ASTM E3233-20

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3233 − 20 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Forensic Tape Analysis Training Program
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3233; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope traineetobecomeaqualifiedforensictapeexaminer.Attheend
of the tape analysis training program, the trainee is capable of
1.1 This standard is intended as a practice for use by
forming opinions based upon sound scientific knowledge,
laboratory personnel responsible for training examiners to
appropriateexaminations,andpracticalexperience.Thetrainee
perform forensic examinations and comparisons on pressure
also is able to independently work cases, write reports, testify
sensitive tapes and adhesives. It contains a list of training
in court, and peer review cases. Upon completion of the
objectives with recommended methods of instruction, reading
program by a trainee or at some regular interval (for example,
assignments and structured exercises to provide practical
once per accreditation cycle), the training program should be
experience for the trainee.
evaluated for its efficacy and relevance according to the
1.1.1 The trainees and training program shall meet or
guidance set forth in Practice E2917.
exceed the minimum training requirements set forth in Practice
E2917.
1.4 This practice does not address human factors (for
1.1.2 Additional training could be required for a particular
example, cognitive bias). It is the responsibility of the user of
method or instrument referred to herein. The application of
this practice to address human factors during the initial or
analytical techniques to tape analysis assumes the trainee is
general training of a forensic scientist.
already competent in the use of each particular analytical
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
technique or instrumental method.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1.3 Other sources of information on forensic tape exami-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
nation not specifically mentioned in this document can be
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
considered and added.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1.4 Additional tape analysis training beyond that which is
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
listed here should be made available to the trainee. Such
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
trainingcouldincludeoff-sitecourses,internships,andspecial-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ized training by experienced examiners.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1.5 Continuing education and training is recommended.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Additional training provides a forensic tape examiner with the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
opportunity to remain current in the field.
1.1.6 Tape samples are evaluated for physical matches of
2. Referenced Documents
the cut or torn end pieces. This practice does not provide
training requirements for physical match comparisons. Addi- 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tional training is required to conduct this type of analysis.
E2224 Guide for Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared
1.2 This practice is in a modular format for easy adaptation Spectroscopy
E2228 Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fi-
to an individual laboratory’s training program. Recommenda-
tions as to lessons, practical exercises, progress monitoring, bers
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training,
and trainee evaluations are included. Reading assignments are
listed in each subsequent section of this practice; full citations Continuing Education, and Professional Development
Programs
are available in the References section.
E3085 Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
1.3 A tape analysis training program provides a theoretical
in Forensic Tape Examinations
foundation and basic practical skills necessary to prepare a
1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2020. Published April 2020. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
E3233-20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3233 − 20
3. Significance and Use 4.3.3 Documentation of competency tests and proficiency
tests.
3.1 The procedures outlined herein are grounded in the
generally accepted body of knowledge and experience in the
5. Syllabus
field of forensic tape examination and comparison.
5.1 A tape analysis training program provides the trainee
3.2 Withsuccessfulcompletionofthistapeanalysistraining
theoretical knowledge and practical skills in examining,
program, the trainee gains the theoretical knowledge and
interpreting, reporting, testifying, and reviewing forensic tape
practical skills necessary to perform, document, and evaluate
cases. This is accomplished through a combination of the
forensic tape examinations and comparisons.
following training methods:
3.3 This training practice covers a variety of instrumental
5.1.1 Reading of Relevant Literature:
methods which can be used in the analysis of tape. Not all
5.1.1.1 The reading assignments listed are suggestions.
laboratories will have access to all of the instrumentation. It is
Newer versions can be used. Other relevant literature can be
expected that a tape analysis training program will include all
used or substituted.
the techniques that are found within a laboratory’s procedures
5.1.2 Instruction and Observation of Forensic Tape Exam-
for the forensic examination of tape.
iners:
3.3.1 Instrumental methods that provide organic and inor- 5.1.2.1 Lectures and discussions,
ganicanalysiscapabilitiesareutilizedinthelaboratorytraining
5.1.2.2 Practical demonstration of basic skills,
program. Examples include Fourier transform infrared spec-
5.1.2.3 Casework, and
troscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis gas chroma- 5.1.2.4 Court testimony.
tography (PGC), scanning electron microscopy-energy disper-
5.1.3 Practical Skills:
sive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray fluorescence 5.1.3.1 Practical exercises which includes analysis of refer-
(XRF), or X-ray diffraction (XRD).
ence materials and known samples.
