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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.

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:

4.4 In the context of a forensic polymer comparison, the evaluation of SEM/EDS results are intended to provide insight into the following forensic tasks: