Sintox Primer
Definition
Lead-free, heavy-metal-free primer chemistry developed by RUAG. Uses diazodinitrophenol (DDNP), tetrazenes and potassium nitrate. Modern Sintox GSR particles contain Zn, Ti and Sr, not Pb-Ba-Sb, which forces the SEM-EDX criteria to be widened.
- Developer
- RUAG
- Primer type
- Lead-free, heavy-metal-free
- Key compounds
- Diazodinitrophenol (DDNP), tetrazenes, potassium nitrate
- GSR particle elements
- Zinc, titanium, strontium (not lead-barium-antimony)
Common questions
Why does Sintox primer complicate traditional GSR detection?+
Standard SEM-EDX gunshot residue criteria search for the classic lead, barium, antimony particle signature from conventional primers, but Sintox-primed ammunition leaves particles containing zinc, titanium, and strontium instead, which fall outside that classic profile and can be missed by unmodified criteria.
How do examiners adapt their criteria for heavy-metal-free ammunition?+
Laboratories that expect to encounter lead-free ammunition widen their SEM-EDX particle classification scheme to include zinc-titanium-strontium and similar elemental combinations as characteristic gunshot residue signatures, alongside the traditional lead-barium-antimony criteria.
Related terms
- ASTM E1588
- ASTM International standard practice for gunshot residue analysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry. Defines particle classification (characteristic, consistent-with, indicative), morphology...
- Dermal Nitrate (Paraffin) Test
- Historical test where molten paraffin was cast on the suspect's hand and the cast was sprayed with diphenylamine in sulphuric acid. Blue...
- GSR
- Gunshot residue. The mix of particles ejected from a firearm on discharge, composed of primer metals (Pb, Ba, Sb), propellant residues (nitrites,...
- Modified Griess Test
- A contact-transfer colour chemistry test for nitrite-containing propellant combustion residue. Sulphanilic acid undergoes diazotisation with nitrous acid (from NO2 on the target...
- Primer
- The small explosive cup at the base of a cartridge that ignites the propellant. Conventional primers use lead styphnate, barium nitrate and...
- SEM-EDX
- Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electron beam excites characteristic X-rays from each element present in the target grain, giving...
- Sodium Rhodizonate Test
- Colour test for lead. The cloth is treated with sodium rhodizonate followed by buffer; lead deposits give a pink-to-red colour, confirmed with...