Forensic Analysis of Papers

In questioned document cases, the analysis of paper is usually associated with the analysis of ink or other media used to create writing or printing. Chemical analysis of paper by itself utilizes the traditional three types of forensic tools visual and microscopic examination, organic analysis, and inorganic 

There are cases in which one fragment of paper can be associated with another. For example, if a ransom note is written on a pad of paper, and the note is carelessly tom out of the pad, it may be possible to physically match the tear marks on the pad to those on the sheet. A fit such as this is called a physical match. Physical matches can also be made between a piece of tape and a roll, a plastic bag and a source roll, and many other kinds of evidence. 

Historical Evidence 14.1—Albert Osborne and the Lindbergh Kidnapping  

Microscopy is a powerful tool for paper analysis and can be used to identify fiber types and particulates. Staining techniques such as Grafs C stain can help differentiate pulping methods and fiber types. Cotton fibers have a distinctive appearance under polarized light and are easily recognized. Fibers can be counted in order to estimate the cotton rag content of 

The Fourier transform has been discussed in the context of FTIR. The mathematical goal of the transform is to detect periodicity in the signal produced by the interferometer. Periodicity refers to a repeating pattern, such as individual scans from 4000-400 cm The periodic table is called periodic because patterns such as outer electron configurations are repeated. Forensic researchers in Japan have reported using an FT algorithm to extract periodicity or repeated patterns in the surface of manufactured paper. Such patterns could arise from the wire mesh on which the pulp is dried or from the rollers used to press the paper. 

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Chapter 14 The Forensic Analysis of Paper, Fibers, and Polymers... 

It should be understood that the reported practices of polymer/additive analysis, being the focus of this book, equally well apply to additive analysis of rubbers, textile fibres, surface coatings, paints, resins, adhesives, paper and food, but specific product knowledge gives the edge. Both fresh and aged materials may be analysed, as well as those of both industrial and forensic origin. 

Perkins, A. K., and R. E. Jervis Recent Forensic Applications of Instrumental Activation Analysis. The 1968 International Conference Modern Trends in Activation Analysis, Gaithersburg, Maryland, October 7—11, 1968, Paper 60. 

Nakahara, Y., Effect of the physicochemical properties on the incorporation rates of drugs into hair, paper presented at the 2nd International Meeting on Clinical and Forensic Aspects of Hair Analysis, Genova, Italy, June 6-8, 1994. 

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