Pen Inks Research Articles

Classification of fiber tip pens using attenuated total reflectance (ATR) – Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in tandem with chemometrics

Fiber-tip pens have become one of the most popular writing instruments, especially for signatures, artworks, and projects. As with any other writing instrument, the forensic significance of fiber-tip pens can’t be undermined. They are often encountered in cases of disputed signature, sketches, drawings, architectural projects, technical designs, and multi-colored unlawful posters. In such cases, it becomes important to establish the identity of the writer: source identification of ink can also provide a clue in this concern. However, it is a contradiction that in spite of being an extremely popular writing instrument, unlike other types of ink, so little analytical work has been done on the fiber-tip pen inks. Although a few previous studies are available on fiber-tip pens, they are all directed towards determining the composition of the inks. In the present study, an attempt has been made to classify fiber-tip pens of black, red, green, and black color of different brands into their respective brands using Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) – Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy supplemented with Principal component analysis (PCA), and Linear discriminant analysis (LDA).

Determination of the Chronological Order of a Laser Printing and Gel Pen Writing Without any Crossing Strokes

Laser printers and writing instruments are being exploited by the forgers to produce fabricated documents. They often produce such documents by appending genuine signature on a blank sheet and later printing on it. Often these fabricated documents do not contain intersection of strokes and may pose a difficulty to forensic document examiners in analyzing cases related to such documents. Keeping in mind the limited research work done on nonintersecting strokes, the present study has been conducted with an aim to determine the sequence of nonintersecting strokes of gel pens and laser printers. Three hundred samples of nonintersecting strokes of gel pen ink and laser printing were prepared. Of these 300, 150 had laser-printed text below the gel pen strokes and the remaining 150 were prepared with gel pen stokes below the laser-printed text. The samples have been analyzed using Nikon SMZ 800N stereomicroscope. Three micro-conformation features, that is, pattern of toner distribution, ink distribution, and fiber distribution have been observed in the samples. The results demonstrate the successful establishment of sequence of nonintersecting strokes in case of gel pen and laser-printed documents by the determination of micro-conformation features.

Forensic determination of crossing lines involving stamp and pen inks by mass spectrometry imaging

The mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and easy ambient sonic-spray ionization (EASI) were used to identify the sequence of lines in intersecting points between stamp and pen inks, which can solve one of the most challenge task for the forensic cases.

Non-invasive optical micro-identification of ink verification in pen ink handwriting

Handwriting verification represents an important area in forensic science. Herein, handwritings based on different types and brands pen ink samples made in China were investigated by non-invasive micro-identification methods. Scanning electron microscopy and energy spectrum (SEM-ES) were employed to measure the micro elements and component analysis of the written traces, and spectral mapping (surface scanning) function was focused. The exact assessments of elements in handwriting traces can distinguish the microcosmic differences between different types and brands ink in handwriting, which provides a new means of analysis and research methods of pen handwriting detection in forensic science.

Blue Ballpoint Pen Inks Differentiation using Multivariate Image Analysis of Digital Images Captured with PhotoMetrix PRO®

In Forensic Documentoscopy, it is frequently questioned if a particular document was written with one or more pens. Different methods have been developed to distinguish pen inks from each other, but some of these techniques require the ink extraction, destructing the document, and other techniques uses high cost instruments. PhotoMetrix PRO®, an app for mobile devices, is a qualitative and colorimetric analysis tool that applies uni- and multivariate analysis. Amongst them, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) can be obtained from digital images’ decomposing data. It is a non-destructive and a simple method, of easily use and low cost. Chemometric knowledge is important for results interpretation. This study aims to evaluate the PhotoMetrix PRO® capacity on blue ballpoint pens differentiation. Three experiments were performed with different ballpoint pens, including colorful pens as an app functionality control. The results showed appropriate differentiation between colorful ballpoint pens, and there was a satisfactory tendency of separation for different brands of blue ballpoint pens, most used in Brazil. This method is interesting to confirm subjective results, eliminating visual differences, intrinsic for each observer, which can be useful in places with an instrument deficiency, like the Video Spectral Comparator®. New studies to evaluate writing pressure’s influence on data collection and the inks’ age, as well as different mobile’s camera quality, are recommended. This study introduces a new technology that might be further studied for practical application in Forensic Documentoscopy and other Forensic areas.

