Abstract

CERON RINCON, Laura Emilia et al. Chemical-metallographic test with nitric acid on the vehicle body and chassis of steel. Rev. Crim. [online]. 2014, vol.56, n.2, pp.309-317. ISSN 1794-3108.

The alteration of a vehicle identification characteristics is carried out with the use of emery and sandpaper to erase the information in order to subsequently superimpose different numeric or alphanumeric codes, thus preventing the verification of its former origin or ownership and hindering its tracking. Chemical attack has been recognized as the most sensitive technique to retrieve altered serial numbers, and this article was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of nitric acid (HNO3) 3.15 M in revealing them on body and chassis surfaces with steel, low-carbon and medium carbon steel alloys respectively. Four tests were performed: (i) Bodywork: marking, and erasing with grinding machine, (ii) bodywork: marking with electric pen, and manual deletion; (iii) chassis: marking, and manual deletion, and (iv) manual marking, and erasing with grinding machine. In all tests carried out, erased markings were retrieved in a few seconds, with definition and contrast. According to the above, the use of this reactive is acknowledged as a fast and reliable technique for chemical-metallographic tests leading to the retrieval of tempered marks on steel alloys.

Keywords : Alteration; chemical trauma; legal identification methods; vehicles; scientific proof means; scientific testing means.

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