Development of Natural Luminescent Powder for the Detection of Latent Fingerprint

Narawit Tharapoompipata, Tanatorn Testhanom, Choosak Poonsawat, Supatcharee Siriwong and Rachadaporn Benchawattananon

Background and Objective: Nowadays, Dyes is widely used to improve fingerprints identification test. Natural dyes are another interesting way that can be used instead of chemical dyes because of its non-toxicity and lower cost. In this research, the development of rust powder from Plumeria tree was applied for fingerprints identification due to its fluorescence property under UV. Rust and Small Particle Reagent (SPR), containing ZnCO₃ were applied to detect hidden fingerprints on non-porous surfaces in both dried and wet condition. Materials and Methods: Yellowish Rust from Plumeria tree was extracted with ethanol, grinded, dried and then mixed with ZnCO₃. Powder slurry was sprayed over fingerprint mark on different surfaces and monitored in both dried and wet condition. Visualization of fingerprint under UV was observed. Scanning microscope (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) were also used to characterize physical and chemical properties of rust powder. Results: Fingerprints identification by dust technique using Plumeria rust powder as ingredient, provide best quality enhancement of fingerprints under UV light due to its fluorescent property, whereas a conventional technique of Small Particle Reagent technique (SPR) doesn’t show fluorescent under UV. Data from SEM and FTIR show slight adhesion between zinc carbonate particles and rust powder. Conclusion: Fluorescence properties of rust powder is still interesting. Further improvement in powder recipe will be further investigated.

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