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Super Glue Helps "Catch" Criminals     

What is Super Glue?

     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!


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