relationship between the electrical resistances of the specimen and the amounts of graphene in the PU NWs; and (d) to evaluate electrical resistance changes when specimens are physically strained to calculate the gauge factors. The linear resistances of the graphene-coated PU NWs were less than 600 Ω/cm on all specimens. The PU NW linear resistances are about 1–500 Ω/cm when coated with silver nanowires and about 1000–7000 Ω/cm when coated with polypyrrole. The graphene-coated specimen linear resistances are lower than those of the polypyrrole-coated specimens and higher than those of the silver nanowire-coated specimens. As has been demonstrated in other studies, brush painting is a simple fabrication process, but the field emission scanning electron microscopy image showed that it did not produce uniform coatings compared to the doctor blade method. However, it was found that it is possible to fabricate e-textiles with linear resistances of less than 100 Ω/cm by merely using repetitive brush painting. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the peak bands of urethane and the -NH- bending peak to investigate the graphene coating conditions. The tensile strength of the graphene-coated specimen was much lower than that of the untreated, but the elongation/strain at rupture was higher than that of the untreated specimen. This result shows that the graphene-coated specimens are strained to a smaller force than the untreated one. Furthermore, this indicates that graphene coating induced the changes of the tensile properties of the specimens. The electrical resistances are varied depending on the graphene coating uniformity. Using the doctor blade method, the electrical resistance values of the specimens were slightly lower than those for the brush painted specimens. The gauge factor values of the specimens were examined by the stretch and release test. The highest gauge factor was 97.24 (D2.6) and the lowest was 20.54 (D2.2).

μ-Raman spectroscopy of prehistoric paintings from the El Reno cave (Valdesotos, Guadalajara, Spain)

Prehistoric paintings from the El Reno cave, Guadalajara (Spain) have been studied by μ-Raman spectroscopy. Goethite (α-FeOOH) and haematite (α-Fe2O3) have been used as pigments in this exceptional Palaeolithic site. Dolomite (CaMgCO3), anatase (TiO2), α-quartz (α-SiO2), hydromagnesite and the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) polymorphs calcite and aragonite have also been detected in the studied paint specimens. Clay minerals of the marl supporting the paintings could be the origin the significant spectral background of fluorescence radiation observed in the Raman spectra. The use of a pictorial recipe mixing haematite and amorphous carbon (charcoal or soot) to prepare the paint of a pictograph is proposed.

부식실험에 의한 금속용사와 도장의 복합피복방식법의 내후성능평가

금속용사 또는 도장은 강구조물의 방식에 널리 사용되고 있다. 금속용사와 도장의 복합피복방식법은 혹독한 부식환경하에 놓인 강구물의 새로운 일반적 피복방식법으로 선택되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 아연, 아연-15%알루미늄 합금, 알루미늄, 알루미늄-5%마그네슘 합금의 4종류 금속용사 후 실링 처리한 시편, 4종류 금속용사 후 중방식 도장한 시편과 도장한 시편에 대해 175일간의 NORSOK M-501 부식촉진실험, 250일간의 해수 Wet/dry 반복 부식실험, 3년간의 해양환경 옥외노출실험을 실시하였다. 그 결과, 외관관찰에 근거하여 각 방식법의 내후성능을 비교, 검토하였다. Thermally sprayed metals or organic coatings is often used in corrosion protection of steel structures. Duplex coating systems of thermally sprayed metal in combination with organic coating are selected as a new generic type of coatings on steel structures under the highly corrosive environments. In this study, three types of corrosion tests were carried out on four types of thermal sprayed specimens with sealing: zinc, zinc-15%aluminum alloy, aluminum and aluminum-5%magnesium alloy, four types of duplex coated specimens; thermally sprayed metals in combination with paint of acrylic urethane, and painted specimens. NORSOK M-501, Wet/dry cyclic seawater tests and outdoor exposure tests of nine types of specimens were conducted. From the corrosion test results, weathering performance of them were presented.

선체 구조용 강재에 대한 Al과 Zn 아크용사코팅 층의 캐비테이션 손상 특성

In this study, Al and Zn arc thermal spray coatings were carried out onto the substrate of SS400 steel to improve corrosion resistance and durability of hull structural steel for ship in marine environment. Therefore cavitation-erosion test was conducted to evaluate the durability of painted and thermal spray coated specimens. And then the damaged surface morphology and weight loss were obtained to compare with each other, respectively. As a result, the painted specimen was the poorest cavitation resistance characteristics because surface damage behavior appeared to be exfoliated in bulk shape during the cavitation experiment. And Zn thermal spray coating layer presented the significant surface damage depth due to relatively low surface hardness and local cavitation damage tendency. On the other hand, as a result of the weight loss analysis, the painting layer presented the poorest cavitation resistance and the Al thermal spray coating layer relatively showed the best results after cavitation experiment.