5.1.4 Final Competency Evaluations:
4. Responsibilities 5.1.4.1 Written or oral tests,
5.1.4.2 Practical laboratory tests,
4.1 Each trainee is trained by and works under the guidance
5.1.4.3 Mock cases, and
of one or more qualified forensic tape examiners.
5.1.4.4 Moot court or oral exam.
4.1.1 Thetraineeshallmeetorexceedtheminimumtraining
5.1.5 Performing Supervised Casework.
criteria set forth in Practice E2917 and the objectives set forth
5.2 The recommended training period is between three to
in the training program.
six months, full time, for a forensic examiner that has been
4.2 Atrainer(s)shallbetechnicallyqualifiedinforensictape
previouslytrainedandiscompetentintheanalyticaltechniques
examination and comparison or associated techniques. Other
utilized in the analysis of tape evidence. For new examiners
members of the laboratory are encouraged to offer relevant
with no previous training in microscopical or instrumental
information regarding their specialties to the trainee. The
techniques, the expected training period is between twelve to
trainer(s) is responsible for:
eighteen months.
4.2.1 Introducing the trainee to the relevant scientific
5.3 Successful completion of each milestone in the training
literature, appropriate procedures, training material, and refer-
program will be recorded using the guidance set forth in
ence collections;
Practice E2917.
4.2.2 Discussing readings and theory with the trainee;
4.2.3 Teaching basic microscopy and instrumental methods
6. Tape Analysis Training Program Objectives
for the analysis and comparison of tape evidence;
6.1 Encountering Tape Evidence:
4.2.4 Teaching case management;
6.1.1 Thissectionintroducesthetraineetothetypesofcases
4.2.5 Fostering ethical professional conduct;
and the various conditions (intact, partial, backing only, scrim
4.2.6 Reviewing ways in which bias can influence tape
only, adhesive only, etc.) in which tapes are encountered as
examinations;
physical evidence.
4.2.7 Teaching appropriate quality assurance and quality
6.1.2 Types of tapes which could be encountered as evi-
control procedures;
dence include duct tape, electrical tape, strapping tape, pack-
4.2.8 Reviewing tests, practical exercises, and casework
aging tape, office tape, paper (masking) tape, medical tape,
samples with trainee;
gaffer’s tape, and other specialty pressure sensitive adhesive
4.2.9 Teaching expert testimony skills through moot court
tapes.
or observation, or both; and
6.1.3 Reading Assignments:
4.2.10 Monitoring the trainee’s progress.
6.1.3.1 Scientific Working Group for Materials Analysis
4.3 Each laboratory is required to maintain:
(SWGMAT), “Guideline for Forensic Examination of Pressure
4.3.1 An up-to-date training program which is reviewed and
Sensitive Tapes,” pp. 2–20 (1).
assessed for efficacy and relevance as described in Practice
E2917,
4.3.2 Documentation of training according to Practice
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
E2917, and this standard.
E3233 − 20
6.1.3.2 Choudhry and Whritenour, “A New Approach to 6.2.1.39 Weft yarns, and
Unraveling Tangled Adhesive Tape for Potential Detection of 6.2.1.40 Yarns.
Latent Prints and Recovery of Trace Evidence” (2).
6.2.2 Reading Assignments:
6.1.3.3 Neel and McIntyre, “The Effects of Cyanoacrylate 6.2.2.1 SWGMAT, “Guideline for Forensic Examination of
Fuming and Fluorescent Dye Staining on Forensic Tape
Pressure Sensitive Tapes,” pp. 88–89 (1).
Analysis” (3).
6.2.2.2 SWGMAT, “Guideline forAssessing Physical Char-
6.1.3.4 Campbell, “Separation of Adhesive Tapes” (4).
acteristics in Forensic Tape Examinations,” pp. 98–99 (5).
