This document discusses the examination of ink and paper. It describes how chromatography, including HPLC, TLC, and paper chromatography, can be used to physically separate the components of inks. It also discusses how paper chromatography was used to characterize two samples of black ink from different manufacturers by measuring their retention factors. Additionally, it lists some differences between papers that can be examined, including raw material, weight, density, thickness, color, watermarks and age. Finally, it poses some frequently asked questions about obliterations and infrared luminescence.

1. Ink & Paper examination
PALLAVI KUMARI

2. Ink
1. Chromatography is a method
of physically separating the
components of inks.
2. Types
– HPLC—high-performance
liquid chromatography
– TLC—thin-layer
chromatography
– Paper chromatography

3. Paper Chromatography of Ink
Two samples of black ink from two different manufacturers have
been characterized using paper chromatography.

4. Retention Factor (Rf)
1. A number that
represents how far a
compound travels in a
particular solvent
2. It is determined by
measuring the distance
the compound traveled
and dividing it by the
distance the solvent
traveled.
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5. Paper
Differences
1. Raw material
2. Weight
3. Density
4. Thickness
5. Color
6. Watermarks
7. Age
8. Fluorescence

6. • What are obliterations
• What is IR luminescence
• Why the same ink used for obliterated writing
not possible to decipher
FAQ'S

7. References
• Morris, R. (2000). Forensic Handwriting Identification: Fundamental
Concepts and Principles. Academic Press.
• O. Hilton, Scientific Examination of Questioned Documents, CRC Press,
Boca Raton (1982).
• E. David, The Scientific Examination of Documents – Methods and
Techniques, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis, Hants (1997).
• Conway, J.V.P. (1959). Evidential Documents. Illinois: Charles C
Thomas.
• www.google.com/images/erasures
• www.google.com/images/obliterations