Forensic Science International
Volume 158, Issue 2 , Pages 164-172, 10 May 2006

Application of the micro-FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and XRF method examination of inks

Institute of Forensic Research, 31-033 Cracow, Westerplatte 9, Poland

Received 3 January 2003; received in revised form 25 April 2005; accepted 27 April 2005. published online 18 July 2005.

Abstract 

In routine examination of inks on questioned documents non-destructive analytical methods, such as microscopic and optical techniques are applied first. However, they are often insufficient to identify the inks used for the preparation of the document. In such cases, it is necessary to apply chemical methods that normally cause partial destruction of the examined material. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility of discrimination between inks by the use of spectrometric methods, i.e. micro-FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and XRF. About 70 samples of blue and black ballpoint pen and gel inks were examined. It was found that about 90% of the samples of the same type and colour could be distinguished using these methods.

Keywords: Inks examination, Micro-FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, XRF

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PII: S0379-0738(05)00322-1

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2005.04.044

Forensic Science International
Volume 158, Issue 2 , Pages 164-172, 10 May 2006

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