Preservation and storage of prepared ballistic gelatine. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mattijssen, E.J.A.T.; Alberink, I.; Jacobs, B.; van den Boogaard, Y.
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 259(2016)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Forensic science -- Firearms -- Ballistic gelatine -- Lethality -- Preservation -- Validation; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.12.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: A preservative does not significantly alter the penetration depth of projectiles. Storage of ballistic gelatine decreases the penetration depth of projectiles. After 4 weeks a significant effect is seen on the penetration depth of projectiles. Abstract: The use of ballistic gelatine, generally accepted as a human muscle tissue simulant in wound ballistic studies, might be improved by adding a preservative (Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) which inhibits microbial growth. This study shows that replacing a part of the gelatine powder by the preservative does not significantly alter the penetration depth of projectiles. Storing prepared blocks of ballistic gelatine over time decreased the penetration depth of projectiles. Storage of prepared gelatine for 4 week already showed a significant effect on the penetration depth of projectiles.