6.1.4 Practical Exercises:
6.2.2.3 Johnston, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes — A
6.1.4.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the types of cases and
Guide to Their Function, Design, Manufacture, and Use(6).
the various conditions in which tapes are encountered as
6.2.3 Practical Exercises:
physical evidence through an oral or written exercise.
6.2.3.1 Define the terms listed in this section.
6.1.4.2 Demonstrate the ability to separate tape by different
6.2.4 The methods of instruction for this unit are reading
methods.
and research by the trainee.
6.1.5 The methods of instruction for this unit are reading
6.2.5 The method of evaluation for this unit is an oral or
and research by the trainee and discussions with the trainer(s).
written quiz.
6.1.6 The method of evaluation for this unit is a review of
6.3 Manufacturing Processes:
the trainee’s completed exercises by the trainer.
6.3.1 This section introduces the trainee to tape manufac-
6.2 Tape Terminology:
turing processes.
6.2.1 This section introduces the trainee to the following
6.3.2 Reading and Viewing Assignments:
terms:
6.3.2.1 Johnston, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes — A
6.2.1.1 Adhesive,
Guide to Their Function, Design, Manufacture, and Use (6).
6.2.1.2 Additives,
6.3.2.2 Johnston, Manufacturing Methods (7).
6.2.1.3 Backing,
6.3.2.3 Internet video search “How Duct Tape is Made.”
6.2.1.4 Backsizing,
6.3.2.4 Internet video search “How Adhesive Tape is
6.2.1.5 Calendering,
Made.”
6.2.1.6 Cellophane,
6.3.3 The trainee is encouraged to visit tape manufacturing
6.2.1.7 Cellulose acetate,
facilities.
6.2.1.8 Crepe,
6.3.4 The methods of instruction for this unit are reading
6.2.1.9 Duct tape,
and viewing relevant videos by the trainee.
6.2.1.10 Elastomer,
6.3.5 The method of evaluation for this unit is an oral or
6.2.1.11 Electrical tape,
written quiz.
6.2.1.12 Fill yarns,
6.4 Overview of Forensic Tape Examinations:
6.2.1.13 Filament tape,
6.4.1 This section introduces the trainee to the basic steps in
6.2.1.14 Flatback,
forensic tape examinations.
6.2.1.15 Machine direction,
6.4.2 Reading Assignments:
6.2.1.16 Masking tape,
6.4.2.1 Laboratory specific tape analysis procedure(s).
6.2.1.17 Migration,
6.4.2.2 Bradley, et al., “A Validation Study for Duct Tape
6.2.1.18 Nominal width,
End Matches” (8).
6.2.1.19 Packaging tape,
6.4.2.3 Bradley, et al., “A Validation Study for Vinyl Elec-
6.2.1.20 Physical end match,
trical Tape End Matches” (9).
6.2.1.21 Plain (simple) weave,
6.4.2.4 Mehltretter and Bradley, “Forensic Analysis and
6.2.1.22 Plasticizers,
Discrimination of Duct Tapes” (10).
6.2.1.23 Polymer,
6.4.2.5 Smith, “Forensic Examinations of Pressure Sensi-
6.2.1.24 Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA),
tive Tape” (11).
6.2.1.25 Pressure sensitive tape (PST),
6.4.3 The methods of instruction for this unit are reading by
6.2.1.26 Prime coat,
the trainee and lecture from the trainer.
6.2.1.27 Reinforcement,
6.4.4 The method of evaluation for this unit is an oral or
6.2.1.28 Release coat,
written quiz.