基于人工神经网络的水彩笔油墨红外光谱模式识别

基于人工神经网络的水彩笔油墨红外光谱模式识别

External rapid convenience monitoring of measles–rubella campaign 2017 and lessons learned: Study from a hilly district of North India

Introduction: The most recent vaccine incorporated in the Universal Immunization Program of India is measles-rubella vaccine, introduced as a catch-up campaign to eliminate measles and control rubella by the year 2020. The success of any immunization campaign lies on its meticulous planning for areas such as trainings, cold chain management, advocacy, and social mobilizations. Rapid convenience monitoring (RCM) was done in nine health blocks of a hilly district of Himachal Pradesh, pertaining to various campaign activities, for determining vaccine coverage and side effects.Material and Methods: Standardized formats developed by the World Health Organization for RCM of the quality of activity at session sites which included information regarding vaccinating teams, immunization sites, logistics used, cold chain and aseptic condition management, waste disposal, and record maintenance were used. School and house-to-house visits were conducted randomly to check the indelible ink mark/vaccination cards to find out any missed child.Results: A total of 107 immunization sessions were observed for compliance. We assessed 1182 children between the age group of 9 months and 15 years for determining vaccine coverage during the measles–rubella campaign in September–October 2017. Compliance to various aspects of the campaign was found very good, exceeding 90% in almost all the domains. The total vaccination coverage was 98.1%. Schools and health-care providers were the major source of information for this campaign. No severe adverse events following immunization were reported during the survey.Conclusion: Activity compliance and vaccination coverage were found high. Adequate supply of indelible ink pens and functional hub cutters needs to be ensured. There should be revision of incentives to team members with increased involvement of accredited social health activist workers in such campaigns.

Establishing Sequence of Inkjet Printer, Laser Printer and Writing Ink Strokes using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

The aim of the present study is to determine the sequence of laser printer, inkjet printer, and writing ink (ball point pen ink, gel pen ink, pilot pen ink and fountain pen ink) strokes using a low voltage (1kV) scanning electron microscope (SEM). Intersections were prepared using an inkjet printer, laser printer, and writing instruments on copier paper. About 1cm2 of intersection was cut using scissors and mounted to the probe stage of the SEM using double-sided tape. Each sample was analyzed at different operating parameters. The results were evaluated on the basis of continuity and iscontinuity of strokes at intersection point. It was possible to determine the correct sequence of printer strokes versus other writing instruments’ strokes; inkjet printer stroke versus fountain and pilot pen ink stroke; however, inconclusive results were obtained in the case of inkjet printer strokes versus ball point pen and gel pen ink strokes. The ffectiveness of this technique was determined by analyzing the exact sequence of blind samples. An SEM could be used as mplimentary tool with other optical methods to examine the sequence of strokes.

A Modern Writing Instrument Used as a Weapon for Committing Bank Cheque Fraud

In the recent era, investigation of dye, pigments and powder-based ink examination are big challenges. Literature and survey reveal that, some erasable ink pens were consistently used to commit economic frauds in bank instruments like cheques, withdrawal slips, demand drafts, fix deposit receipts, counterfeit currency, and other essential documents. Some manufacturers provide magic erasable writing instruments. Here, we deciphered this type of ink on different documents with the help of VSC-6000/HS. The main aim of this research work is to develop simple, rapid, sensitive, eco-friendly to retrieve original writings of erasable ink. Total of 640 test samples were prepared under the same conditions with different ink pens on different papers/cheques, where each sample was written with the ReWrite-erasable ink pen, thermal ink pen, roller ball high tech ink pen, normal ballpoint pen and gel pens for the comparison purpose. The test samples were examined under different types of scientific instruments, physical examination before and after exposing to different environmental conditions, sunlight and at room temperature (25o C) for the period of one hundred and eighty-one (181) days. This technique to retrieve the original disappeared writings done with a ReWrite-erasable ink pen is very easy, simple, rapid, non-destructive, eco-friendly, convenient and sensitive to detect manipulations done in forgery and in suspect documents. Detection of ghost strokes under VSC-6000/HS with different functions, like fluorescence spotlight and specific (300 to 365 nm) UV range will provide a new avenue by, which the forensic document scientist can identify the erased writing that might otherwise go undetected with other more frequently used methods.

Studying of Handwritten Strokes Aging Kinetics by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

One of central problems of the technical and forensic examination of documents is the determination of the time and sequence of ink depositions by such conventional writing instruments as ballpoint pens. To solve it, it is necessary to obtain information on the composition of the ballpoint pen ink used for recordings, on what qualitative and quantitative changes the ink components underwent in the time after application and under the action of environmental or external sources, such as photo, thermal, UV, IR, or microwave exposure. The purpose of this work was to develop an approach that enables the identification of changes in the composition of inks that occur in the strokes over time and to determine the time dependences ensuring the evaluation of the time of application. The possibilities of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in revealing changes in the composition of inks of BIC Original, Corvina 51, and Pilot ballpoint pens were estimated. The dye degradation processes under the effect of UV radiation on strokes was simulated, and the kinetic parameters describing the degree of dye conversion were determined.

