Jurnal Teknologi, 56 (Sains) Keluaran Khas, Nov.

2011: 1-12 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

FORENSIC PAINT LAYER CHARACTERISTICS OF FRAGMENTS COLLECTED FROM PERODUA CARS

ROBI BINTI MOHAMAD RADZI, 2HASMERYA MAAROF, 3SOO ME TONG,

4

UMI KALTHOM AHMAD

Abstract.

Several road accidents typically hit-and-run cases, have often been classified as

closed cases due to lack of trace physical evidence found at the crime scene. However, the presence of vehicle paint fragments may provide important links of the suspects car to the crime scene. Therefore, it is important to characterize and identify the car paint involved in the accident. In this study, paint fragments were examined using stereomicroscope for their layer characteristics in terms of the number of layers, colour and thickness of layers. The paint fragments were collected from several workshops, auction yards and salvaged used parts yards in Selangor and Perlis. Their layer characteristics were examined using stereomicroscope equipped with a digital camera. Out of 40 samples collected with multiple colour code, 12.5% of the samples had multilayered structure. The highest number of layers identified was 13. Most layers had thickness in the range 21 to 30 micrometer. Majority of the samples (42.5%) had three layers, as the common number of layers of a refinished car. Results of this study on layer characteristics of Perodua paint fragments indicated that multilayer paint fragments were highly discriminating and thereby posed greater evidential value for forensic accident investigation.

Keywords Paint fragment, trace evidence, stereomicroscope, layer thickness, multilayers

1,2,4

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 3 PDRM Forensic Laboratory, 8 mile, Jalan Cheras-Kajang, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia

ROBI BINTI MOHAMAD RADZI, HASMERYA MAAROF, SOO ME TONG, UMI KALTHOM AHMAD
Abstrak. Beberapa kemalangan jalan raya kebiasaannya kes langgar lari, sering

diklasifikasikan sebagai kes tutup disebabkan kekurangan bukti fizikal surih yang ditemui di tempat kejadian. Walau bagaimanapun, kehadiran serpihan cat kenderaan boleh menyumbang kepada kaitan penting cat kereta suspek dengan tempat kejadian. Oleh sebab itu, adalah penting untuk menciri dan mengenal pasti cat kereta yang terlibat dalam kemalangan. Dalam kajian ini, sepihan cat diperiksa menggunakan stereomikroskop untuk ciri-ciri lapisan dari segi bilangan lapisan, warna dan ketebalan lapisan. Serpihan cat telah dikumpulkan dari beberapa bengkel, tempat lelong dan tempat barang terpakai di Selangor dan Perlis. Ciri-ciri lapisan mereka diperiksa menggunakan stereomikroskop yang dilengkapi dengan kamera digital. Daripada sejumlah 40 sampel yang dikumpulkan dengan kod warna yang pelbagai, 12.5% daripada sampel mempunyai struktur multi-lapisan. Bilangan tertinggi lapisan yang dikenal pasti adalah 13. Kebanyakan lapisan mempunyai ketebalan dalam lingkungan 21 hingga 30 mikrometer. Majoriti sampel (42.5%) mempunyai tiga lapisan, iaitu bilangan lapisan kebiasaan bagi sebuah kereta yang telah dipolitur. Keputusan kajian ini ke atas ciri-ciri lapisan serpihan cat Perodua menunjukkan bahawa serpihan cat multi-lapisan sangat membezakan dan dengan itu memberi nilai bukti yang lebih besar bagi siasatan kemalangan forensik.

Kata kunci Serpihan cat, bukti surih, stereomikroskop, ketebalan lapisan, multi-lapisan

1.0

INTRODUCTION

Edmund Locard (1910) explained that the principle of every contact leaves a trace is important basic in forensic science, where during the contact between two persons there might be evidences present in trace amounts. These trace amounts of evidence found at crime scene then be called as trace evidence [5]. The term of trace evidence become generally accepted in forensic science in the sense that it applied to normally very small amounts of materials, which can serve to link an item on which material is found with an otherwise

FORENSIC PAINT LAYER CHARACTERISTICS OF FRAGMENTS COLLECTED FROM PERODUA CARS

unconnected source of it elsewhere. The trace evidence has potential to provide a sort of associative evidence, as long as it is capable of being transferred from one place to another, can be recognised for what it is, and is recoverable and amenable to meaningful analysis and critical comparison [5].