6.2.1.29 Scrim,
6.2.1.30 Scrim Count, 6.5 Examination of Physical Properties:
6.2.1.31 Strapping tape,
6.5.1 This section introduces the trainee to the physical
6.2.1.32 Tack, properties of a variety of tapes to include the following:
6.2.1.33 Tackifier, 6.5.1.1 Backing type (for example, paper, polymer);
6.2.1.34 Texturized yarn,
6.5.1.2 Backing properties such as color, texture, gloss,
6.2.1.35 Twisted yarn, edge features, calendering marks, striations, pores/pits, and
6.2.1.36 Thickness, inclusions;
6.2.1.37 Warp yarns,
6.5.1.3 Adhesive properties such as color, texture, and
6.2.1.38 Weft insertion, appearance;
E3233 − 20
6.5.1.4 Width measurements; 6.7.3 Training for fabric reinforced tapes (duct and gaffers)
6.5.1.5 Overall thickness; includes:
6.5.1.6 Backing thickness;
6.7.3.1 Performing scrim/yarn counts
6.5.1.7 Scrim/yarn count; and
6.7.3.2 Determining the weave of the scrim fabrics (for
6.5.1.8 Backing construction (number of layers).
example, weft insertion, plain weave)
6.5.2 Reading Assignments:
6.7.3.3 Characterizing the yarns in the warp and fill direc-
6.5.2.1 SWGMAT, “Guideline forAssessing Physical Char-
tions (for example, untwisted bundles, texturized groups,
acteristics in Forensic Tape Examinations,” pp. 98–105 (5).
twisted bundles)
6.5.2.2 LaPorte and Weimer, “Evaluation of Duct Tape
6.7.3.4 Determining yarn twist direction (for example, Z, S,
Physical Characteristics: Part I – Within-Roll Variability” (12).
zero)
6.5.3 Practical Exercises:
6.7.3.5 Observing the fluorescence of the fabric using long
6.5.3.1 Perform a comparison of the physical properties of
and short wave ultraviolet light and recording the fluorescence
several known tape samples.
of the fibers composing the warp or fill yarns
6.5.4 The methods of instruction for this unit are reading by
6.7.3.6 Determining general fiber type(s) comprising warp
the trainee and practical instruction from the trainer.
and fill yarns using PLM or FTIR or both
6.5.5 The method of evaluation for this unit is an evaluation
6.7.4 If the trainee is not a fiber examiner, additional fiber
of the practical exercise.
identification training focusing on fibers encountered in tape
6.6 Microscopical Examination of Tape Components:
reinforcement materials could be needed.
6.6.1 This section introduces the trainee to the microscopi-
6.7.5 Reading Assignments:
cal characteristics of a variety of tapes.
6.7.5.1 Guide E2224.
6.6.2 Include the following points of instruction:
6.7.5.2 Guide E2228.
6.6.2.1 Determine backing and possible adhesive layer se-
6.7.5.3 Palenik, “Microscopical Examination of Fibres”
quence using cross sectioning techniques.
(20).
6.6.2.2 Compare backings and adhesives using polarized
6.7.6 Practical Exercises:
light microscopy (PLM).
6.7.6.1 Compare the features of a variety of reinforcing
6.6.2.3 Classify clear backed tapes as biaxially oriented
materials in duct tape and strapping tape.
polypropylene (BOPP) or monoaxially oriented polypropylene
6.7.7 The methods of instruction for this unit are reading by
(MOPP) using polarizing techniques.
the trainee and practical instruction from the trainer.
6.6.3 Reading Assignments:
6.7.8 The method of evaluation for this unit is an evaluation
6.6.3.1 SWGMAT, “Guideline for Using Light Microscopy
of the practical exercise.
in Forensic Examinations of Tapes” (13).
6.6.3.2 Smith and Weaver, “PLM Examinations of Clear
6.8 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR):
Polymer Films” (14).
6.8.1 This section introduces the trainee to the classification
6.6.3.3 Sakayanagi, et al., “Identification of Pressure Sensi-
and comparison of a variety of tapes based on their chemical
tive Adhesive Polypropylene Tape” (15).
composition using FTIR.
6.6.3.4 Goodpaster, et al., “Identification and Comparison
6.8.2 Include the following points of instruction:
of Electrical Tapes Using Instrumental and Statistical Tech-
6.8.2.1 Understanding the theory of FTIR analysis (unless
niques: I. Microscopic Surface Texture and Elemental Compo-
previously authorized to use the instrument).
sition” (16).
6.8.2.2 Preparing samples for analysis by FTIR.
6.6.3.5 Hobbs, et al., “A New Approach for the Analysis of
6.8.2.3 Performing computer searches of spectral libraries,
Duct Tape Backings” (17).
if available.
