Influence of the type of fabric on the collection efficiency of gunshot residues

Collection efficiency of gunshot residues (GSR) as a function of the type of fabric was evaluated. For this set of experiments, fabrics with differences in their sheddability were exposed to shootings. The samples were then stubbed to collect GSR following a standard procedure for SEM/EDX analysis. The results show a strong relationship between sheddability and collection efficiency, since the collection efficiency is about five-fold higher for leather compared with wool. The main factor explaining this difference is probably the rate of saturation (for instance by fibres) of the carbon tapes used to stub the fabrics. An example originating from a real case supports this hypothesis. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.