One type of physical trace evidence which can be found at crime scene is paint. Paint is considered as physical evidence when any liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition which after application to substrate in a thin layer, is converted to an opaque solid film that may have transferred from one surface of an object to another object during the contact [6]. These traces can be transferred in the form of chips or visible smears on the clothing of persons or at the scene involved during hit-and-run accident cases, robberies or burglaries.

Paints are generally functioned as a coating that can be placed on porous surface, such as wood or paper, or on non-porous materials, such as metal [3]. They are applied commercially today as a household and automotive paints coating. The paints are composed of a polymer, which acts as binder; a pigment to impart colour; a liquid carrier or a solvent and various additives.

Most paint fragments retrieved from the scene have a multilayer structure. Each layer is made from painting material and is a mixture of many chemical compounds [2]. In automotive industry, every car produced mainly consist of at least four organic coatings; which are electrocoat primer, the black to grey colour of first layer; primer surface, a highly pigmented layer; basecoat provide the colour of the finish car and clearcoat, an unpigmented layer to provide gloss, durability and appearance [8].

ROBI BINTI MOHAMAD RADZI, HASMERYA MAAROF, SOO ME TONG, UMI KALTHOM AHMAD

The examination and identification of paint evidence is crucial in forensic investigation. The paint traces come in the size of chip or as a smear found on the road or on the clothing of the victim involved in hit-and-run accident cases. The limited sample size of paint fragments collected at the crime scene and sample preservation during packaging of evidence and maintaining its chain of custody have become a major challenge to the forensic scientist in solving the road accident cases [6].

The examination and identification of automotive paints can be conducted using by using optical microscopy [12] which is non-destructive technique that can preserved the integrity of the evidence thus enable the forensic scientist to proceed to another analytical techniques. This examination and identification are conducted to characterize the physical features of paint fragments. The physical characteristics may include colour appearance, size, shape, layer sequence, thickness, surface and layer features, contaminants and weathering. In addition, a comparison among the trace of paint samples collected at the crime scene with the paint sample taken from suspected vehicles also must done in order to establish the origin of the paint [12].

2.0

MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1

Sample collection

Paint samples from 40 Perodua cars were collected from several workshops, auction yards and salvaged used parts in Selangor and Perlis. Perodua cars that were ten years old or more were included.

FORENSIC PAINT LAYER CHARACTERISTICS OF FRAGMENTS COLLECTED FROM PERODUA CARS

The fragment samples were collected following the standard procedure for paint collection [7]. A sharp razor blade was used to chip intact fragments from the car areas. The collected paint fragments were kept in white envelope, which were sealed and labeled properly.

2.2

Examination Procedure

The examination and identification of automotive paints can be conducted using a variety of analytical techniques, which are light microscopy, UV-visible microscopy, infrared microspectrophotometry, solvent tests, pyrolysis-gas chromatography, neutron activation analysis, electron microscopy and many others. However, the microscopic examination, which is the basic and most fundamental approach to differentiate paint fragment characteristics, was followed in this study.

2.3

Sample Preparation

The samples were sorted out into groups according to their topcoat colour. A 45 degree angular cross-section was then made on the samples. With the help of forceps, the sample was mounted vertically, with the cut edge in plasticine on a glass slide. The mounted samples were then examined.

ROBI BINTI MOHAMAD RADZI, HASMERYA MAAROF, SOO ME TONG, UMI KALTHOM AHMAD

2.4

Microscopic Examination

A stereomicroscope equipped with a digital camera was used to examine the paint fragments cross-section. All samples were examined for colour, number of layers and thickness of layers. Magnifications ranging from 7.5x to 50x were used to examine the paint fragments.

