The application of physico-chemical techniques to forensic anthropology

The effects of extreme heat on the skeletal remains are a subject of great interest to the forensic world. The rapidly growing literature in this area of forensic science includes experimental investigations that analyze dynamics of thermal impact on the skeletal structure and morphology. In addition to traditional research methods, the application of chemical and physical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is increasingly accepted in forensic contexts. The ability to distinguish between burned human remains and other materials, and the determination of the temperature, the combustion time and intensity throughout the body may be important in various situations such as accidents, suicides/homicides and studying the crime scene.