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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopic Identification of Dispersant/Particle Bonding Mechanisms in Functional Inks
Published on: May 8, 2015
Fingerprinting and aging of ink by easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry
Priscila M Lalli1, Gustavo B Sanvido, Jerusa S Garcia
1ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, 13084-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Using easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), fast and non-destructive fingerprinting identification and aging of ballpoint pen ink writings have been performed directly from paper surfaces under ordinary ambient conditions. EASI-MS data obtained directly from the ink lines showed that pens from different brands provide typical ink chemical profiles. Accelerated ink aging has also been monitored by EASI-MS revealing contrasting degradation behaviors for six different common ink dyes. As demonstrated for Basic Violet 3, some dyes display a cascade of degradation products whose abundances increase linearly with time thus functioning as 'chemical clocks' for ink aging. Analysis of questionable documents has confirmed the ink aging capabilities of EASI-MS. The order of superimposition at a crossing point has also been determined by EASI-MS. For two superimposed ink lines, continuous EASI-MS analysis has also shown that the EASI spray is able to penetrate through the layers and therefore both ink layers could be characterized.
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