FORENSIC DATING OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS: UTILIZING FTIR ANALYSIS OF STAMP PAD INK DEGRADATION FOR DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION

Abstract

This study delves into the deterioration of stamp pad ink found on official documents and explores its potential in dating these documents. The credibility of official documents relies on the application of an official seal or stamp using stamp pad ink. However, individuals with malicious intent may seek to manipulate the ink's appearance to deceive the document's perceived age. To counteract this, we propose a non-destructive method employing Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis in Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) mode to analyze the degradation of stamp pad ink. Through the application of FTIR analysis in ATR mode and the utilization of chemometric approaches like Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we have effectively established a connection between the degradation of stamp pad ink and the document's age. This methodology stands as a crucial tool in authenticating official documents and identifying fraudulent attempts to alter their purported preparation date. The implications of these findings extend to the realms of forensic document examination and legal contexts, offering a dependable means of dating documents through the analysis of ink degradation patterns.