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Criminal Investigations of Materials of Documents

NCJ Number
159693
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1995) Pages: 121-134
Author(s)
N P Yablokov
Date Published
1995
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper explains the basic technical issues related to document analysis and focuses on issues related to paper, ink, and pencil characteristics and the limitations of these kinds of investigations.
Abstract
Investigation of paper usually begins with an inspection of the surface, the extent of any sports or smudges, and the degree of whiteness. Further analysis of paper makes use of a wide range of chemical and physical methods to analyze small pieces of paper. Comparisons of different samples focus on divergence in fiber composition, degree and type of sizing, lignin reaction, the presence of specific elements in the ash, luminescence, light thickness, transparency, and other qualities. Ink strokes are analyzed with respect to the type of ink involved, the length of time since the ink stroke was made, whether the same ink was used for the entire document, and other features. Similar issues arise in the analysis of pencil strokes from different kinds of pencils. Charts

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