THE IDENTIFICATION OF GUNSHOT RESIDUE PARTICLES FROM LEAD-FREE SINTOXAMMUNITION

Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray ana lysis (SEM/EDX) was used to identify the gunshot residue (GSR) particl es discharged by lead-free Sintox ammunition. Sintox GSR particles are characterized by spheroidal particles mainly consisting of titanium ( Ti) and zinc (Zn). The results obtained in this study are in agreement with the hypothesis that GSR particles are formed by rapid condensati on and solidification of vaporized and molten primer and bullet materi als as a result of sudden temperature quench. The surface morphology o f Ti-Zn particles is an essential criterion for their identification a s gunshot residue particles and for discrimination against Ti-Zn envir onmental particles.