Recent Trends in Ballpoint Pen Ink

Recent Trends in Ballpoint Pen Ink

Manufacture of a super-stable green gel pen ink based on CNC-indigo

Gel pens are the most popular writing instruments at present with the unique rheological properties for their excellent writing performance. It’s challenging to develop a super-stable gel pen ink, which is often manufactured based on complex ink components. In this paper, a new method was innovatively proposed to prepare a gel pen ink based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and indigo. The effects of CNC concentration, storage temperature, acidity, alkalinity, and electrolyte content on the stability of the new CNC gel pen ink were investigated. When CNC concentration was between 3.81% and 7.08%, indigo usage was 1.5%, surfactant OP-10 dosage was 0.05%, the prepared new CNC gel pen ink exhibited good writing performance and super-stable dispersion stability. A little amount of acid, alkali and salt content would not impact the stability of the new CNC gel pen ink, which increased the feasibility of its industrial production and long-term storage or use.

High-performance fibre supercapacitors based on ball-milled activated carbon nanoparticles mixed with pen ink

A flexible coaxial fibre supercapacitor based on ball-milled activated carbon nanoparticles mixed with pen ink as electrode materials was successfully fabricated. With the ball-milling time prolonging, the size distribution of the activated carbon particles became gradually narrowed and the average particle size decreased into tens of nanometres from tens of microns, and some Fe2O3 phases were introduced. The specific capacitance of the ball-milled activated carbons improved. Furthermore, an activated carbon ball-milled for 24 h with a higher specific capacitance was selected to mix with commercial ink in a ratio of 1:20 to prepare a new active material for high-performance coaxial fibre supercapacitors. Consequently, the specific capacitance for the fibre supercapacitor reached 14.5 mF cm−1, which was 16 times more than that using commercial ink alone as the active layer material, and four times than that using ink mixed with the original activated carbon.

Improved discrimination of pen inks on document by surface-enhanced Raman substrate fabricated by magnetron sputtering

For questioned document examinations, conventional Raman spectroscopy often encounter with weak signal intensity and/or fluorescence interfering. The surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) technique can efficiently accommodate the issues, by greatly improving the Raman intensity by several orders of magnitude. However, colloidal SERS fabricated by chemical reduction method practically suffer from native contaminant and uncontrollable aggregation on document surface. In this work, we report an alternative surface-enhanced Raman scattering technique for analysis of pen inks on written document by utilizing film-based Ag nanorod SERS substrate. Highly improved discriminating powers (DP) were obtained from SERS substrates. The pen samples consisted of ninety-five blue and black ballpoint pens, of oil-, water-, and gel-based, indiscriminately acquired from local sources in Thailand. The Raman spectroscopic (RS) and SERS analyses were performed with the confocal Raman spectrometer at 785 nm excitation wavelength. The spectral data were directly collected from both the written pen inks and the traces of the inks with the SERS substrate. The results could categorized the pen ink samples into either the RS or SERS active/inactive results, and further calculated and analyzed as the discriminating powers (DP). The results indicated that the proposed SERS method was highly effective at distinguishing the ballpoint pens on the written documents with the obtained DP values at 0.79 and 0.92 for the blue and black pen samples, respectively.

Manuscripts from Different Brands of Ballpoint Pens – GC/MS Ageing Profile in Brazilian Tropical Weather

Background: Dating of ballpoint pen manuscripts in forensic documents is still a challenge for experts. Methods of ink dating consider solvent evaporation through time, especially 2- phenoxyethanol (2-PE). Objective: The objective of the researchers was to perform a continued study with pen ink strokes of ballpoint pens commercialized in Brazil, to characterize the ageing profile of 15 brands of blue and black pens. Methods: Solvent composition analysis of ballpoint pen ink lines written in white and recycled paper was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, to quantify 2-PE, in recently written lines and in lines aged 4, 18, 27 and 36 months. Results: The results showed that the pens had initial quantities of 2-PE smaller than in the Europe despite of having similar ageing behavior. Such kind of paper had more influence on aged pen strokes than in the recently applied pen strokes. Light and heat accelerated ageing. Some pens stopped ageing at 18, 27 and 36 months. Conclusion: The results obtained were promising for elucidation of the ageing behavior of pen ink lines in tropical weather, but further statistical treatments could be done to adequate interpretation in real cases.

Determination of Deposition Order of Toners, Inkjet Inks, and Blue Ballpoint Pen Combining MeV-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Particle Induced X-ray Emission.

