Infrared Spectroscopy Technique for Differentiation of Genuine and Counterfeit Engine Oil – A Forensic Aspect

Abstract

The counterfeit and genuine engine oils differ in chemical and physical composition. Aim of this study is to investigate the crime of cheating by analyzing engine oil samples with the help of FTIR. Identifying the engine oil additives like ZDDP (Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate) at 978 cm-1, 654 cm-1and polyisobutylene succinamide at 1704 cm-1by Infrared spectroscopy in support with parameters like Specific Gravity, Kinematic Viscosity, Flash Point and Total Base Number. The result implies that the counterfeit engine oil is crudely recycled oil as it shows depleted peaks of additives at their characteristic wave numbers in Infrared spectra.