Forensic differentiation of paper by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Distinguishing between similar paper sheets is crucial in questioned document examinations.
• Standard office papers often exhibit subtle differences that are difficult to detect.
• Reliable methods are needed for paper source identification in legal contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize 19 similar office paper types using analytical techniques.
• To identify the most discriminating features measurable by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.
• To assess the discriminatory power of these analytical methods for paper differentiation.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of 19 office paper samples.
• Application of infrared spectroscopy for chemical analysis.
• Utilisation of X-ray diffraction for structural analysis.

Main Results:

• Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction revealed distinct features across different paper samples.
• The combined application of both techniques provided a high degree of discrimination.
• All 19 paper samples were successfully differentiated using a sequential approach.

Conclusions:

• A combination of infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction is effective for differentiating similar paper types.
• These techniques offer valuable tools for forensic document examiners.
• The study demonstrates the potential for robust paper identification in forensic investigations.