Determination of the deposition order of different writing tools is very important for the forensic investigation of questioned documents. Here we present a novel application of two ion beam analysis (IBA) techniques: secondary ion mass spectrometry using MeV ions (MeV-SIMS) and particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) to determine the deposition order of intersecting lines made of ballpoint pen ink, inkjet printer ink, and laser printer toners. MeV-SIMS is an emerging mass spectrometry technique where incident heavy MeV ions are used to desorb secondary molecular ions from the uppermost layers of an organic sample. In contrast, PIXE provides information about sample elemental composition through characteristic X-ray spectra coming from greater depth. In the case of PIXE, the information depth depends on incident ion energy, sample matrix and self-absorption of X-rays on the way out from the sample to the X-ray detector. The measurements were carried out using a heavy ion microprobe at the Ruđer Bošković Institute. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed for image processing of the data. We will demonstrate that MeV-SIMS alone was successful to determine the deposition order of all intersections not involving inkjet printer ink. The fact that PIXE yields information from deeper layers was crucial to resolve cases where inkjet printer ink was included due to its adherence and penetration properties. This is the first time the different information depths of PIXE and MeV-SIMS have been exploited for a practical application. The use of both techniques, MeV-SIMS and PIXE, allowed the correct determination of deposition order for four out of six pairs of samples.

Art History, Boundary Crossing, Making Worlds

Art History, Boundary Crossing, Making Worlds

In situ examination of handwritten blue ballpoint inks using video spectral comparison with chemometrics

Video spectral comparator (VSC®) workstations are routinely used for visual examinations of pen inks on handwritten documents. Current VSC® models also permit spectral acquisition, which can be combined with chemometric techniques to statistically determine ink similarity. However, there is a lack of research comparing such an approach to typical examinations by forensic experts. This preliminary study compares the analysis of handwritten blue ballpoint inks using visual and spectroscopic analysis. Both approaches were successful in detecting simulated additions or alterations on paper documents. These approaches could thus complement each other as an integrated workflow; providing quantitative data to support expert opinions.

Building Community By Breaking Out

Location: Dewberry Hall Students today expect to be actively engaged as part of the learning process. They want the opportunity to develop skills required by their future employers, such as problem-solving, collaboration, and building community. Since 2007, escape rooms have become increasingly popular as a form of entertainment and tourist attraction across the globe (Kolar, 2017). Escape rooms engage teams of players in discovering clues, solving puzzles, and accomplishing tasks toward a specific goal in a limited amount of time (Nicholson, 2015). More recently, educators have recognized escape rooms as a game-based learning strategy with the potential to encourage learners “to think differently, unconventionally, and from a new perspective” (Wiemker, Elumir, & Clare, 2015, p. 55). Research indicates that escape games have the potential to build skills such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, listening, conflict resolution, and varied social dynamics (Pan, Lo, & Neustaedter, 2017). Additionally, escape rooms can be themed and address any content area, making them appropriate for classroom settings. To capitalize on the escape room model in education, Breakout EDU developed an immersive learning games platform with access to open source materials to support the creation of classroom escape challenges and scenarios for learners of any age. Breakout EDU also developed and sells physical escape kits, or breakout boxes, that include a variety of components such as reprogrammable locks and multilocks, UV lights, invisible ink pens, and a locking box to simulate an escape room environment. The escape room model has gained momentum in P-12 settings (Chambers, 2018), but use in Higher Education is less evident. As teacher educators, we were first introduced to Breakout EDU at a conference on information technology and teacher education where we participated in several escape challenges and experienced the skills promised in the literature on escape rooms. We implemented Breakout EDU challenges in our own practice with similar responses from our students, particularly related to team-building, engagement, and social dynamics. In this workshop, we provide an opportunity for attendees to participate in a team-based Breakout EDU adventure to unlock the promise of escape rooms for Higher Education. Participants will learn how to integrate game-based learning, through the use of Breakout EDU, into their courses. They will become familiar with the resources available and will discuss ideas for how Breakout EDU can be used in their subject matter.

Raman hyperspectral imaging and a novel approach for objective determination of the order of crossing ink lines.

The determination of the chronological order of crossing ink lines is a difficult problem in the examination of Questioned Documents. Modern methodologies are based on non-destructive chemical and physical analysis. However, the determination of the chronological sequence of crossing ink lines remains visual and subjective. This manuscript describes a study where Raman hyperspectral imaging is associated with different chemometric techniques and a novel method is applied for the objective determination of the chronological order of gel pen ink crossings. Eight blue and black gel pens of different brands were used to prepare 56 crossings on white paper. Raman mapping analyzed the entire crossing and the hyperspectral images were treated with k-means, Multivariate Curve Resolution - Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) and Partial Least Squares - Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). The order of crossings was determined visually and using a novel method that consisted in calculating the relative quantity of pixels of each ink in the crossing region that were equal or higher than an established threshold. Different thresholds were tested using mean and standard deviation. The MCR-ALS and the thresholds mean minus 1,96 of the standard deviation and the mean minus 2575 of the standard deviation determined correctly more than 70% of the crossings. This method proved to be more efficient than microscopy examination and more objective since no inconclusive determinations were obtained. The methodology is promising for entirely objective and highly effective determination of the chronological sequence of crossing ink lines.