Analysis of volatile components in inkjet printouts by GC-MS: A classification method

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Inkjet printing is prevalent in forgery, necessitating reliable classification methods in forensic document examination.
• Distinguishing between various inkjet inks is crucial for authenticating documents and identifying counterfeit materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a universal gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for analyzing inkjet ink components.
• To establish a forensic classification system for inkjet printing based on chemical composition.
• To assess the method's applicability in identifying printer manufacturers and detecting counterfeit currency.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of ink components from inkjet printouts.
• Analysis using a universal gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method.
• Monitoring of ink samples over time to observe compositional changes.

Main Results:

• Identification of key ink components capable of distinguishing between different printer manufacturers across 195 inks.
• Observation of a decreasing trend in solvent concentration over time in monitored ink samples.
• Demonstration of the method's robustness against variations in storage environment, paper type, and printer model.

Conclusions:

• The developed GC-MS method provides a reliable tool for the forensic classification of inkjet printing.
• The technique is effective for identifying printer manufacturers and has practical applications in detecting counterfeit banknotes.
• The method's independence from external factors enhances its utility in real-world forensic investigations.