Nano-powder reveals clearer fingerprints
A powder made up of zinc oxide nanoparticles can provide a clear image of fingerprints even on wet surfaces, Australian researchers say.
Dr Andrew McDonagh at Sydney"s University of Technology (UTS) says the 20-nanometre zinc oxide particles form a solid 1 micrometre sized flower-like crystals, giving a much clearer picture of fingerprints.
Traditional powders reveal fingerprints by sticking to the oily residues left on the surface, but sometimes the prints are found on sinks and bathtubs or are partly washed away.
Tested on glass, polyethylene and aluminum and illuminated with ultraviolet light, the new powder fluoresces without any extra fluorescent dyes, ABC science reported.
"When you dust with a powder, you"re hoping that it will stick only to the fingerprint, but often it will stick to everything," said McDonagh.
"[The nanoparticles are] very good at sticking to the fingerprint residue but not to the background surface,” he concluded.
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