3.0

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The topcoat colour is the most is the most eye-catching and obvious component of vehicle paint. Initial differentiation by topcoat colour provides an indication of the frequency of occurrence of various paints (Table 3.1). It was found that grey/ silver topcoat colour had the highest occurrence and purple topcoat colour had the least. Hence, a pair of matching purple topcoat paint fragments holds greater evidential value than a pair of matching grey/silver paint fragments. This type if information is useful in evaluating a case where only a topcoat colour is present [7]. Therefore, the idea of prevalence of a particular colour is required.

The study also showed that about 22% of paint fragments collected had a metallic finish (Table 3.1). The metallic finishes and non-metallic finishes are preferred as the exterior topcoats of a vehicle, as they showed slightly different frequency of occurrence during the collection of the paint samples. Both of finishes may then have possibility to hold a significant evidential value.

FORENSIC PAINT LAYER CHARACTERISTICS OF FRAGMENTS COLLECTED FROM PERODUA CARS

Table 3.1 Distribution of samples by topcoat colour and type of finish. Colour Group Metallic samples n Brown/gold/tan Green Blue Red/maroon/pink White Grey/silver Orange Purple Yellow Black Total 3 2 1 1 0 11 3 1 0 0 22 % of total 7.5 5.0 2.5 2.5 0 27.5 7.5 2.5 0 0 55.0 Non-metallic samples n 0 0 4 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 18 % of total 0 0 10.0 15.0 20.0 0 0 0 0 0 45.0 n 3 2 5 7 8 11 3 1 0 0 40 Combined % of total 7.5 5.0 12.5 17.5 20.0 27.5 7.5 2.5 0 0 100

Further examination by microscopic of topcoat number of layer is shown in Table 3.2. The distribution of layers ranged from a single layer to multiple layers. Out of forty samples collected, 12.5% of the samples had multilayered structure, which is more than four layers. The highest number of layers identified was 13. Thus, this multilayered structure gave very significant evidential value. Majority of the samples (42.5%) had three layers, as the common number of layers of a refinished car.

ROBI BINTI MOHAMAD RADZI, HASMERYA MAAROF, SOO ME TONG, UMI KALTHOM AHMAD

Table 3.2 Distribution of sample by number of layers. Layers, n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 Total Samples, n 4 11 17 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 40 % of total samples 10.0 27.5 42.5 10.0 2.5 5.0 2.5 0 0 0 0 2.5 100

This study also covered the distribution of thickness of layer (Table 3.3). 40% of paint fragments thickness cannot be measured due to the condition of the sample collected. They only can be differentiated by number of layers. In term of total layer thickness, most of paint samples has 101.0 to 200.0 micrometer (30%). As we differentiated further the thickness for each layers of particular paint sample, most layers had thickness in the range 21 to 30 micrometer, which is shown in Figure 3.1. There were also layers with thickness of more than 100 micrometer (5%), which is considered very significant and discriminating. This layer can be assumed to be a repainted layer and thus, may be have been subjected to damage during traffic accident.

FORENSIC PAINT LAYER CHARACTERISTICS OF FRAGMENTS COLLECTED FROM PERODUA CARS

Table 3.3 Distribution of samples by total thickness of layers. Total Thickness (m) 0 1.0 100.0 101.0 200.0 201.0 300.0 301.0 400.0 401.0 500.0 501.0 600.0 601.0 700.0 701.0 800.0 801.0 900.0 900.0 1000.0 >1000.0 Total Samples, n 16 9 12 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 40 % of total samples 40.0 22.5 30.0 0 0 2.5 2.5 0 0 0 0 2.5 100

H, 2% I, 3% G, 5% F, 4%

J, 0% K, 5%

1.0 - 10.00 (A) 11.00 - 20.00 (B) 21.00 - 30.00 (C) 31.00 - 40.00 (D) 41.00 - 50.00 (E) 51.00 - 60.00 (F) 61.00 - 70.00 (G) 71.00 - 80.00 (H) 81.00 - 90.00 (I) 91.00 - 100.00 (J) > 100.00 (K)

A, 20%

E, 15%

B, 11%

D, 14%

C, 21%

Figure 3.1 Distribution of samples by thickness of layers.

