Use of Neutron Activation Analysis for the Characterization of Paper

Abstract

A controlled study was carried out on 600 samples of various types of white and colored paper obtained from 10 different paper manufacturers with known production histories and dates. Neutron activation analysis was employed to measure the characterizing trace elemental compositions. Results indicated that (1) the papers examined were uniform with respect to their trace elemental compositions, (2) papers produced by different manufacturers are readily distinguishable qualitatively and/or quantitatively, (3) different batches of paper produced by the same manufacturer are generally qualitatively similar if produced within a short span of time (however, these specimens can be distinguished by quantitative analysis of the trace elements), and (4) different batches of paper produced by the same manufacturer at least 1 year apart are readily distinguishable qualitatively and/or quantitatively.

Determination of Trace Elemental Concentrations in Document Papers for Forensic Comparison Using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry

“…To identify elements suitable for discriminating the paper samples, a multi-step process was conducted. First, a review of the literature was undertaken to identify elements likely to be present in the paper samples (24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30). Then, a full mass scan of one paper digest (vendor A) was collected and the elements present were compared with the list generated from the literature review.…”

“…From the literature review, the following elements were identified as potentially useful for discrimination: 7 Li, 23 Na, 24 Mg, 27 (24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30). However, based on the full mass scan, 7 Li, 23 Na, 52 Cr, 55 Rb, 59 Co, 63 Cu, 107 Ag, 114 Cd, 121 Sb, and 139 La were removed from the list as the concentrations of these elements were below background levels.…”

“…Elemental analysis has been performed on document papers using a variety of analytical techniques (24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30). Blanchard and Harrison (25) determined an elemental ''fingerprint'' based on the clay content of specific papers using neutron activation analysis (NAA).…”

“…Based on a comparison of the elements present in the paper and clay samples, the five paper samples were correctly associated with the clays that were added as fillers. Also using NAA, Brunelle et al (26) determined that Ta, As, and Sn were less commonly observed in 600 paper samples from 10 manufacturers and hence, these elements would be most valuable for discrimination.…”

XRF analysis of historical paper in open books

“…Historically, metals in paper have been either ignored, or studied destructively using chromatography. More recently, Brunelle et al (1971) used neutron activation analysis to characterize modern machine made papers by their elemental content. Tang's work on foxing employed flameless atomic absorption (1978).…”