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OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Understanding photodegradation induced differences in coatings

Keyword(s): forensic science, paint, interpretation

Submitting subcommittee(s): Trace Materials Date Approved: 02/24/2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

Current standard documents ASTM E1610-18 Std Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison, or ASTM

E2937-18 Std Guide for Using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Examinations address the questions related to 

the criteria to conduct comparative examinations. However, all these documents do not offer guidance on the 

interpretation of slight dissimilarities. Photodegradation is known to provide such dissimilarities in paints being 

exposed to the exterior environment, potentially leading to false exclusion of source. 

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

NSERC Discovery grant (RGPIN-2019-04827): the degradation and weathering of modern polymer coatings 

(Muehlethaler C)

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

Jost, Muehlethaler, Massonnet, forensic aspects of the weathering and degradation of paints, Forensic Science 

International, 258 (2016) 32-40

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

Not at this time.

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

There is an important lack of knowledge and literature on paint aging and degradation, especially in the field 

of forensic science. While most contributions are from the automotive industry (Ford research group) to 

improve paint formulations and durability, very few published articles are addressing forensic questions

(paint identification, source attribution, aging behaviour, dating). The research will include an independent 
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evaluation of the influencing factors, a synergistic approach using natural and accelerated weathering, and 

the creation of a compendium of chemical signatures for degraded polymers. 

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

The laboratory would benefit from having a comprehensive database of chemical signatures organized by 

paint compositions, analytical methods, and degradation conditions (before/after) which will let them 

search for reference spectra/chromatograms and eventually extrapolate the degradation mechanisms.

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

Research studies in these areas are projected to provide valuable information during comparison processes through 

identification and explanation of potential explainable dissimilarities.

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV):

II Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.