The chemical agent used in the manufacturing of super
glue is methyl 2-cyanoacrylate or cyanoacrylate for short:
The Cyanoacrylate Fuming Method
Latent fingerprints must first be made visible before
they can be used for identification. When you touch an object, your fingers leave
material behind. Although the material is mostly water (which evaporates) there are
also amino acids, glucose, and other proteins. The fuming method employs the concept
of introducing a chemical that will react with some of the material that your fingers
leave behind. This will change the chemical composition and make the latent prints
visible.
The surface to be checked is placed in an air tight
container with a small heater. Cyanoacrylate (super glue) is introduced to the 150 0F
environment where it evaporates and creates an environment of gaseous cyanoacrylate.
As the gas contacts the print, the fingerprint is "developed". The
process is accelerated by fans in the container which circulate the gas ensuring even
distribution and contact time. Finally, the sticky chemical formed that details the
fingerprint is dusted with a colored powder that allows the fingerprint to be
photographed. Imagine, chemical engineers (by manufacturing super glue) are helping
to catch criminals and make the world a safer place. I'd sure like to hear that on
the evening news!
