Publication: Magnetic fingerprint powder from a mineral indigenous to Thailand
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Issued Date
2010-09-01
Resource Type
ISSN
15564029
00221198
00221198
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2-s2.0-77956307193
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Forensic Sciences. Vol.55, No.5 (2010), 1343-1346
Suggested Citation
Thatsanee Thonglon, Nopadol Chaikum Magnetic fingerprint powder from a mineral indigenous to Thailand. Journal of Forensic Sciences. Vol.55, No.5 (2010), 1343-1346. doi:10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01432.x Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/28640
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Title
Magnetic fingerprint powder from a mineral indigenous to Thailand
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Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate whether natural magnetite (Fe 3O4), which is an abundant mineral in Thailand, could be used as a magnetic powder in the detection of latent fingerprints. Because of the presence of impurities, powdered magnetite is only weakly attracted by a magnet and cannot be used as a magnetic fingerprint powder by itself. Mixing a small amount of magnetite powder with nickel powder greatly enhances the magnetic attraction. A mixture of magnetite powder and nickel powder in a mass ratio of approximately 1:100 was found to be suitable for use as a magnetic fingerprint powder. Fingerprints developed using the magnetite/nickel mixture on nonporous surfaces were found to exhibit good adherence and clarity. Using an automated fingerprint identification system, the number of minutiae detected in fingerprints developed by using the prepared powder on nonporous surfaces was found to be comparable to those detected in fingerprints developed by using a commercial black magnetic powder. The cost is lowered by more than 60%. © 2010 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.