PIXE Analysis of Bone Cut with Hacksaw Blades

Forensic anthropologists use various methods to determine the type of weapons used in cases involving a dismembered body. For this study PIXE (particle-induced x-ray emission) analysis was performed on samples taken from pieces of pig bone cut with three different hacksaw blades. The analysis was used to determine if the blades left any elemental residue on the bone. When the results of the PIXE analysis were completed, lead was identified as a residue left from the paint on the blades. It was also found that the ceramic blade, which was used to collect a portion of the samples, left elemental residue. There were also some interesting changes in other elements such as copper in various samples.