Determination of Persistence of Accelerant in Household Materials using Atr-ftir Spectroscopy

This study investigates the persistence of accelerants in fire debris from common household materials—paper, cloth, rubber, carpet, and wood—using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). These materials, prevalent in typical home environments, were cut into standardized pieces and ignited with petrol, a common arson accelerant. The resulting fire debris was collected and analyzed at predetermined intervals to detect and measure petrol residues using ATR-FTIR, which identifies distinctive absorption peaks associated with the accelerant. The findings revealed a progressive decline in the detectable presence of petrol across all materials over time. However, the rate at which petrol residues diminished varied significantly among the different materials. Some materials retained detectable levels of accelerant longer than others, highlighting the influence of material composition on accelerant persistence. This variability underscores the importance of material type in forensic analyses of fire debris, as it affects the duration and detectability of accelerant residues. These insights are crucial for forensic investigations, improving the accuracy of determining the presence and quantity of accelerants used in suspected arson cases. Understanding how different materials interact with accelerants over time allows forensic scientists to better reconstruct fire events and identify the cause of fire. The study demonstrates that ATR-FTIR is a reliable method for detecting and analyzing accelerant residues, enhancing the capability of forensic professionals to investigate and solve arson cases. Overall, this research contributes valuable knowledge to forensic science by detailing how accelerant residues persist in various household materials after a fire