ASTM E2809-22
(Guide)Standard Guide for Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) in Forensic Polymer Examinations
Standard Guide for Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) in Forensic Polymer Examinations
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is intended to advise and assist the analyst in the preparation of polymer samples (for example, paint and tape) for SEM/EDS, the collection of data by SEM/EDS, and the interpretation of images and data resulting from these analyses.
4.2 When polymers are constructed as layered materials, SEM/EDS analysis is conducted on each polymeric layer individually. This analysis can be hindered by a non-discernable layer structure (for example, smear, irregular segregation within the layer system).
4.3 SEM-EDS data can be useful in:
4.3.1 Layer Elucidation—SEM images provide insight into the layer structure of a sample.
4.3.2 Texture Elucidation—SEM images and elemental maps provide insight into the texture (for example, surface topography, distribution of inclusions).
4.3.3 Element Identification—Determination of the elements detected in a sample layer.
4.3.4 Relative Elemental Abundance Determination—An EDS spectrum permits the relative abundance of elements in samples to be compared.
4.4 In the context of a forensic polymer comparison, the evaluation of SEM/EDS results are intended to provide insight into the following forensic tasks:
4.4.1 Comparison of structure, texture, and elemental data.
4.4.2 Support for results from other instruments (for example, the presence of calcium, oxygen, and carbon in the EDS spectrum obtained from discrete particles indicates the presence of calcium carbonate as observed in an infrared spectrum). Refer to Guides E2937 and E3085 for further details.
4.4.3 Significance of results given the presence of certain elements, layer structures, or textures.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers recommended techniques and procedures intended for use by forensic laboratory personnel that perform SEM/EDS analyses on polymer samples.
1.2 This guide describes various techniques and procedures used in the SEM/EDS analysis of polymers that include sample handling and preparation, instrument operating conditions, and spectral data collection, evaluation and interpretation.
1.3 The theoretical aspects of many of the topics presented can be found in texts such as Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis (1).2
1.4 This guide is intended to be applied within the scope of a broader analytical scheme (for example, Guides E1610, E3260) for the forensic analysis of a polymer sample. An SEM/EDS analysis can provide additional information regarding the potential relationships between the sources of polymeric materials.
1.5 This guide is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practices E2917, E3233, and E3234), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Other units of measurement are included in this standard where applicable as a result of common usage (for example, keV).
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 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.
General Information
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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: E2809 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive
X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) in Forensic Polymer
1
Examinations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2809; 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 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This guide covers recommended techniques and proce-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
dures intended for use by forensic laboratory personnel that
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
perform SEM/EDS analyses on polymer samples.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 This guide describes various techniques and procedures
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
usedintheSEM/EDSanalysisofpolymersthatincludesample
handling and preparation, instrument operating conditions, and
2. Referenced Documents
spectral data collection, evaluation and interpretation.
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3 The theoretical aspects of many of the topics presented
E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Tech-
can be found in texts such as Scanning Electron Microscopy
nical Experts
2
and X-ray Microanalysis (1).
E766 Practice for Calibrating the Magnification of a Scan-
ning Electron Microscope
1.4 This guide is intended to be applied within the scope of
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
a broader analytical scheme (for example, Guides E1610,
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
E3260) for the forensic analysis of a polymer sample. An
E1610 Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison
SEM/EDS analysis can provide additional information regard-
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
ing the potential relationships between the sources of poly-
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training,
meric materials.
Continuing Education, and Professional Development
1.5 This guide is intended for use by competent forensic
Programs
science practitioners with the requisite formal education,
E2937 Guide for Using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic
discipline-specific training (see Practices E2917, E3233, and
Paint Examinations
E3234), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic
E3085 Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
casework.
in Forensic Tape Examinations
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
E3233 PracticeforForensicTapeAnalysisTrainingProgram
standard. Other units of measurement are included in this
E3234 Practice for Forensic Paint Analysis Training Pro-
standard where applicable as a result of common usage (for
gram
example, keV).
E3260 Guide for Forensic Examination and Comparison of
Pressure Sensitive Tapes
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3. Terminology
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.1 Definitions—For additional terms commonly employed
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
for general forensic examinations, see Terminology E1732.
3.1.1 aperture, n—a beam-restricting orifice in an electron
optical column; the orifice diameter influences the beam
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
current and depth of focus.
Sciences and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalis-
tics.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published April 2022. Originally
3
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E2809 – 13. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/E2809-22. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
this standard. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
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E2809 − 22
3.1.2 backscattered electron (BE) imaging, n—a technique 3.1.14 scanning electron microscopy (SEM), n—a type of
that uses high energy electrons that originate from the primary electro
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2809 − 13 E2809 − 22
Standard Guide for
Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/X-Ray Spectrometry
Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/
1
EDS) in Forensic PaintPolymer Examinations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2809; 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
1.1 This guide is an outline of methods for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) covers recommended techniques and procedures
intended for use by forensic paint examiners. This guide is intended to supplement information presented in Guide laboratory
personnel that perform SEM/EDS analyses on polymer samples.E1610.
1.2 The methods used by each examiner or laboratory or both depend upon sample size, sample suitability, and laboratory
equipment.This guide describes various techniques and procedures used in the SEM/EDS analysis of polymers that include sample
handling and preparation, instrument operating conditions, and spectral data collection, evaluation and interpretation.
1.3 The term “scanning electron microscopy” occasionally refers to the entire analytical system including energy dispersive X-ray
spectrometry (EDS) or wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometry (WDS) or both.
1.3 This guide does not cover the The theoretical aspects of many of the topics presented.presented can be found in texts such as
2
Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis (1).
1.4 This guide is intended to be applied within the scope of a broader analytical scheme (for example, Guides E1610, E3260) for
the forensic analysis of a polymer sample. An SEM/EDS analysis can provide additional information regarding the potential
relationships between the sources of polymeric materials.
1.5 This guide cannot replace knowledge, skill, or ability acquired through appropriate education, training, is intended for use by
competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practices E2917,
E3233, and E3234experience and should be used in conjunction with sound professional judgment.), and demonstrated proficiency
to perform forensic casework.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other Other units of measurement are included in this
standard.standard where applicable as a result of common usage (for example, keV).
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2013Jan. 1, 2022. Published April 2013April 2022. Originally approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E2809 – 13.
DOI: 10.1520/E2809-13.10.1520/E2809-22.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E2809 − 22
1.8 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.
2. Referenced Documents
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts
E766 Practice for Calibrating the Magnification of a Scanning Electron Microscope
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
E1508 Guide for Quantitative Analysis by Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy
E1610 Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
E2937 Guide for Using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Examinations
E3085 Guide for Fourie
...
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