Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: paul.fr on 27/03/2007 05:50:44

Title: Superglue and fingerprints
Post by: paul.fr on 27/03/2007 05:50:44

in some episodes of CSI they use superglue fumes to reveal and lift fingerprints. As with all tv shows you can not always believe what they show you. so i ask is this for real and how does it work if it is?

Title: Superglue and fingerprints
Post by: Bored chemist on 27/03/2007 20:41:39

It's real. It works because the stuff left behind in fingerprints catalysese the polymerisation of the glue vapour so you get a "print" made from poly ethylcyanoacrylate.

Title: Superglue and fingerprints
Post by: lightarrow on 28/03/2007 22:59:05

Quote from: Bored chemist on 27/03/2007 20:41:39

It's real. It works because the stuff left behind in fingerprints catalysese the polymerisation of the glue vapour so you get a "print" made from poly ethylcyanoacrylate.

Very interesting. Good post.

Title: Superglue and fingerprints
Post by: Seany on 14/04/2007 18:06:20

Quote from: Bored chemist on 27/03/2007 20:41:39

It's real. It works because the stuff left behind in fingerprints catalysese the polymerisation of the glue vapour so you get a "print" made from poly ethylcyanoacrylate.

Yup thanks bored chemist.