Topic 11: Gunshot Residue
Objective/s:
The students should be able to discuss different tests and uses of chemicals in identifying the use
of gunpowder
Lesson 1: Components of gunshot residue
Gunshot Residue
Basically, gunshot residue comes from the powder component of bullet, elements from cartridge
cases and gun barrel where the bullet passes. When these components are burned, certain products
of combustion are formed which includes partially burned and unburned particles.
Gunpowder residue may be found on the skin or clothing of the person who discharged the gun,
on the entrance bullet hole of garment or wound of the victim, or on other target materials at the
scene.
Components of gunshot residue
1. Primer or lead acetate
2. Gunpowder residue
3. Elemental component from cartridge cases residues
Composition of Primer
1. Major primer elemental composition: Pb, Ba or Sb
2. Trace elements: Al, S, Sn, Ca, K, Cl, Si
3. Inorganic compounds: Mercury fulminates (present in most ammunition manufactured in
Eastern Europe and used in Middle East).
In addition, these residues gradually adhere to the discharged bullets. Thus, primer residue can be
found in targets or wounds at considerable distance from the muzzle up to 200 meters.
Composition of gunpowder
1. Contains up to 23 organic compounds
2. Nitrocellulose is virtually always present along with nitrate and nitrogen containing compound
such as Diphenylamine or DPA (stabilizer in the powder).
Types of gunpowder
1. Single based- when the basic ingredient is nitrocellulose
2. Double based- nitrocellulose + 1 to 40% nitroglycerine
3. Triple based- nitrocellulose + nitroglycerine + nitroguanidine
These can be differentiated using a mass spectrophotometer.
Composition of cartridge case, bullet coating and metal jacket.
1. Cartridge and primer cases; BRASS (7:3 Cu-Zn)
2. Bullet cores: Pb, Sb, and few Fe alloy
3. Bullet jackets: brass (9:1 Cu-Zn), some are Fe or Al alloy. Some contain Ni.
Lesson 2: Types of Powder used in the ammunition of small firearms
1. Black powder (mixture of 15%C (charcoal), 10%S, and 75%KNO3)
- igniter in smokeless gun propellant. Aluminum is added to enhance the burning property.
When this powder is burned, combustion reaction takes place:
2KNO3 + 2O2 + S + C SO2 + K2O2 + 2NO2
2. Smokeless powder (mixture of cellulose or glycerol nitrate combined with some stabilizers
(nitrobenzene or graphite nitrates, dichromate and oxalates).
When this powder explodes, the chemical reaction takes place:
Cellulose nitrate:
C12H14O4(NO3)6 + 6H2O 3N2 + 4CO2 + 8CO + H2
Glycerol nitrate:
C3H5(NO3)3 + CO2 + H2O + N2 + O2
Primers
In guns, the flame is applied by means of a primer. A primer consists of:
-case consists of initiating explosive (mercury fulminate)
-oxidizing agent (potassium chlorate or barium nitrate)
-fuel (antimony sulfide)
Detection of Gunshot Residue
The following are common methods used by most crime laboratories to detect gunshot residue:
1. Paraffin test
-To determine whether a person has discharged a firearm, the Paraffin-Diphenylamine test is used.
-To determine the presence of nitrates in the gunpowder residue. Application of paraffin wax on
the hands will cause the pores of the skin to open and exude the particles of gunpowder residue.
When diphenylamine reagent is added on the cast, blue specks will appear located on the area of
the thumb and forefingers.
2. Lead residue
3. Gunpowder residue examination
Lesson 3: History of Paraffin test/ dermal nitrate or Diphenylamine test
Paraffin test was originated from Cuba when Dr. Gonzalo Iturrios first used paraffin for collecting
gunpowder residues from discharged firearm. In 1993, Teodoro Gonzales of Criminal
Identification Laboratory, Mexico City introduced the test in the United States. In this test, the
hands were coated with a layer of melted paraffin. After cooling, the casts were removed and
treated with Diphenylamine (5% DPA in 60% sulfuric).
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a white, translucent, tasteless, odorless solid consisting of mixture of solid
hydrocarbons of high molecular weight. It is insoluble in water and acids and soluble in benzene,
lingroin, warm alcohol, chloroform, turpentine, carbon disulfide, and olive oil. Combustible, auto
ignition temperature 473 F (245 degree Celsius).
Different names of test:
-Lunge’s test
-Diphenylamine test
-Dermal nitrate test
-Gonzales test (named after the one who improved the test)
Factors to consider when a person who actually discharged a firearm would still give a negative
result to the paraffin test;
[Link] of caliber of ammunition
2. Use of gloves
3. Length of the barrel
4. Age of the gun / sufficiency of mechanism
5. Direction of firing
6. Wind direction and velocity
7. Humidity/ percentage moisture in air
Lesson 4: Firearm Examination
Methods used to determine the probable time the firearm has been discharged:
A. Lucas test
B. Odor (Hydrogen Sulfide)
C. Odor of the barrel (rusting)
D. Presence of nitrates (by cotton swabbing method)
E. Dermal Nitrate test
Distance from which the gun has been discharged
Significance:
a. In connection with self-defense
b. In the distinction between murder and suicide. It can be stated with certainty of the gun from
the target by way the pattern of residue left on the victim.
Other methods of examination:
The following are the sophisticated instruments used to determine the gunshot residue to determine
the gunshot range residue (GSR).:
AAS-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
NAA- Neutron Activation Analysis
SEM-EDX- Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis
ICP- MS- Inductively Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrophotometry
Exercise / Activity 12
Directions: Answer briefly the following questions using a yellow pad paper (for handwritten
answers), legal size bond paper for typewritten answers and submit it on the schedule provided by
the instructor. Students who have internet access may submit it on the facebook class group chat
(gc) on the schedule provided by the instructor.
1. Is there any means of removing these nitrates from the hands? How long will they stay in the
pores?
2. What are the different substances that gives false positive result in gunpowder residue
examination, will these substances still not give positive result in paraffin test?
3. Is paraffin test result a conclusive evidence? Why?
4. Explain each of the several factors that causes a negative result to the paraffin test of a person
who actually discharged a firearm
5. What is the principle behind the Paraffin test?
6. How does the type of caliber of ammunition affects gunpowder nitrate examination result to
false positive?
7. Discuss some provisions to equal opportunity for men and women in the study of ballistics
8. What are the important points to remember in the collection, preservation and transit of
specimen (gunpowder residue)?
9. What are the different powder residue pattern?
10. What are the different classification in determining the distance of the muzzle of the gun to
the target?
Comments / Suggestions / Observations:
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