10

ROBI BINTI MOHAMAD RADZI, HASMERYA MAAROF, SOO ME TONG, UMI KALTHOM AHMAD

4.0

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The forty paint samples that were collected at random from Selangor and

Perlis were distinguishable by standard forensic microscopic examination based on layer characteristic, which are number of layers, colour and thickness. About 12.5% of the samples had a multilayered structure. A paint fragment possessing a multilayered structure possesses greater evidential value and could serve as a fingerprint of a particular vehicle. The most occurrence topcoat colour within the samples collected is grey/silver whereas purple topcoat colour is the least. Thus, fragments with the least occurrence topcoat colour would have more significance evidential value than the more occurrence topcoat colour. Furthermore, most layers had thickness of 21 to 30 micrometer. This thickness is considered as the common thickness encountered for a particular vehicle.

A large number of layers with regard to colour and thickness can be taken as proof of common origin and also yield conclusive evidence of contact of a vehicle with a suspected vehicle. Furthermore, the increases of number of layers observed would increase the value of the comparison as evidence.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to express their appreciation to the police officers from the Accidents Yard; the workshop owners for permitting paint fragment collection; and Mr Mohamad Radzi Mohamad Wahi for his assistance during the collection of the paint samples from the vehicles.

FORENSIC PAINT LAYER CHARACTERISTICS OF FRAGMENTS COLLECTED FROM PERODUA CARS

11

REFERENCES

[1]

Alwi, A. R., & Kuppusamy, R. (2004). Studies on the Layer Structure of Paint Flakes Collected from Motor Vehicles in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Journal of Forensic Identification, 54(6).

[2]

Beckhoff, B., Langhoff, N., Kanngiefer, B., Wedell, R., & Wolff, H. (2006). Handbook of practical X-ray fluorescence analysis. Springer.

[3] [4]

Bell, S. (2006). Forensic Chemistry. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Cowan, M. E. (1986). Trace Evidence, Tremendous Trivia: The Relativity of Significance. In D. Goeffrey (Ed.), Forensic Science (2nd ed., pp. 347-370). Washington: American Chemical Society.

[5]

Ho, M. H. (1990). Analytical Methods In Forensic Chemistry. New York: Ellis Horwood Limited.

[6]

Nicholas, D. J. (2008). Evidence Submission Guideline #9: Forensic Analysis of Paint and Plastic Fragments. Indiana: Indianapolis-Marion Country Forensic Services Agency.

[7]

Ryland, S. G., & Kopec, R. J. (1979). The Evidential Value of Automotive Paint Chips. Journal of Forensic Science, 24(1), 140-147.

[8]

Skenderovska, M., Mineva-ukarova, B., & Andreeva, L. (2008). Application of micro-Raman and FT-IR Spectroscopy in Forensic Analysis of Automotive Topcoats in The Republic of Macedonia.

12

ROBI BINTI MOHAMAD RADZI, HASMERYA MAAROF, SOO ME TONG, UMI KALTHOM AHMAD

Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering(27(1)), 917. [9] Stoecklein, W. (2001). The Role of Colour and Microscopic Techniques for Characterisation of Paint Fragments. In B. Caddy (Ed.), Forensic Examination of Glass and Paint (pp. 143-164). New York: Taylor & Francis Inc. [10] Thornton, J. I., & Crim, D. (1982). Forensic Paint Examination. In R. Saferstein, Forensic Science Handbook (pp. 529-571). Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall Inc. [11] Willis, S., McCullough, J., and McDermott, S. (2001). The Interpretation of Paint Evidence. In B. Caddy (Ed.), Forensic Examination of Glass and Paint (pp. 273-287). New York: Taylor & Francis Inc. [12] Ziba-Palus, J. (1999). Application of Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to The Examination of Paint Samples. Journal of Molecular Structure(511-512), 327-335.