Properties of recycled concrete aggregate under different curing conditions

Construction and demolition wastes are produced every day around the world. Thus the idea of using recycled concrete aggregate in new concrete production appears to be an effective utilization of concrete waste. This paper presents the results of an experimental study to evaluate the effects of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) percentages under different curing conditions. The percentages of recycled coarse aggregate to dolomite were (0:100%, 25:75%, 50:50%, 100:0%) respectively. The concrete properties which were studied were the mechanical properties (compressive and splitting strength) and mass transport properties (ISAT and sorptivity). The concrete specimens were exposed to three different curing conditions, moist (standard), open-air, and painted specimens using the substance (Curassol 1). The coarse recycled concrete aggregates were obtained by crushing a laboratory produced primary concrete at age of 28days. The results showed that curing using paint material was the most efficient method of curing at all ages and percentages of recycling except at 100% recycling, where the maximum value of both compressive and tensile strengths was obtained using water curing. Also, in moist curing, full replacement of coarse aggregates gave the highest compressive strength at age of 28days. In all cases of recycled aggregate ratios, curing using water caused a decrease in the concrete permeability.

Hyperspectral imaging-based approach for the in-situ characterization of ancient Roman wall paintings

A diagnostic study was recently carried out on fragments of wall paintings belonging to the decorations of an old Roman residential villa of the Ager Gabinus, in the locality Pratolungo (Rome, Italy). The study was organized in two stages. A first stage, in which small splinters of these painted specimens were embedded in resin to obtain polished and thin cross-sections to study by optical microscopy and a second phase, in which the specimens were analyzed by Raman Spectrometry and HyperSpectral Imaging (HSI). The results obtained by classical methods (i.e. optical microscopy), were compared with those resulting from non-destructive investigation such as, Raman spectroscopy and HSI based techniques. The attention was particularly addressed to the utilization of HSI in the SWIR range (1000-2500 nm), being this techniques potentially used directly in situ without any physical sampling/removal of the specimen of interest. The collected hyperspectral data (i.e. images) were processed applying chemometric methods. For its intrinsic characteristics, the utilization of HSI as a diagnostic tool in the field of cultural heritage is of great interest and it presents high potentialities, being this analysis intrinsically non-destructive, non-invasive and in principle applicable in any site. Furthermore, the possibility to couple hyperspectral data with chemometric techniques allows getting not only qualitative but also quantitative information on the nature and the physical-chemical attributes and characteristics of the investigated materials. Following this strategy, it is thus possible to obtain information comparable with those commonly acquired by optical microscopy, allowing also the identification of pigments and the constituent materials directly in situ.

Optimizing use of the structural chemical analyser (variable pressure FESEM-EDX Raman spectroscopy) on micro-size complex historical paintings characterization.

The novel Structural Chemical Analyser (hyphenated Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an X-ray detector) is gaining popularity since it allows 3-D morphological studies and elemental, molecular, structural and electronic analyses of a single complex micro-sized sample without transfer between instruments. However, its full potential remains unexploited in painting heritage where simultaneous identification of inorganic and organic materials in paintings is critically yet unresolved. Despite benefits and drawbacks shown in literature, new challenges have to be faced analysing multifaceted paint specimens. SEM-Structural Chemical Analyser systems differ since they are fabricated ad hoc by request. As configuration influences the procedure to optimize analyses, likewise analytical protocols have to be designed ad hoc. This paper deals with the optimization of the analytical procedure of a Variable Pressure Field Emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with an X-ray detector Raman spectroscopy system to analyse historical paint samples. We address essential parameters, technical challenges and limitations raised from analysing paint stratigraphies, archaeological samples and loose pigments. We show that accurate data interpretation requires comprehensive knowledge of factors affecting Raman spectra. We tackled: (i) the in-FESEM-Raman spectroscopy analytical sequence, (ii) correlations between FESEM and Structural Chemical Analyser/laser analytical position, (iii) Raman signal intensity under different VP-FESEM vacuum modes, (iv) carbon deposition on samples under FESEM low-vacuum mode, (v) crystal nature and morphology, (vi) depth of focus and (vii) surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect. We recommend careful planning of analysis strategies prior to research which, although time consuming, guarantees reliable results. The ultimate goal of this paper is to help to guide future users of a FESEM-Structural Chemical Analyser system in order to increase applications.

