Pyrolysis techniques for the characterisation and discrimination of paint

In a recent survey of the results of laboratory proficiency trials involving forensic evidence types [1], it was concluded that paint, glass, textile fibres and body fluid mixtures presented the greatest difficulties for the forensic examiner. In paint trials, the failure to perform pyrolysis gas chromatography (PyGC) examinations and the misinterpretation of pyrolysis data were the causes of erroneous results. The Collaborative Testing Services Proficiency Advisory Committee concluded that PyGC was an indispensable tool for performing many of the examinations but proficiency with this technique varied widely.