The Forensic Analysis of Accelerant (Aerosol Spray) on Different Fabrics using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Chemometrics Technique

Abstract

Forensic investigation of fire and arson often involve analysis of accelerant and fire debris to determine the cause of fire. Common accelerant used in arson cases include petrol, kerosene and diesel.  Aerosol sprays is well known for their significant flammability due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as propane, butane, and dimethyl ether. While arson cases involving the use of aerosol is scarce, this crime still happens. Traditional forensic procedures such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) are frequently used to evaluate such accelerants. This study explored the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, which is non-destructive, fast, and environmentally friendly technique. This study aims to analyse the burnt residues from fabrics sprayed with aerosol accelerant and determination of fabric residues using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) coupled with chemometrics techniques.