6.6.3.6 Stellmack, et al., “Hand-Sectioning and Identifica-
6.8.2.4 Classifying and comparing a variety of tape back-
tion of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes” (18).
ings (classify polymer types).
6.6.3.7 Rappe, “Measurement of Principle Refractive Indi-
6.8.2.5 Classifying and comparing a variety of tape adhe-
ces of Oriented Polymer Films” (19).
sives (classify elastomer types).
6.6.4 Practical Exercises:
6.8.2.6 Demonstrating familiarity with classes of adhesive
6.6.4.1 Compare the microscopical characteristics of a va-
tackifiers.
riety of types of tape (for example, duct, electrical, packaging,
office). 6.8.2.7 Demonstrating familiarity with extenders used in
tape backings and adhesives.
6.6.5 The methods of instruction for this unit are reading by
the trainee and practical instruction from the trainer.
6.8.2.8 Classifying general fiber types used in reinforcing
6.6.6 The method of evaluation for this unit is an evaluation fabrics.
of the practical exercise.
6.8.2.9 Extracting and classifying plasticizers from PVC
tape backings.
6.7 Examination of Reinforcing Materials:
6.8.2.10 Understanding the strengths and limitations of the
6.7.1 This section introduces the trainee to the reinforcing
technique.
materials encountered in a variety of tapes.
6.8.3 Reading Assignments:
6.7.2 Training for strapping (filament) tapes includes char-
acterizing the general fiber types using PLM. 6.8.3.1 Guide E3085.
E3233 − 20
6.8.3.2 Merrill and Bartick, “Analysis of Pressure Sensitive 6.10.2.1 Understanding the theory of PGC or PGC/MS
Adhesive Tape: I. Evaluation of Infrared ATR Accessory (unless previously authorized to use the instrument)
Advances” (21). 6.10.2.2 Preparing samples for analysis by PGC or PGC/
6.8.3.3 Johnston, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes — A MS.
6.10.2.3 Performing computer searches of spectral libraries,
Guide to their Function, Design, Manufacture, and Use (6).
if available.
6.8.3.4 Goodpaster, et al., “Identification and Comparison
6.10.2.4 Using PGC or PGC/MS to classify and compare
of Electrical Tapes Using Instrumental and Statistical Tech-
polymers and plasticizers from tapes.
niques: II. Organic Composition of the Tape Backing and
6.10.2.5 Understanding the strengths and limitations of the
Adhesive” (22).
technique.
6.8.4 Practical Exercises:
6.10.3 Reading Assignments:
6.8.4.1 Compare the chemical characteristics and classify
6.10.3.1 SWGMAT, “Guideline for Using Pyrolysis-Gas
the components in a variety of tapes (backings, adhesives, and
Chromatography and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass
reinforcing fabrics) using FTIR.
Spectrometry in Forensic Tape Examinations” (25).
6.8.5 The methods of instruction for this unit are reading by
6.10.3.2 Mehltretter, et al., “Analysis and Discrimination of
the trainee and lecture from the trainer.
Electrical Tapes: Part II. Backings” (26).
6.8.6 The method of evaluation for this unit is an evaluation
6.10.3.3 Wampler, Applied Pyrolysis Handbook (27).
of the practical exercise.
6.10.3.4 Williams and Munson, “The Comparison of Black
6.9 Raman Spectroscopy:
Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Tapes by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatog-
6.9.1 This section introduces the trainee to the comparison
raphy” (28).
of a variety of tape components based on their chemical
6.10.4 Practical Exercises:
composition using Raman spectroscopy.
6.10.4.1 Compare the chemical characteristics in a variety
6.9.2 Include the following points of instruction:
of tapes (backings and adhesives) using PGC or PGC/MS.
6.9.2.1 Understanding the theory of Raman spectroscopy 6.10.5 The methods of instruction for this unit are reading
(unless previously authorized to use the instrument).
by the trainee and lecture from the trainer.
6.9.2.2 Preparing samples for analysis by Raman spectros- 6.10.6 The method of evaluation for this unit is a review of
copy. the practical exercise.
6.9.2.3 Performing computer searches of spectral
...