SINTOX
Definition
A lead-free, heavy-metal-free primer formulation developed by DAG (Deutsche Ammunitions- und Geschossfabrik) and Geco in Germany in the 1990s-2000s, replacing lead styphnate with diazol-based initiating compounds and antimony sulphide with zinc peroxide or titanium fuel. Became the template for non-toxic ammunition primers worldwide.
- Manufacturer
- RUAG Ammotec (based on DAG and Geco foundation)
- Development period
- 1990s-2000s
- Main GSR particles produced
- Ti-Zr-K and Ba-Ti-Bi (detectable by SEM-EDS)
Common questions
What is Sintox and why was it developed?+
Sintox is a lead-free, heavy-metal-free primer formulation developed by DAG and Geco in Germany in the 1990s-2000s. It replaced traditional toxic primers by using diazol-based initiating compounds and non-toxic fuels like zinc peroxide and titanium. It became the template for non-toxic ammunition primers worldwide.
How does Sintox affect gunshot residue (GSR) detection?+
Sintox produces different GSR particles than traditional lead-styphnate primers. It generates Ti-Zr-K or Ba-Ti-Bi particles that are absent from older Pb-Ba-Sb reference databases. Forensic labs must use extended SEM-EDS classification criteria to detect and identify Sintox residue on suspects or crime scenes.
Which ammunition brands use Sintox primers?+
Federal Catalyst, CCI Sintox, and Geco Lead-Free cartridges all use RUAG Ammotec's Sintox formulation. Because these particles fall outside traditional reference databases, forensic examiners require updated classification criteria when analyzing GSR from Sintox-primed ammunition.
Related terms
- Lead Styphnate
- Lead trinitroresorcinate (Pb(C6H(NO2)3O2)), the primary explosive in conventional primer compounds. Co-oxidised with barium nitrate and antimony sulfide to produce the Pb-Ba-Sb triad...
- ASTM E1588-20
- ASTM International standard guide for gunshot residue analysis by SEM-EDS. Defines characteristic, consistent, and commonly-associated particle categories and sampling, analysis, and reporting...
- Automated SEM-EDS
- A robotic scanning electron microscopy workflow using backscattered electron imaging for morphometric screening and automated EDS acquisition for elemental classification. Reduces analysis...
- Berdan Primer
- Primer design where the anvil is integral to the cartridge case; primer cup contains only the explosive compound. Identified by two offset...
- Boxer Primer
- Primer design with a self-contained anvil inside the primer cup assembly and a single central flash hole in the case. Standard for...
- Characteristic GSR Particle (ASTM E1588-20)
- A particle containing lead, barium and antimony together by SEM-EDS, with spherical morphology and size in the 0.5-10 micrometre range. The highest-specificity...
- DDNP (Diazodinitrophenol)
- A lead-free primary explosive used in some lead-free primer formulations. Produces strontium-antimony or tin-containing GSR particles depending on the oxidiser used.
- Diazol / SINOXIDE
- A diazonium salt-based organic initiating compound used in Sintox and related lead-free primer formulations, replacing lead styphnate. Does not contribute Pb, Sb,...
- Double-Base Powder
- A smokeless propellant combining nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin (10-40% NG by mass). Higher energy density and flame temperature than single-base; standard for handgun...
- ENFSI EWG-GSR Best Practice Manual
- Published in 2016 by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes Expert Working Group on Gunshot Residue. The primary guidance document for...
- ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
- A bulk elemental quantification technique that dissolves the entire hand swab or SEM stub and measures total element mass per sample. Complements...
- KED (Kinetic Energy Discrimination)
- An ICP-MS collision-reaction cell mode using helium gas to reduce polyatomic interferences on analyte masses. Used in GSR ICP-MS analysis to improve...
Explained in these topics
- GSR Composition and Particle MorphologyRUAG Ammotec's lead-free primer formulation, used in Federal Catalyst, CCI Sintox and Geco Lead-Free cartridges. Produces Ba-Ti-Bi particles detectable by SEM-...
- Lead-Free Primer Chemistry and Modern GSR DetectionA lead-free, heavy-metal-free primer formulation developed by DAG (Deutsche Ammunitions- und Geschossfabrik) and Geco in Germany in the 1990s-2000s, replacing...
- Propellants and Primers: Chemistry, Classification, ManufacturingRUAG Ammotec lead-free primer compound using DDNP + potassium nitrate + Ti-Zr alloy. Produces Ti-Zr-K GSR particles, absent from Pb-Ba-Sb reference databases....