Analysis of writing inks on paper using direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

Abstract

Ink analysis is central to questioned document examination. We applied direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART MS) to ballpoint, gel, and fluid writing ink analysis. DART MS acquires the mass spectrum of an ink while it is still on a document without altering the appearance of the document. Spectra were acquired from ink on a variety of papers, and the spectrum of the blank paper could be subtracted out to produce a cleanly isolated ink spectrum in most cases. Only certain heavy or heavily processed papers interfered. The time since an ink is written on paper has a large effect on its spectrum. DART spectra change radically during the first few months after an ink is written as the more volatile components evaporate, but the spectra stabilize after that. A library-search study involving 166 well-aged inks assessed the ability to identify inks from their DART spectra. The aggregate success rate was 92%. ABSTRACTInk analysis is central to questioned document examination. We applied direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART MS) to ballpoint, gel, and fluid writing ink analysis. DART MS acquires the mass spectrum of an ink while it is still on a document without altering the appearance of the document. Spectra were acquired from ink on a variety of papers, and the spectrum of the blank paper could be subtracted out to produce a cleanly isolated ink spectrum in most cases. Only certain heavy or heavily processed papers interfered. The time since an ink is written on paper has a large effect on its spectrum. DART spectra change radically during the first few months after an ink is written as the more volatile components evaporate, but the spectra stabilize after that. A library-search study involving 166 well-aged inks assessed the ability to identify inks from their DART spectra. The aggregate success rate was 92%.

Identification of dye content in colored BIC ballpoint pen inks by Raman spectroscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering

“…Most of the research on commercial pen inks so far has focused on identification of dyes in inks of forensic interests such as blue and black pens, universally used for writing of documents (analysis of questioned documents and forgeries) . However, recently, research interest has started to shift towards chemical characterization of commercial pen inks used in contemporary art as shown by Zaffino et al .…”

An improved method for the determination of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural in Shenfu injection by direct analysis in real time‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

“…The use of DART‐MS will significantly increase flexibility, and thus enlarge the application fields. Presently, this technique has been widely applied in metabolic fingerprinting, drug and food inspection, writing inks classification, polymer detection, etc.…”

“…The use of DART-MS will significantly increase flexibility, and thus enlarge the application fields. Presently, this technique has been widely applied in metabolic fingerprinting, [2][3][4] drug and food inspection, [5][6][7][8][9] writing inks classification, [10,11] polymer detection, [12,13] etc. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is one of the major decomposition products from the direct dehydration of dextrose during heat processing or long periods of storage.…”

Forensic Analysis of Stains on Fabric Using Direct Analysis in Real‐time Ionization with High‐Resolution Accurate Mass‐Mass Spectrometry

“…DART ionization is a relatively new technology, just over a decade old, that allows analysis with little to no sample preparation and with virtually no destruction of the sample . DART‐MS has been utilized in a variety of forensic applications, including identification of controlled substances , identification of drugs and metabolites in human urine , plasma , and hair , explosives , arson accelerants , writing inks , and hazardous chemicals in textiles . The simplicity, quickness, and ease of use of DART‐MS have generated a multitude of uses for this technique .…”