Determining Volumetric Shrinkage Trends of Burnt Bone Using Micro-CT |
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Authors: | Sarah Ellingham PhD Michael A Sandholzer PhD |
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Institution: | 1. School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Campus Heart, Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX U.K;2. Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry, 5 Mill Pool Way, Birmingham B5 7EG, U.K |
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Abstract: | Understanding the degree and pattern of shrinkage undergone by bone when subjected to heating is crucial to accurately deduce a biological profile from incinerated remains. X-ray microtomography (micro-CT) enables a nondestructive insight into hard tissue structural changes, while allowing for an accurate documentation of volumetric and trabecular shrinkage. Sheep ribs were experimentally burned at temperatures between 400 and 1000°C in 100°C increments and their volumetric shrinkage was calculated. Observed shrinkage ranged from 14.0% at 400°C to 45.5% at 1000°C. Bones burned at temperatures up to 600°C showed no significant difference, whereas the 700 and 800°C samples exhibited higher shrinkage. Bones burnt at 900 and 1000°C showed significantly higher shrinkage than the other temperature groups. Findings signify the potential of micro-CT in research on the effects of factors such as diagenesis or burning on the bone density, morphology and microarchitecture. |
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Keywords: | forensic science x-ray microtomography forensic anthropology burnt bone diagenesis cremation |
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