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Trace elemental analysis of automotive paints by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS)

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Abstract

Paints and coatings are frequently encountered as types of materials that are submitted to forensic science laboratories as a result of trace evidence transfers. The aim of this study was to develop a method to complement the commonly used techniques in a forensic laboratory in order to better characterize these samples for forensic purposes. A laser ablation method has been used to simultaneously sample several layers directly prior to introduction into an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer for the detection and quantification of the trace metals present in the layer(s). Time-resolved analysis plots displaying the elemental response and quantification of selected metals are compared to associate/discriminate paint samples. Matrix-matched standards were successfully incorporated into the analysis scheme for quantification of lead in the solid paint samples. Preparation of new matrix-matched standards for quantification of additional elements developed for this study are also presented. A sample set of eighteen (18) survey automotive paint samples have been analyzed with the developed method in order to determine the utility of LA–ICP–MS for trace element analysis of paints.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the National Institute of Standards and Technology for providing the paint SRMs, and Atlas Material Testing Solutions in South Florida and Ford for providing automotive paint samples. We also thank the Florida Center for Analytical Electron Microscopy (FCAEM) at Florida International University for use of the SEM–EDS in the study and Tatiana Trejos for her help and input in the paint standard preparation. A scholarship for A.H. was awarded by the FIU Graduate College to conduct this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Forensic Research Institute and Department of Chemistry, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Andria L. Hobbs & José R. Almirall

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  1. Andria L. Hobbs
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  2. José R. Almirall
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Correspondence to José R. Almirall.

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Hobbs, A.L., Almirall, J.R. Trace elemental analysis of automotive paints by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS). Anal Bioanal Chem 376, 1265–1271 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-003-1918-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-003-1918-x

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