Superglue polymerizes on certain latent fingerprints to produce which colored deposit?

Superglue polymerizes on certain latent fingerprints to produce which colored deposit?

• A. Black
• B. Red
• C. White
• D. Yellow

Answer: (C)

When superglue, or cyanoacrylate, is used in the process of developing latent fingerprints, it undergoes a chemical reaction (polymerization) when exposed to moisture in the air. This reaction creates a polymer that adheres to the details of the fingerprint ridge patterns. The result of this interaction is a visible white deposit that outlines the fingerprint patterns. The white deposit produced is a significant indicator of the presence of a latent print and allows examiners to visualize and analyze fingerprints on various surfaces. This method of developing prints is particularly effective on non-porous materials like plastics, metals, and glass, which often do not retain fingerprints without such enhancement techniques.

When superglue, or cyanoacrylate, is used in the process of developing latent fingerprints, it undergoes a chemical reaction (polymerization) when exposed to moisture in the air. This reaction creates a polymer that adheres to the details of the fingerprint ridge patterns. The result of this interaction is a visible white deposit that outlines the fingerprint patterns.

The white deposit produced is a significant indicator of the presence of a latent print and allows examiners to visualize and analyze fingerprints on various surfaces. This method of developing prints is particularly effective on non-porous materials like plastics, metals, and glass, which often do not retain fingerprints without such enhancement techniques.