X-ray Diffraction and SEM Investigation of Wall Paintings Found in the Roman Temple Complex at Horvat Omrit, Israel

In the present study, the fragments of wall painting found in the Roman Temple Complex at Horvat Omrit were analysed for the first time using the non-destructive techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The application of these methods enabled unambiguous identifications of the pigments and plaster components of the samples. Quantitative information on mineral composition, crystallite size and elemental composition of each studied paint layer and plaster was collected. Based on the results of the XRD and EDS analyses, the green pigment was identified as celadonite. It was revealed that the Egyptian blue pigment does not contain impurities of tin and lead, and this excludes the use of bronze scrap in its synthesis. Comparison of the mineral composition of the paint layers indicates that a wider palette of colours was obtained by mixing the available mineral pigments. The study of cross-sections of painted specimens revealed the usage of slaked lime for plastering. The obtained results give a new insight into the wall painting technique employed by ancient artists at Horvat Omrit, in northern Israel.

On corrosion fatigue strength of the anodized and painted Mg alloy

As an advantage of anodic oxide coating, both good wear resistance and high rigidity are expected due to its high surface hardness. However, unfortunately many narrow holes with different diameters are contained within the anodized coating. Therefore, it is very difficult for anodized coating to improve corrosion fatigue strength. So, the new hybrid method, i.e., anodic oxide coating plus painting treatment, was developed to increase corrosion fatigue strength of magnesium alloy. In the present study, fatigue tests were conducted on the extruded Mg alloy with different surface treatments in laboratory air and in the 3% sodium chloride solution. One is the anodized surface treated Mg specimens with different anodized film thicknesses. The other is the hybrid surface treated specimens, i.e., anodic oxide coating plus painting. In addition, the painted specimens without the anodized film were also tested. From the present study, it was considered that both the thickness of the anodized film and roughness at the interface between the painted and the anodized coating (P/AD) are key factors determining the corrosion fatigue resistance of the alloy. Effects of both the anodized and the painted surface treatments on the fatigue lives were minimal in laboratory air. However, in sodium chloride solution, increases in the thickness of the anodized film lower the corrosion fatigue resistance of the specimen. Corrosion fatigue lives of the painted specimens without the anodized film were not influenced by the corrosive environment.

Editorial

Welcome to this special edition of X-ray spectrometry in forensics! The X-ray spectrometry technique scanning electron microscope energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS) is widely used by forensic laboratories for the examination of trace evidence. The technique is used in the international standard for gunshot residue analysis and is also used for the analysis of fibres, hair, glass and paint specimens, to name a few. The technique has gained increasing popularity since the 1970s because of its low cost, non destructive nature, ease of operation and interpretation. In this edition, we will see how complementary X-ray spectrometry methods may assist the forensic investigations of the future. In particular, Galli et al. show how portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) devices are used in the related field of cultural heritage and how some of the advantages of portable XRF might be translated to forensic samples. On this theme, Fonseca et al. will show how XRF can be used to estimate shooting distance, and Ernst et al. outline a protocol for forensic glass analysis by using XRF. On a larger scale to tube XRF, synchrotron XRF (SXRF) has been recently used in a murder case in Japan, and Kawai gives an interesting account of the Jury's interpretation of the SXRF data from two experts, adding his own interpretation to the data, highlighting the complexity of interpretation of XRS spectra in a forensic context. Nakai et al. will show how a soil database is being constructed in Japan by using SXRF, outlining a new and useful application of the technique in forensic science. As SEM-EDS is a noteworthy force in forensics, optimisation and modification of the technique are essential to meet increasing demands from police organisations for high throughput, low cost and robust analytical techniques. Levin et al. meet these demands in the context of high throughput gunshot residue analysis by capitalising on new developments in instrumentation. Their article provides a guide, which will be useful for other forensic laboratories interested in installing silicon drift detectors. In complement to this article, French et al. use SEM-EDS to look at the possibility of secondary transfer of gunshot residue under various circumstances, putting the spotlight on the interpretation of gunshot residue evidence in the courts. It is evident from this edition that X-ray spectrometry techniques have a great range of potential and exciting new applications, which could have a significant impact on police investigations.