Analysis Techniques Used for the Forensic Examination of Writing and Printing Inks

Evaluation of the Forensic Utility of Scanning Electron Microscopy‐Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and Laser Ablation‐Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry for Printing Ink Examinations

“…SEM offers imaging of the sample surface, allowing additional characterization and discrimination based on particle morphology. For example, the novel chemically prepared toners (CPTs) have a more uniform shape and size compared to conventional toners . The disadvantages of SEM‐EDS include its relatively low sensitivity and long analysis time.…”

Qualitative Analysis for the Characterization and Discrimination of Printing Inks

“…With the improvement in printing technology and wide accessibility of advanced printers, there has been an increase in counterfeiting in recent history (2,3). Interest in the forensic analysis of questioned documents and inks has also increased over the past two decades as a result of this expansion in technology, which calls for improved methodology for the analysis, comparison, and eventual tracing of counterfeit inks to the production source (4,5). The analysis of inks in a forensic context, in particular, can be traced back to the 1800s in the the analysis of inks in questioned document examination (8,9).…”

“…The study performed within the scope of this dissertation will address the need to In this study, methods for Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry The ink classes that were included in this study are inkjet, toner, offset, and intaglio. Inkjet and toner inks are used in personal printers used in homes and workplaces and are increasingly used in the production of fraudulent documents and currency (4,5). Offset and intaglio inks are used in the production of security documents and currency, and developing protocols for the characterization of such inks is very useful for national security and intelligence purposes.…”

“…Inkjet is a non-impact printing process, implementing a liquid ink with low viscosity and consists of a solvent, colorant, binder, and additives. It is relatively new form of printing technology that is the most increasingly popular printer classes for both personal and professional use (4,12). The two most commonly employed methods of inkjet technology fall into either continuous inkjet printing or drop-on-demand printing.…”

“…Each of these primary colors is achieved via a dye or pigment molecule. The percent composition of the colorant molecule varies depending on the class of the ink, ranging from very trace concentrations (2%) such as those in inkjet inks, to higher percent composition in those such as offset inks (4). Characterizing the colorant molecule can be very useful in document examination as two inks of the same color can be formulated with different colorant molecules, even similar molecules with different substitutions that can be used as a point of distinction.…”