Lim Chin Chin, Yang Chiew Yung, Chia Poh Ling, Sim Hui Ying, Yvonne and Tan Yan Wen, Crystal
75th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners,
San Diego, California, Aug 28- Sep 1 2017
[Abstract]
A Study on the Effectiveness of the Video Spectral Comparator, Thin Layer Chromatography, and Raman Spectroscopy in the Analysis of Ballpoint and Gel Pen Inks Available in Singapore Abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of different instrumental techniques in the analysis of writing inks available in Singapore. In addition, a methodology comprising the different techniques, namely the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Raman Spectroscopy, was developed. A total of 120 black, blue, and red ballpoint pen and gel pen inks were selected for the study. The samples were chosen on the basis that they were commonly available pens in Singapore and could be purchased from most local stationery stores. The effectiveness of each technique was evaluated by calculating the discriminating power (DP). When the techniques were combined, the overall DPs ranged from 0.62 to 0.96, higher than the DPs achieved by individual techniques. The limitations of each technique and recommendations to mitigate them were discussed.