A Systematic Approach to Ink Identification

Abstract

A systematic approach to identification of writing inks is presented. This approach uses a multiple technique method for analysis of the inks to develop a large number of identifiable points for comparison. Well established methods are used for the analysis of inks, such as thin layer chromatography, spectrophotometry, and gas-liquid chromatography, in addition to traditional methods for comparison which use ultraviolet and infrared light. The inks are identified by comparing the results of the questioned inks with results obtained from a complete library of writing inks maintained by this laboratory. By using the described approach, most inks can be identified with a high degree of certainty.