Visualizing latent fingermarks by aqueous electrolyte gel on fixed aluminum and steel surfaces

ABSTRACT Steel and aluminum metals have extensive uses, and on their surfaces, various non-porous surface techniques are being applied for the development of latent fingermarks. Recently, aqueous electrolytes have been reported for the development of latent fingermarks on metal surfaces. The metal surfaces were immersed in the electrolyte solution for development of latent marks but the immersion method for large and bulky fixed surfaces seems to be unrealistic. Therefore, in the current work, gel-based electrolytes have been prepared and applied to fixed or vertical surfaces. The suggested method has also been evaluated by a comparative assessment with powdering, cyanoacrylate fuming, and small particle reagent methods.