EVALUATION OF SUGAR CANE BAGASSE ASH AS A DEVELOPING POWDER FOR FINGERPRINT DETECTION

Abstract

Introduction:
The recovery of latent fingerprints is fundamental in criminal investigations. The search for effective, safe, and low-cost developing is a priority.
Objective:
To evaluate the quality of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) as a latent fingerprint developing powder using a comprehensive methodology that considers physicochemical, practical, and efficacy parameters.
Materials and Methods:
SBA was characterized through physical (density, porosity) and chemical (XRF) analysis. Its performance as a developer was evaluated using an adapted methodology that included technical verification, performance characterization under controlled conditions, and pseudo-operational validation, comparing it to a reference standard.
Results and Discussion:
SBA presented an apparent density of 0.341 g/cm³, a porosity of 66.95 %, and a specific surface area of 11.79 m²/g. Its predominant chemical composition, expressed as oxides, was SiO₂ (43.55 %), K₂O (18.49 %), P₂O₅ (12.85 %), SO₃ (10.05 %), CaO (6.67 %), and MgO (6.12 %). In development tests, it showed high adhesion and contrast, with an Effective Development Rate (EDR) exceeding 80 % on glass and stainless steel, without generating false positives. Its performance was statistically equivalent to the standard in pseudo-operational tests.
Conclusions:
Sugarcane bagasse ash is a viable, effective, and sustainable fingerprint developing powder. Its quality is demonstrated through a comprehensive scientific evaluation, and its incorporation into Cuban criminalistics protocols is recommended.