Fluorescent technique for macroscopic detection of electrical metallization

A fluorescence method for the detection of trace metals was investigated to visualize in situ latent current marks or electrical metallic traces on cloth. The main electrodes metallization (iron, copper, zinc, aluminum, nickel, chromium, and brass) can be identified by spraying a 0.2% solution of 8-hydroxyquinoline in ethanol followed by observation under shortwave UV light. Advantages and disadvantages of this technique are compared with previously described methods.